Description

The Rhode Island Foundation’s Specialized Health Funds program uses donor-established funds to address Rhode Islanders’ health and healthcare needs. Complementing the Foundation’s Healthy and Strong Community Priority, it supports nonprofit work in disease prevention, education, treatment, hospice care, and disability support. The health areas available for funding depend on the funds available each year.

The program also supports outreach, education, and clinical or basic research involving human growth hormone steroids or other performance-enhancing substances. Vision-related work includes economic self-sufficiency for visually impaired Rhode Islanders, innovative solutions for blindness or vision loss, research into underlying conditions—particularly macular degeneration—and summer camps for children with low vision or blindness. Selection priorities include demonstrated expertise, organizational capacity, and strong alignment with available funds.