GUIDELINES

The mission of the van Beuren Charitable Foundation is to build community value by protecting and preserving Newport County’s unique quality of place, and improving the quality of life for its residents.

In the Foundation’s grantmaking, priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate the greatest likelihood of achieving measurable results in areas of Foundation-defined interests as described in the Program Areas below.  

Competitive grant applications will present a realistic and persuasive case for the potential to significantly impact the targeted constituency or community.   As part of the case statement, applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of the environment in which they will be operating, including other stakeholders and service providers.  It is important that the proposal have and demonstrate the means to collect and analyze data that describes both the current situation and tracks the change the project anticipates. The other part of a compelling case is demonstrated organizational capacity to deliver the program or project. Thoughtful consideration should be given to how the project fits with the applicant’s mission, what the potential risks and benefits are to the organization, and what critical components have to be in place in order to succeed. Finally, the applicant must show that the project or program can be sustained (if appropriate) after the grant period ends without additional van Beuren Charitable Foundation funding.

As in the past, the van Beuren Charitable Foundation concentrates its giving in Newport County, mainly Aquidneck Island, but will consider proposals from outside that geography if a clear and direct benefit for Newport County is articulated.

PROGRAM AREAS

Health

To reduce the financial burden accessing quality healthcare can create for working Aquidneck Island families.

Projects may include, but are not be limited to:

•   Filling gaps in available health care services

•   Innovations that remove barriers to access including reducing costs, improving proximity, and building capacity

•   Wellness and preventative care

Education

To help close achievement gaps in the pre-k to 12 Aquidneck Island population by promoting academic excellence, and supporting workforce development initiatives that will increase the earning power of Newport County adults

Projects may include, but are not limited to:

•  Building the capacity of pre-k to 12 out-of-school programs to improve graduation rates and close achievement gaps in reading and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) skills

•  Piloting innovative workforce readiness initiatives

•  Building capacity in private and non-traditional learning environments to support students that are not thriving in the typical school setting.

Land Use and Conservation

To support land use in Newport County that protects or improves community livability, conserves resources, and supports the viability of locally-owned and operated industries that enhance the County’s quality of place.

Projects may include, but are not limited to:

•  Protecting arable land for future generations

•  Making land use that is desirable for the community, economically viable for the owner

•  Strengthening traditional industries  and laying fertile ground for emerging industries that complement Newport County’s geography, environment, culture, and skills of its citizens

•  Supporting greater congruence between community plans and development

•  Building capacity of community-based conservation initiatives

Historic Preservation

To protect, preserve and celebrate Newport County’s distinctive quality of place that has emerged from its history, geography and culture.

Projects may include, but are not limited to:

•  Supporting the structural integrity and appropriate adaptive reuse of key historic properties (National Registered Landmarks or gateway buildings for Historic Districts) to ensure they are in existence for future generations

•  Efforts to protect the region’s historic built environment and ensure that land use and design guidelines are compatible with its historic nature

•  Exhibits, research, and publications that enhance the region’s reputation as a destination

•  Cultural activities that celebrate the region’s history and culture