The Providence-based Rhode Island Foundation has announced eighty-seven grants totaling $3.4 million in support of nonprofits working to expand affordable housing, improve opportunities for children and families, and further the economic empowerment of minority and low-income populations. Combined with its other grants, the foundation awarded nearly $25 million in 2004.

Through its Strategy Grant program, now in its second year, the foundation makes grants in one of three areas: policy, advocacy, and systems reform; organizational and leadership development; and innovative models and proven programs. This quarter's grants included $225,000 to the Local Initiatives Support Corporation to continue its technical assistance for developers of affordable housing, expand childcare facilities, and leverage additional contributions nationally; and $135,000 to the Poverty Institute at Rhode Island College, which serves as a clearinghouse of information for policy makers, media, advocates, and the public.

"The board's choices for strategy grants — our largest grants program — were among the most gratifying of my two decades in philanthropy," said foundation president and CEO Ronald V. Gallo. "Virtually every grant represents nearly a year or more of working closely with Rhode Island nonprofits to establish goals, identify the steps to get there, and define what will happen as a result."