Thanks to an allocation from the State of Rhode Island, RI Humanities announced $90,000 in general operating support funds through the THRIVE grantmaking program to 18 organizations. The awards were announced at an event in the Library at the Rhode Island State House on Thursday, May 23, 2024, which included remarks from RI Humanities Executive Director Elizabeth Francis and Cheryl Faria of the East Providence Historical Society representing the group of grant recipients. 

Secretary of State Gregg Amore and Speaker of the House Joe Shekarchi addressed the audience and thanked the recipients for the work that they do to preserve Rhode Island’s history.

Secretary Amore congratulated Sowams Heritage Area Project Coordinator David Weed whose organization received one of the grants. The program received over 40 applications for just 18 available awards. Recipients represent 15 towns and cities across the state.

Cheryl Faria of the East Providence Historical Society represented the group of grant recipients that also included Blackstone River Watershed Council, Centro Cultural Andino, Cultural Society, Foster Preservation Society, Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, Friends of the Pokanoket Tribe, India Association of Rhode Island, Jamestown Historical Society, Museum of Newport Irish History, Newport Middle Passage Port Marker Project, Newport Pride, Puerto Rican Institute for Arts & Advocacy, Rhode Island Black Film Festival, RI Kung Fu & Lion Dance Club, South County Museum, and Wanderground Lesbian Archive/Library.