CF: Challenge Grants

The Champlin Foundation offers Challenge Grants to Rhode Island-based nonprofits to leverage funding for matching donations. These grants are limited and require organizations to discuss their plans with the Foundation before submitting formal requests. Since its inception in 1932, the Foundation has invested nearly $725 million in capital projects, enhancing various sectors such as healthcare, education, and the arts, while fostering community engagement and supporting marginalized populations.

NOTE: Challenge grants that enable organizations to leverage Champlin funding to secure matching donations are considered on a limited basis at the discretion of the Distribution Committee. Those seeking consideration for a challenge grant must reach out to the Foundation to discuss their plans in October so that staff can determine if the organization should submit a formal request for Committee review. Those that are approved will apply in the first cycle opening on December 15th.
Foundation History
Since 1932, the Foundation has awarded nearly $725 million.
Champlin’s investment in Rhode Island’s nonprofit community for the past nine decades has been almost entirely for capital projects. These investments have enabled better medical care, improved educational outcomes, expanded access to social services, fostered economic impact, conserved open space, preserved historic buildings, cultivated creativity and artistic expression, safeguarded care for animals, and more.
It all started with Stanton B. Champlin. Champlin was only twelve years old when he ran away from his family farm in South Kingstown, RI. It was 1838, and he moved to Providence and became a jeweler’s apprentice. Years later, he would establish the S.B. Champlin Company with his only son, George Byron Champlin. It would grow beyond jewelry and become an industrial empire that expanded into the manufacturing of aluminum, copper and brass tube, jewelry wire, valves, hand trucks, pipe fittings, and hand pumps.
Through the leadership of Stanton Champlin, his son George Byron Champlin, and his grandson George Stanton Champlin, this vast conglomerate became a powerful economic engine that employed thousands and helped drive the economy of Rhode Island and the nation.
While the businesses were retired, the wealth has remained intact in service of Rhode Island, thanks to the creation of the first of the family’s philanthropic foundations in 1932 by the runaway’s grandchildren.
From the first gift of $50 to Rhode Island Hospital in 1933 to buy eyeglasses for the needy, to the preservation of thousands of acres of open space to the distribution of millions of dollars to support social services.
We continue to build on this rich tradition today, seeking to work in relationship with Rhode Island’s nonprofits, acting as a convener, a coach, and a facilitator for collective success and engagement. We prioritize listening and learning, especially with those organizations serving marginalized communities.
Challenge grants that enable organizations to leverage Champlin funding to secure matching donations are considered on a highly limited basis at the discretion of the Distribution Committee.
The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and agencies working in nine different fields:
Artists give voice, spark imagination, and inspire. Creative communities are economic drivers. Supporting theaters, museums, music groups, and other arts organizations provides access for children and adults to enjoy Rhode Island’s exceptional artists and arts organizations.Conservations & Parks:As the nation’s second most densely populated state, open space is a precious, priceless resource in Rhode Island. Preserves and parks contribute mightily to the high quality of life enjoyed in the Ocean State, which is why working with land trusts, conservancies, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, The Nature Conservancy, and others has been a priority for the foundation.Education:Our young are a reflection of what our future will be. This is why Champlin maintains a focus on supporting those organizations and schools that provide equitable access to experience and learning—in the classroom, after school, or beyond. Whether it is funding equipment for classroom innovation or grants toward building infrastructure, for preparatory and enrichment programs or independent and charter schools, it all plays a role in Champlin’s grant strategy.Healthcare:Every Rhode Islander deserves equal access to quality, affordable healthcare and a strong public health system in our state. This means ensuring that our local hospitals, community health centers, treatment centers, and other nonprofit healthcare providers have the infrastructure and state-of-the-art equipment needed to provide quality care and service to all, regardless of the patient’s background or zip code.Historic Preservation & Heritage:Learning from the past contributes mightily to understanding the present. Rhode Islanders respect and treasure their history—from First Nations, Colonial era, and the Industrial Revolution through the Great Wars. Historic homes, landmark locations, and museums are one reason Rhode Island is a fascinating place to live and visit.Libraries:In the 21st century, libraries have evolved into hubs for education, professional development, and community engagement. In many communities, the local library also serves as an after-school haven and the access point to technology for young and old. We are committed to keeping these essential agencies and organizations strong.Youth Services:The Champlin family recognized the importance of investing in the young—the future leaders of industry, community, and government. From Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCAs to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, summer camps, and career and leadership development, supporting the organizations that help them to develop physically and mentally is a cornerstone of the Foundation.Welfare of Animals:Sadly, animals have the same ability to suffer as humans. Our support of well-established regional organizations that offer care, adoption services, medical treatment, and more helps ensure that more animals across the state are healthy, well-nourished, and free from distress.

Eligibility

Capital project grants are awarded to Rhode Island-based nonprofit organizations. Grants are awarded for the purchase of equipment and tangible property, and for construction, renovations, or purchase of real estate. Grants are also awarded on a very limited basis for the reduction of indebtedness exclusively related to building acquisition, construction, and/or building improvements.The Champlin Foundation examines several factors when considering requests for support, including but not limited to:Mission Alignment: The stated mission of the applicant is directly aligned with one of Champlin’s areas of focus, and the project or equipment related to the request is appropriate to and reasonably aligned with the mission of the organization.Equity & Inclusion:The Champlin Foundation is committed to intentionally and strategically advancing racial equity in its grantmaking. We bring a deliberate equity and inclusion lens to grantmaking across our nine areas of focus. This means we consider indicators such as the makeup of the Board and Staff, the demographics of the community served, and how the organization considers its work with and for historically marginalized communities.Track Record of Success:Projects previously supported by Champlin (if applicable) were successfully completed as anticipated, the applicant has prior experience with a capital project or similar project, and the applicant has the staff, board, and/or consultants with the required skills and experience to carry out the project.Organizational Capacity:The organization is committed to transparency and open to sharing its management structure, approaches to diversity and inclusion, and its finances as demonstrated program effectiveness. Strong leadership and an engaged, supportive board of directors with no fiscal concerns are considered.Leverages of other funding:Where applicable, the project has received support that needs to be matched or there are other requests planned or pending; or, successfully completing the project of purchasing the equipment may reduce overall ongoing operating costs.Project Feasibility:The costs are reasonable and supported by up-to-date estimates, the project is likely to be completed within the projected timeline, and the fundraising, design, site acquisition, permitting, construction, and occupancy plans are reasonable and/or in place.

Ineligibility

Memorials & Statues
Municipal Animal Shelters, Fire and/or Police Departments, and PlaygroundsMunicipal Departments
Municipal Parks (however, a separate 501c3 “Friends” organization may apply)
Solar Panels & WindmillsStained Glass Windows
Volunteer Fire/Rescue or Ambulance CompaniesGrantmaking Organizations