The following was submitted by the Roosa Fund of Block Island Ecumenical Ministries, Inc.
The Roosa Fund, a charitable fund sponsored by Block Island Ecumenical Ministries, is pleased to announce the awards made through its grant program in 2019, and the schedule of board meetings and proposal deadlines for 2020.
In 2019 as in past years, the Roosa Fund invested in Block Island’s people and environment, and continued supporting communities rebuilding after the devastating Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Grants approved in 2019 totaled $116,889.
The Fund’s grantees in 2019 included five Block Island-based charities:
Block Island Ecumenical Ministries, Inc., for operational support.
Block Island Maritime Institute, Inc., to expand its aquarium facilities.
First Baptist Church of Block Island (the Harbor Church), for its International Student Center program, and towards refurbishment of its handbell set, used by the Block Island Ecumenical Choir.
The Haiti Fund of Block Island Ecumenical Ministries, Inc., supporting two economic development projects in Ile a Vache, Haiti: a community garden and a water line extension.
NAMI Block Island, Inc., for a telemedicine program bringing mental health services to Block Island’s
