Two Latino organizations win grants to celebrate community

PROVIDENCE, RI – Two Latino organizations are among the nonprofits that will share nearly $400,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation to celebrate community.

“In a time when division seems to rule, it’s never been more important to support work that brings people together. Our hope is that every one of these projects will strengthen the bonds that bind us together as neighbors and as Rhode Islanders,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

Conexion Latina Newport received $5,000 to add workshops in Latin dance, Latino music and other Latino arts- and culture-related experiences to its Festival Latino 2024 on Sat., Sept. 21, from noon to 6 p.m. on the Great Friends House Lawn in Newport.

“While last year’s Festival Latino was focused on bringing the Hispanic community together, this year we plan to put more emphasis on inviting non-Hispanics to join in the celebration, to learn more about their beauty and culture, participate in the activities and truly build a holistic understanding of their Hispanic neighbors,” said Rebekah Gomez, executive director.

The vibrant celebration of Latino culture will include live music, Hispanic vendors, traditional folk dancers, food trucks, learning spaces for children and adults and a children’s parade featuring traditional costumes from Hispanic cultures.

Rhode Island Latino Arts received $20,000 for projects that celebrate and preserve role of the Latino community in the history of Broad Street in Providence.

Statewide, 62 organizations received grants from the Foundation including Community Libraries of Providence, the DaVinci Center for Community Progress, Lights & Sirens International, the Providence Cultural Equity Initiative, Revive the Roots and the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council. For the complete list of grant recipients, visit rifoundation.org/community.

“These grants will support places to gather, offer experiences that bring us together and launch new collaborations that will build community connections throughout the state,” said Cicilline.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.