News Releases

PROVIDENCE, RI (Dec. 21, 2023) – The PPL Foundation announced today it is awarding $205,000 in funding to support 18 nonprofit organizations working to improve the lives and well-being of individuals throughout the Ocean State. 

PPL Foundation was established by PPL Corporation, Rhode Island Energy’s parent company, in 2012 to support programs that improve lives in areas served by PPL’s utilities. Since 2015, the independent, non-profit foundation has awarded more than $20 million to nonprofit organizations. Since 2022, the PPL Foundation has awarded nearly $1 million in grants to over sixty (60) organizations across the state.  

The Empowering Communities grants program is funded by the PPL Foundation to help organizations across communities served by Rhode Island Energy fulfill their missions. The program supports organizations focused on education; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and sustainable communities. This latest round of funding is in addition to the $200,000 awarded to 22 nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island this past May. 

The Foundation’s latest investments will support various initiatives such as literacy improvement programs, after-school childcare and healthy meal programs, various STEM education programs, urban environmental education initiatives for students, and programs for citizens with intellectual disabilities. 

“We are deeply committed to helping the communities we serve. This is another example of how we are meeting those commitments along with the tireless volunteerism of our employees,” said Dave Bonenberger, president of Rhode Island Energy. “Our commitment to the communities is making a significant impact and helping local organizations drive positive change.”  

“We believe in the power of purpose-driven partnerships to create meaningful and lasting change,” said Lissette Santana, president of PPL Foundation. “By providing these resources to Rhode Island organizations, we not only invest in the communities Rhode Island Energy serves, but collectively we’re helping to ensure the betterment of our customers’ lives.”  

Empowering Communities grants for Fall 2023, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, were awarded to:  

• American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter  
• Audubon Society of Rhode Island  
• Books Are Wings  
• Boys & Girls Club of Newport County 
• Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket  
• Boys & Girls Club of Providence  
• Building Futures  
• City Year Providence  
• Davinci Center for Community Progress  
• Habitat for Humanity, South County  
• Jonnycake Center of Westerly  
• Junior Achievement of Rhode Island., Inc.  
• McAuley Ministries  
• Northern RI Food Pantry  
• Rhode Island Community Food Bank  
• Save the Bay, Inc.  
• Special Olympics Rhode Island, Inc.  
• Trinity Repertory Company   

This is the second round of grants awarded to Rhode Island organizations in the past year, with Rhode Island Energy nearing their second year as the state’s leading energy provider. The next round of grant applications will be accepted beginning in February 2024. To learn more about PPL Foundation and the Empowering Communities program, click here.    

About Rhode Island Energy

Rhode Island Energy provides essential energy services to over 770,000 customers across Rhode Island through the delivery of electricity or natural gas. Our team of 1,300 employees is dedicated to helping Rhode Island customers and communities thrive, while supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future. Rhode Island Energy is part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies addressing energy challenges head-on by building smarter, more resilient and more dynamic power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions. For more information visit www.RIEnergy.com and stay connected on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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