Non-profit groups can apply for grants from community fund

The Jamestown Community Fund, established seven years ago at the Rhode Island Foundation, is seeking applications for programs and projects developed by nonprofit organizations located in and working for the benefit of the Town of Jamestown.

Last year, the fund awarded three grants to benefit the island's inhabitants through projects proposed by nonprofit organizations, bringing the total allocated in six years to more than $23,000. Last year's grant recipients and projects include: Jamestown Education Foundation, $1,000, for its Save the Bay Camp; Jamestown Emergency Medical Service, $2,300, for supplies for the "File of Life" project; Meals on Wheels, $689, to provide program support to the Meals on Wheels program. There is approximately $4,200 available for grants this year.

An organization interested in being considered for funding from the permanent endowment should submit the two-page application form, a 500-word project description that answers the "who, what, why, where, when, and how much" for the project, and a copy of its 501(c) determination letter. Application forms and additional information are available in the Receive/Grant Opportunities section of the foundation's website, www.rifoundation.org or by contacting Beverly Guay at the foundation at 274-4564 or bguay@rifoundation. org.

The application deadline is April 1 at 5 p.m. Decisions will be announced by May 18.

Jamestowners (and others) can also grow the fund. Prospective contributors may contact the Rhode Island Foundation's Gift Planning and Stewardship Department at 274-4564 for additional information.