The Rhode Island Foundation has announced grants totaling $17.2 million in the areas of arts and culture, children and families, education, economic security, the environment, health, and housing.

Key strategy grants awarded in the first half of 2015 include $125,000 to College Crusade in support of the organization's efforts to prepare low-income students for college and careers; $40,000 to the Senior Agenda Coalition of Rhode Island in support of an ongoing collaborative initiative aimed at ensuring that low-income seniors and adults with disabilities receive appropriate and coordinated health care and long-term services and supports; and $70,000 to the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre for its Pawtucket Literacy and Arts for Youth (PLAY) program, which works to enhance student literacy through reading, writing, community-building, and performances.

The Providence-based foundation also awarded discretionary grants totaling more than $57,000 to organizations serving LGBTQ communities through its Equity Action Fund; $200,000 to nonprofits in Newport County; and $176,000 to foodbanks, homeless shelters, and free clinics.

"We align the dreams of our donors with solutions to the challenges Rhode Island faces," said the foundation's president and CEO, Neil Steinberg. "By supporting innovation, collaboration, and leadership, we make it possible for nonprofits to achieve the changes that are vital as the state moves forward."

For a complete list of its 2015 grants, visit the Rhode Island Foundation website.