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Centreville Savings Bank Charitable Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.6M
Grant Range
$2K - $0.1M
Decision Time
2mo

Centreville Savings Bank Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1.6 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Quarterly review cycles
  • Grant Range: $2,000 - $100,000
  • Geographic Focus: Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut (New London County and Windham County)

Contact Details

Address: 1218 Main Street, West Warwick, RI 02893
Phone: 401-821-9100 or 800-377-4424
Website: www.centrevillebank.com/Community
Application Portal: Available online via website

Overview

The Centreville Savings Bank Charitable Foundation was established in 2008 by the Board of Trustees to further the philanthropic mission of Centreville Bank. The Foundation maintains assets of approximately $25.9 million and distributed $1.63 million in charitable grants in 2024, supporting more than 100 nonprofit organizations. Since its inception, the Foundation has surpassed $10 million in total charitable giving. The Foundation's mission is to support local community-based organizations tackling significant challenges and meeting the needs of underserved populations throughout Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut. In 2024, the Foundation invested nearly $1.8 million and contributed over 6,000 volunteer hours to the communities it serves. The Foundation has been recognized for its strategic approach to addressing systemic issues through focused investments in education success, economic security, and capacity building for nonprofit organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Quarterly Grant Program: The Foundation awards grants three times per year during specific application windows:

  • December 15 - January 16
  • March 15 - April 15
  • September 15 - October 15

Typical grant amounts range from $2,000 to $100,000, with most awards falling in the $2,000-$20,000 range. Notable larger grants have included $100,000 to El Centro Community Center and $50,000 to Sojourner House for housing programs.

Sponsorships: The Foundation also provides sponsorships for community events and initiatives, typically ranging from $250-$2,500. Sponsorship requests must be submitted at least six weeks in advance and are reviewed on a bi-weekly basis.

Robert O. Pare College Scholarship Program: The Foundation awards scholarships to local students, having distributed over $60,000 in scholarships to help students pursue higher education.

Priority Areas

Education Success

  • Early childhood education programs
  • Out-of-school time learning opportunities
  • Social-emotional learning initiatives
  • High school completion support
  • Family engagement programs
  • Educational equity initiatives

Economic Security

  • Basic needs support (food, clothing, shelter)
  • Adult education and workforce development
  • Housing assistance and homelessness prevention
  • Financial literacy and education
  • Food insecurity programs
  • Employment training and job placement

Capacity Building

  • Leadership development for nonprofit staff
  • Program evaluation and assessment
  • Technology enhancements and infrastructure
  • Strategic planning support
  • Organizational effectiveness initiatives

What They Don't Fund

  • Fraternal or alumni organizations
  • Political organizations or campaigns
  • Religious organizations (for religious purposes)
  • National organizations without local programming
  • Individual-specific programs or individuals directly
  • Travel expenses
  • Pass-through requests or fiscal sponsorships

Governance and Leadership

Key Leadership:

Harold M. Horvat (Hal Horvat) - President, CEO and Chairman of Centreville Bank. Horvat has stated: "Centreville Bank is deeply committed to the communities we serve, and through the Charitable Foundation, we strive to support organizations that make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families."

Paola Fernandez - Senior Vice President, Community Development Officer at Centreville Bank. Fernandez emphasized the Foundation's commitment: "These grants reflect our dedication to partnering with local nonprofits that work tirelessly to address community needs and life-changing work." Regarding the $10 million milestone, she noted: "Reaching $10 million in giving is a proud milestone for us and a reflection of the commitment we've made to the communities we serve and the important partnerships we've build with organizations who are working every day to remove barriers, uplift lives, and create opportunities."

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees, though individual trustee names are not publicly disclosed on the website.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online through the Centreville Bank website at www.centrevillebank.com/Community/Local-Support/Grants-Sponsorships-1. Organizations must submit applications during one of the three annual application windows:

  • December 15 - January 16
  • March 15 - April 15
  • September 15 - October 15

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
  • Must serve communities in Rhode Island, New London County CT, or Windham County CT
  • The Foundation will consider one application per organization each year

Application Materials: Complete the online application form, which typically includes organizational information, project description, budget details, and alignment with Foundation priorities.

Decision Timeline

Grants are reviewed quarterly following each application window. While the Foundation does not publicly disclose specific decision timelines, grants are typically announced within 4-8 weeks after the application window closes. Sponsorship requests submitted separately are reviewed on a bi-weekly basis.

Success Rates

The Foundation does not publicly disclose the number of applications received or acceptance rates. In 2024, the Foundation awarded grants to more than 100 organizations, distributing $1.6 million. In 2023, there were 96 awards made, and 75 awards in 2022, indicating a consistent and growing grant program.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation accepts one application per organization per year. While specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly disclosed, organizations may apply during any of the three annual application windows.

Application Success Factors

Based on recent grant awards and the Foundation's stated priorities, successful applications demonstrate:

Alignment with Priority Areas: Successful applicants clearly demonstrate how their work addresses education success, economic security, or capacity building. Recent funded projects include the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket's Out-of-School Time Program, Access Community Action Agency's domestic violence support services, and Thrive Behavioral Health's equipment for an experimental playground.

Focus on Underserved Populations: The Foundation prioritizes organizations "tackling the most significant challenges and helping to meet the needs of underserved populations." Successful applications demonstrate impact on vulnerable community members.

Local Community Impact: The Foundation emphasizes partnerships with "local community-based organizations," indicating a preference for grassroots organizations with deep community ties in Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut.

Clear Project Description: Recent awards show the Foundation funds specific programs and initiatives rather than general operating support alone. Projects like "ProviDANCE after-school program" and "Trauma-informed care program expansion" demonstrate specific, measurable outcomes.

Multiple Types of Support Available: The Foundation funds various types of grants including program-specific grants, operating support, capital projects (such as the Chandler Bowen building rehabilitation), and capacity building initiatives. Applicants should clearly identify which type of support they are seeking.

Food Security Priority: The Foundation has shown particular interest in food security, awarding $23,000 to 23 food pantries in a single quarter, suggesting strong support for basic needs programs.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Apply strategically during one of three annual windows - Plan ahead for December, March/April, or September/October deadlines
  • One application per year limit - Make your application count; carefully select which program or project to feature
  • Demonstrate local community impact - Emphasize deep community connections and service to underserved populations in Rhode Island or Eastern Connecticut
  • Align closely with one of three priority areas - Clearly articulate how your project addresses education success, economic security, or capacity building
  • Program-specific proposals tend to succeed - Applications for specific programs with measurable outcomes appear to fare better than general operating requests
  • Consider the grant range - Most awards fall between $2,000-$20,000; larger requests ($50,000+) are rare and typically reserved for capital projects or significant organizational initiatives
  • Partnership and relationship focus - The Foundation emphasizes "partnerships" with nonprofits; consider how you can demonstrate a collaborative relationship with the bank and Foundation beyond a single grant

References

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