Roger Williams University Awards More Than $12K in Grants to Community Organizations in Bristol

BRISTOL, RI (12/14/2010)(readMedia)-- As part of the Fund for Civic Activities established in 2007 when Roger Williams University and the Town of Bristol agreed to a 20-year PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) accord, the Town of Bristol / Roger Williams University Cooperative Committee awarded more than $12,500 in grant funds to 11 nonprofits and local organizations this week.

The award concludes the fourth cycle of biannual FCA awards, which were created to enhance the civic experience of Bristol residents, extend RWU's commitment to active community engagement and provide support to local organizations. The University pledged $25,000 annually in FCA grants and to date has distributed $68,376 to support more than 40 projects and initiatives.

"Given the state of the economy, this year's funding decisions were especially challenging, and the Cooperative Committee appreciates the critical work that each organization is performing in the community," said Peter Wilbur, who directs community relations for Roger Williams. "We're confident that the selected projects reflect the University's dedication to the Bristol community."

The FCA is part of the $42 million, 20-year PILOT agreement established in 2007, under which the University makes an annual voluntary payment of $150,000 to help offset the cost of emergency services provided by the town. Selections are made by the 12-person Cooperative Committee, which comprises individuals from both the Town and the University.

The complete list of awards for this fourth cycle of grants includes:

• $1,000 to the Bristol County Elks Lodge for continued support of the East Bay Cares program, which provides supplementary assistance to local food pantries and soup kitchens.

• $1,500 to Bristol Good Neighbors Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry to revamp the Family Day program by providing family-oriented meal events and recreational activities at off-site locations.

• $1,000 to the Bristol Historical and Preservation Society to research, develop and present special programs and a scholarly symposium on the ties between Bristol and Cuba as part of the society's 75th anniversary celebration.

• $400 to Bristol Department of Parks and Recreation for the renovation of Reynolds School classrooms to be used for adult enrichment classes.

• $1,000 to the Bristol Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition to enhance the annual Pre-Prom Dinner event, which educates potential prom attendees and their parents about the risks of underage drinking and other forms of substance abuse.

• $1,250 to the Bristol Volunteer Fire Department Charitable Foundation for the purchase of emergency automatic telephone dialers and pendants for elderly and disabled residents.

• $1,882 to the Town of Bristol's Center for Economic Development to fund the purchase of technology and tools as part of the organization's start-up costs.

• $750 to the Front Line Ministry for Freedom to cover costs related to the shipping of care packages to local soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

• $1,050 to the Literacy Volunteers of East Bay to broaden existing literacy development services in the Bristol community.

• $1,000 to the Mosaico Community Development Corp. to fund the Sense of Pride program, a learning project that promotes community awareness and involvement at the fourth grade level.

• $2,000 to the Mount Hope Trust to perform repairs, renovation and maintenance to Mount Hope Farm's buildings and grounds.

About RWU: Roger Williams University is a leading independent, coeducational liberal arts university at which students live and learn to be global citizens. With 41 academic programs and an array of co-curricular activities on its Bristol, R.I., campus, RWU is committed to its mantra of learning to bridge the world. In the last decade, the University has achieved unprecedented academic and financial successes and continues to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top ten educational institutions in its class.

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