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Shriners of Rhode Island Charities Trust

Annual Giving
$1.3M
Grant Range
$2K - $0.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,345,801 (FY 2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: Estimated $1,500 - $5,000+
  • Geographic Focus: Rhode Island, primarily Cranston area
  • Total Assets: $32,401,864 (FY 2024)

Contact Details

Address: 1 Rhodes Place, Cranston, RI 02905

Phone: 401-467-7101

Email: Recorder@rishriners.com

Website: Not available

Overview

The Shriners of Rhode Island Charities Trust was established in January 1993 as a private foundation serving the Rhode Island community. With total assets exceeding $32 million and annual charitable disbursements of approximately $1.3 million, the Trust operates as a 501(c)(3) organization focused on supporting hospitals, children and youth services, and disability-related programs. The Trust is managed by trustees John Werchadlo and Leon Knudsen and operates primarily through discretionary grantmaking rather than a public application process. The foundation's revenue comes primarily from investment income (dividends and asset sales), allowing it to maintain consistent charitable giving. In recent years, the Trust has consistently distributed 60-65% of its total expenses as charitable disbursements, demonstrating a strong commitment to its grantmaking mission.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust does not operate formal grant programs with fixed deadlines. Instead, grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees on a rolling basis. Based on available grant records:

  • Medical Equipment Grants: $1,500 - $5,000 for therapeutic and medical equipment
  • Facility Equipment: $3,000+ for specialized equipment for charitable organizations
  • General Charitable Support: Variable amounts for qualified organizations

Priority Areas

Based on documented grants and the Trust's stated focus:

  • Hospitals and Medical Facilities: Primary funding priority
  • Children and Youth Services: Programs serving young people
  • Disability Services: Organizations providing therapeutic services and equipment for people with disabilities
  • Medical Equipment: Sanitization equipment, therapeutic swings, and other specialized medical/therapeutic equipment

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. However, as a private foundation with trustee-discretionary grantmaking, the Trust likely prioritizes:

  • Organizations aligned with Shriners values
  • Rhode Island-based organizations
  • Direct service providers rather than advocacy organizations

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

  • John Werchadlo - Trustee
  • Leon Knudsen - Trustee

The Trust operates under the oversight of these trustees who make discretionary decisions about grantmaking. Additional governance details are available in the organization's Form 990-PF filings but are not publicly disclosed in easily accessible formats.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Shriners of Rhode Island Charities Trust operates as a private foundation where grants are awarded through trustee discretion rather than open solicitation. Grants appear to be made to organizations that:

  • Have existing relationships with the Shriners organization
  • Align with the Trust's charitable priorities (hospitals, children, youth services, disability support)
  • Are located within Rhode Island, particularly the Cranston area
  • Serve beneficiaries consistent with Shriners' mission

Organizations that receive funding typically have either:

  1. Prior relationships with the Rhode Island Shriners chapter
  2. Direct connections to trustees or Shriners members
  3. Missions closely aligned with Shriners Children's healthcare focus

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are awarded at trustee discretion throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. As an invitation-only funder, traditional success rate metrics do not apply.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented. Organizations that have previously received funding may continue to receive support if they maintain relationships with the trustees and demonstrate effective use of prior grants.

Application Success Factors

Since this is a trustee-discretionary funder without a public application process, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, documented grants provide insight into what the Trust values:

Evidence from Past Grants:

Easter Seals Rhode Island has received multiple grants from the Trust, including a $3,000 grant in 2014 "to purchase a commercial grade, steam-only dishwasher to sanitize all washable, therapeutic equipment at their facility in Wakefield" and a $1,550 grant for "therapeutic swings." These grants demonstrate:

  • Specificity: Successful funding requests identify specific equipment or needs with clear costs
  • Therapeutic Focus: Equipment that directly supports therapy or medical treatment for children and people with disabilities
  • Practical Impact: Tangible items that improve service delivery rather than operational overhead
  • Rhode Island Connection: Local organizations serving Rhode Island residents

Organizational Characteristics:

Organizations receiving grants typically:

  • Provide direct services to children, youth, or people with disabilities
  • Have established track records in their communities
  • Can demonstrate how specific funding will enhance service delivery
  • Operate within Rhode Island

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application Process: This Trust awards grants through trustee discretion, not open applications. Building relationships with Shriners members or trustees is essential.
  • Focus on Tangible Needs: Documented grants support specific equipment purchases rather than general operating support or program funding.
  • Medical/Therapeutic Priority: Strong alignment with hospitals, medical equipment, therapeutic equipment, and services for children and people with disabilities.
  • Rhode Island Focus: The Trust primarily supports local organizations within Rhode Island, particularly in the Cranston area.
  • Relationship-Driven: Connection to the Shriners organization or Rhode Island Shriners chapter appears to be a key factor in receiving funding.
  • Substantial Assets: With over $32 million in assets and $1.3 million in annual giving, the Trust has significant capacity but distributes through selective, discretionary grantmaking.
  • Shriners Mission Alignment: Organizations whose missions align with Shriners International's focus on children's healthcare and welfare are most likely to receive consideration.

References

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