Meet the Nominees
September Q3 2024 Nominees
Gallery Night Providence
EIN: 05-0512871
WEBSITE: https://www.gallerynight.org/
SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/gallerynightprovidence/
https://www.facebook.com/gallerynightprovidence/
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Mission Statement
Founded in 1996, Gallery Night Providence CREATES exposure to the visual arts for diverse public audiences. Gallery Night CULTIVATES a network of galleries, artists, media outlets, and municipal agencies and strengthens the creative economy in Providence. Gallery Night SUPPORTS access to arts-focused events to build sustainable avenues for multi-generational learning and enrichment.
Who They Serve
We cater to a broad spectrum of individuals, welcoming both the general public seeking access to art spaces and the vibrant art community of Providence, including partner galleries and presenting artists. Our impact extends beyond mere access; we foster engagement by providing platforms for artists to showcase their work, connect with audiences, and facilitate art sales. Through diligent surveys conducted over the past few years, we have gained insight into our diverse audience. Geographically, our reach spans not only Providence but also extends throughout the state, across the country, and even internationally, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Our Gallery Night events not only showcase art but also drive business to Providence, with attendees frequenting over 80 restaurants on these occasions. Furthermore, we actively contribute to the vitality of the Providence business community. Our audience reflects a rich tapestry of age, gender identity, and cultural and racial backgrounds and we take immense pride in creating inclusive spaces where individuals of all backgrounds feel welcomed, including those who may not typically venture into art spaces independently. Our guided experiences provide a safe and informative environment, allowing participants to explore art with confidence and companionship. For many, the opportunity to engage with art in this guided manner offers a valuable context and enriching experience, free of charge..
How Would Funds Be Used
Donated funds would be focused on program delivery primarily to defray the costs of trolleys (which has increased dramatically from 2023 to 2024) and pay tour guides, and programming organizers. Gallery Night has no full-time staff (the Executive Director and Outreach Coordinator are part-time), no one is on the payroll, and we have no office. Because of our streamlined organizational model, all funds would directly benefit the audiences engaging with Gallery Night and ensure our free programming remains exciting, inclusive, accessible, and robust.
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Annual Budget
Annual Operating Budget: $71,000
Annual Operating Costs: $58,000
Sources of Funding
Grants, fundraisers, individual donors, corporate donors
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Additional Information From Their Application
Gallery Night is a grassroots organization, even though they are entering their 28th season. For many years, Gallery Night was run exclusively on volunteer power. Though they are small with only two part-time staff members, they are mighty and look forward to growing our impact year over year. Access to the vibrant arts and culture scene in Rhode Island should be accessible to everyone and Gallery Night seeks to make it so.
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From the Nominating Member, Melissa Wong
"I have attended Gallery Nights for the past year and am hoping to volunteer with them this year as a Greeter. I love that they provide free programming through walking and trolley gallery tours. I love any efforts to make arts and culture programming free and accessible to the public and I think that Gallery Night does an amazing job at this especially given that they have 0 full time staff (they have 2 part time staff). I believe that a 100 Women donation would go very far in making a difference to Gallery Night and as a result, their reach and impact in Rhode Island."
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Thrive Outside
EIN: 82-3359311
Social: instagram.com/_thrive_outside
https://www.facebook.com/kidsthriveoutside
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Mission Statement
We envision a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive through a joyful relationship with nature. We are on a mission to provide every child, especially those who have the least opportunity, with a joyful connection to our natural world through our Outdoor Learning Zones, outdoor education training, and nature-based community workshops and events.
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Who They Serve
We are working to reach as many children as possible, especially those who have the least opportunity and access to safe, beautiful, natural spaces. We also serve educators, schools, libraries and community centers to help bring their outdoor learning and nature play dreams and goals to life.
How Would Funds Be Used
This past year, Thrive Outside piloted two Youth Programs :"Empowering Youth Hike Leaders" and the "Peace of the Whole Project." Funding to help these programs truly take flight and to bring them to youth who have been traditionally marginalized.
Thrive's pilot Empowering Youth Hike Leaders program was grant funded and allowed them to partner with the Audubon Society to train and empower 8 teenagers and young adults to lead two Family Nature Walks. Both walks were a big success, with the first one attracting over 50 people at Mt. Hope Farm in Bristol. The youth hike leaders patiently guided the children bringing their attention to various natural features and allowing them to follow their curiosities. It was a beautiful thing to watch and was a great lesson for the parents too, as it is not often that kids today are given this opportunity.
Thrive's second pilot program is part of a larger new Thrive initiative called, "The Peace of the Whole Project." This is aimed at empowering our youth to see themselves as a critical piece of our natural world and community, and to encourage them to care for our earth and one another. It is their hope that this mentality will ultimately promote peace, stewardship, and the importance of interconnectedness.
At this moment Thrive does not have funding to continue to develop and run these two youth empowerment programs. Funds would be used to complete what was started at Mt. Hope High School, and to also expand the capacity and reach of both programs to involve kids who have been traditionally marginalized. Funds would be used for outreach efforts, adult facilitators, program materials and program marketing efforts.
Annual Budget
Annual operating budget: $86,833
Annual operating costs: $87,445
Sources of Funding
Thrive Outside is able to continue its mission to give every child the opportunity to thrive outside through the generosity and support of our donors, business partners, sponsors and volunteers.
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From the Nominating Member, Kirsten DiChiaparri
"My daughter has participated in Thrive Outside's programming and was a part of the planning for the proposed outdoor classroom at Kickemuit Middle School prior to Covid. Their mission is simple and perfect and oh-so-needed for children everywhere."
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Young Voices
EIN: 43-2103674
Website: www.youngvoicesri.org
Social: instagram.com/youngvoices_ri
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Mission Statement
Young Voices was created in 2006 to address the desperate need for authentic youth voice in policymaking throughout Rhode Island. Since the organization was founded, they have helped more than 750 BIPOC (Black & Indigenous People of Color) youth transform into confident leaders who continue to make a difference across our state. Through their shared experiences and collective wisdom, Young Voices believes that youth are uniquely positioned to inform policy, and must have a seat at the table in all decisions that affect their lives.
But having a seat is only the beginning. Young Voices works to ensure that youth are provided with innovative leadership training to fight against systems of oppression, advocate for racial justice, and advance educational equity. Their year-round Leadership Transformation Academy (LTA) creates youth-led spaces to advance policy research and build essential skills such as public speaking and critical thinking. The programs prepare young people to shape statewide policies that permanently impact the future of our world.
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Who They Serve
Rhode Island high school students
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How Would Funds Be Used
Funds would be used to support Young Voices' Leadership Transformation Academy which coaches young people in advanced policy analysis, public speaking, and community organizing. LTA meets every Monday and Thursday afternoon at Young Voices' downtown Providence location. High school students from all backgrounds, identities, and abilities are welcome. A $5,000 donation would fund 3-5 students to participate in the LTA for one year. It would cover the cost of stipends, transportation, supplies, and snacks.
Annual Budget
Annual operating budget: $850,000
Annual operating costs: $450,000 (Operating less staff salaries)
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Sources of Funding
Grants, individual contributions, fundraisers
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From the Nominating Member, Roberta Butler:
"Young Voices RI benefits from an incredibly committed executive director in Peter Chung. His own life story is one of amazing achievement against all odds. I have seen LTA "graduates" in action as well—very very impressive speakers and active community citizens."
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