Rhode Island Reaches Second COVID-19 Vaccine Donation Mark

Cranston RI

23 July, 2021

4:59 PM

Description

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island is ready to award its second round of $10,000 grants in the RI Gives Vax Challenge. Since July 6, more than 10,000 new COVID-19 vaccinations have been adminstered in the state. Reaching the second milestone means that 12 more nonprofits in the state will receive grants. The organizations, all of which were part of the state's pandeminc response, were chosen randomly through the Rhode Island Foundation. They are: African Alliance of Rhode Island, Be the Change Sunday Meal, Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick, Center for Southeast Asians, The Collective, Friends of Rhode Island CASA, NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley, Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Rhode Island Communities for Addiction Recovery Efforts, The Salvation Army, Turning Around Ministries and Women's Refugee Care. "The vaccines have helped enormously because staffing is our most important dynamic," said Lara D'Antuono, the CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick. "Now there is less turnover and need to quarantine." The state will continue to award $10,000 grants as the state when the state reaches 5,000-vaccination milestones. Third 5,000 doses: 15 awards totaling $150,000Fourth 5,000 doses: 18 awards totaling $180,000Fifth 5,000 doses: 20 awards totaling $200,000The program was established earlier this month by Gov. Dan McKee, the Rhode Island Foundation and other state leaders. It was funded by $500,000 from the state and $250,000 from the Rhode Island Foundation. The state hit the first milestone July 19. Organizations interested in being part of the program can submit an application through July 30.