WOONSOCKET – The Rhode Island Foundation is inviting Blackstone Valley residents to share their thoughts about the issues that are important to them at a free community dinner planned for Wednesday, June 10.
“We want to hear what matters most to you. Sharing your perspective will help guide our grantmaking, community engagement and more,” said David N. Cicilline, the organization’s president and CEO. “Your input will help us better understand how you see things in your community. These conversations will help us shape our work going forward.”
The get-together will be held at the Millrace Kitchen, 40 South Main St., Woonsocket, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The dinner is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Reserve a seat at rifoundation.org/togetheri.
“We’re giving people the opportunity to talk face-to-face with each other over family-style meals. Bring your ideas for improving your community and the local challenges you’d like to see the Foundation address,” said Cicilline.
The Foundation will provide moderators to help guide the conversations, but participants will drive the discussions.
In addition, as part of its “the Rhode Island Foundation in your Community” initiative, Foundation staff will be at the Millrace Kitchen from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. to talk one-on-one with the public about local charitable giving, grantmaking and nonprofit capacity building opportunities.
“We encourage you to drop by, ask questions and find out more about what we have to offer,” said Cicilline.
The events are the latest installment of the Foundation’s long-running “Together RI” community conversation series. The public can attend any of the sessions regardless of where they live. The complete schedule is posted at rifoundation.org/togetherri.
Last year, the Foundation awarded $3.6 million in grants to Blackstone Valley nonprofits for work in education, health care, economic opportunity, the arts, the environment and housing among other sectors.
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 improving the lives of all Rhode Islanders. For more information, visit rifoundation.org.
