Champlin Foundation Traditional Capital Requests Grant

The Champlin Foundation, a private funder established in 1932, has allocated over $705 million to support Rhode Island's nonprofit organizations through capital grants. Focusing on diverse sectors such as Arts, Education, and Healthcare, the Foundation aims to enhance the stability and growth of these organizations by funding essential equipment and facility needs. This targeted support is vital for long-term sustainability, addressing various community needs while prioritizing equity and inclusion in its grantmaking processes.

Since 1932, The Champlin Foundation has awarded more than $705 million to fund capital projects for Rhode Island nonprofit organizations. Its nine areas of focus cover Arts & Culture, Conservation & Parks, Education, Healthcare, Historic Preservation & Heritage, Libraries, Social Services, Welfare of Animals, and Youth Services.
Areas of Focus
We support a range of sectors serving Rhode Island. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and agencies working in nine different fields:

• Arts & CultureConservation & ParksEducationHealthcareHistoric Preservation & HeritageLibrariesSocial ServicesYouth ServicesWelfare of Animals
• Capital Grants

Capital funding is often the hardest to raise. Champlin grants are focused on ensuring the long-term stability of the charities in our community by supporting their equipment needs and their facilities.  Our grants are not used for programming or general operations. This isn’t the flashiest form of philanthropy, but we know it makes a world of difference—all the more reason why we believe this funding is so critical.

Eligibility

Capital project grants are awarded to Rhode Island-based nonprofit organizations. The Foundation prefers to focus support on those organizations that have had their 501c3 status or have been providing programming through a fiscal sponsor for at least 3 years.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 and 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 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.Read complete details regarding funding policies here.

Ineligibility

Advocacy GroupsCapital Campaign Feasibility StudiesDaycare Centers, Preschools & Elementary SchoolsDog ParksEndowmentsGrants to IndividualsHousing Authorities, Permanent Housing, Assisted Living Facilities, and Group HomesNew Construction or Expansion of Transitional HousingMaster Plans & StudiesMemorials & StatuesMunicipal Animal Shelters, Fire and/or Police Departments, and PlaygroundsMunicipal DepartmentsMunicipal Parks (however, a separate 501c3 “Friends” organization may apply)Municipal Senior CentersOperating ExpensesProgramming ExpensesSignageSoftware LicensesSolar Panels & WindmillsStained Glass WindowsVolunteer Fire/Rescue or Ambulance CompaniesGrantmaking Organizations