RIDE Announces Fund to Support Public Education in Rhode Island

Published on Friday, January 10, 2020

PROVIDENCE, RI – Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green today announced that the Rhode Island Foundation has established a special fund to accept donations from individuals, corporations and foundations interested in improving PK-12 public education statewide. The Fund for Rhode Island Public Education is now accepting donations, including online through the Foundation’s website.

Charitable contributions in any amount will be accepted and used to support initiatives that benefit the education of public school students in Rhode Island. The funds will be managed and distributed by the Rhode Island Foundation in alignment with RIDE priorities and donor intent.

Donors could invest in things like professional learning opportunities for educators, advanced coursework for students, and upgrades to school facilities. In 2017, for example, the Partnership for Rhode Island made a three-year commitment to fund a leadership development program for principals and superintendents across the state. That kind of investment would now be managed by the fund.

“We all have a vested interest in the quality of our schools and the long-term success of our students. When our students are positioned to excel in college, careers, and in life, our economy and our state are stronger,” said Angélica Infante-Green, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. “The Fund for Rhode Island Public Education is an important avenue through which Rhode Islanders, and beyond, can contribute to and join our efforts to improve schools and support every student statewide.”

The fund is launching with a $20,000 commitment from the Rhode Island Commodores, a non-profit, non-partisan organization that promotes economic development in the Ocean State.

“We are at a critical moment in time regarding the education of our workforce of the future. Businesses large and small have a stake in the success of our schools. Investing in this fund gives them a vehicle for taking an active, leadership role in this critical initiative,” said Jon Duffy, admiral of the Commodores.

“Many have asked what the secret to success is in Massachusetts, a national leader in education. One of the key factors has been a sense of shared responsibility from all stakeholders, including the business and philanthropic communities,” said Barbara S. Cottam, Chair of the Rhode Island Board of Education and member of the Commodores. “Right now, this is Rhode Island’s moment to build and strengthen that same kind of coalition. I invite all Rhode Islanders, and our partners in industry, in particular, to join us in ensuring our collective investments match our priorities for building a world-class system of education for all.”

As the state’s largest community foundation, the Rhode Island Foundation oversees many funds to support Rhode Island in education, health care and economic development, among other areas.

“Educational success is one of our highest priorities. We look forward to working with RIDE and generous donors to benefit students in Rhode Island. To truly improve educational results for every Rhode Islander, we must chart a course and stay that course as a community that is committed to high achievement and equity for students, families and educators,” said Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO of the Foundation.

To donate to the Fund for Rhode Island Public Education please visit www.rifoundation.org/RIEducation.