The Champlin Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Champlin Foundation supports nonprofits throughout Rhode Island in healthcare, education, social services, youth services, libraries, the arts, historic preservation, conservation and parks, and animal welfare.
FUNDING AREAS: Healthcare, education, social services, youth services, libraries, the arts, historic preservation, conservation and parks, animal welfare
IP TAKE: This funder prioritizes funding building construction and equipment purchases in Rhode Island. Nearly every type of local nonprofit can be considered for these grants.
PROFILE: Established in 1932, the Champlin Foundation is located in Cranston, Rhode Island. Yet the foundation dates back to 1872, when Stanton Byron Champlin established the S.B. Champlin Company in Providence. The family business expanded to manufacture valves, aluminum, brass tube, copper, pipe fittings, and more. Prior to December 31, 2016, there were three foundations collectively called The Champlin Foundations that have since consolidated into one entity. The funder aims for the broadest possible impact on Rhode Islanders. Grantmaking includes healthcare, education, social services, youth services, libraries, the arts, historic preservation, conservation and parks, and animal welfare.
Champlin has awarded millions of dollars for capital projects of Rhode Island nonprofits. The funder is involved with equipment purchases, construction and renovation projects, and even with purchasing real estate. The foundation rarely offers grants for programs and operating expenses. However, awards have supported scholarships, kids’ summer camp programs, and to the Nature Conservancy for nature preserves. Champlin favors challenge grants, but the list of what’s not funded by Champlin includes permanent housing, senior centers, school playgrounds, municipal animal shelters, municipal fire and police departments, and housing authorities. Public high schools the state often receive Champlin support, as well as some churches and houses of worship.
A list of previous grants can be found in the funder’s online database. This funder prioritizes Rhode Island nonprofits, and it specifies its grantmaking guidelines on its website. Grants are for one-year periods only.
The Champlin Foundation only accepts grant applications by mail—not by email. Applications are accepted between March 1 and April 30, although invited public schools have a deadline of June 30. The annual meeting is held in mid-November. Expect a response in writing anywhere from one week to eight months from receipt of your application. Grant funds are distributed annually in mid-December. Direct general questions to office@champlinfoundation.org or (401) 944-9200. Keep up with foundation news and media coverage here.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
LINKS:
