News Releases

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (January 7, 2026) – The Rhode Island Energy Foundation (RIE Foundation) is pleased to announce that it is awarding $250,000 in funding to support 17 nonprofit organizations working to improve the lives and well-being of individuals across the Ocean State through its Empowering Communities program.

The RIE Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization funded by shareowners of PPL Corporation, Rhode Island Energy’s parent company. Since 2022, the foundation has awarded over $1.5 million in grants to organizations across Rhode Island.  

“Our commitment to Rhode Island goes beyond delivering energy—it’s about empowering the communities we serve,” said Greg Cornett, president of Rhode Island Energy and an officer of the RIE Foundation. “These grants represent an investment in the people and organizations working tirelessly to create opportunity, foster inclusion, and strengthen the fabric of Rhode Island. When our communities thrive, we all thrive.”

The Empowering Communities grants program supports organizations across communities served by Rhode Island Energy. The grants support education initiatives, promote acceptance and inclusivity, and strengthen community resources. The RIE Foundation’s latest awards will support various initiatives, with a special focus on organizations supporting those facing food and housing insecurity.

This winter, Empowering Communities grants ranging from $2,500 to $38,000, are being awarded to:  

• Amenity Aid
• American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter
• Amos House
• Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick
• Crossroads Rhode Island
• Gateways to Change
• Good Neighbors Inc.
• Haus of Codec
• House of Hope CDC
• Jonnycake Center of Westerly
• Martin Luther King Community Center
• McAuley Corporation
• Meals On Wheels of RI Inc
• Northern RI Food Pantry
• Rhode Island Community Food Bank Association

In 2025 alone, the RIE Foundation has supported 39 nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island and has awarded $500,000 to grant recipients.

About Rhode Island Energy Foundation 

The Rhode Island Energy Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization. Funded by contributions from PPL Corporation, Rhode Island Energy’s parent company, the foundation was formed to support community initiatives throughout the Ocean State. Through strategic partnerships, the Rhode Island Energy Foundation supports nonprofit organizations working to create vibrant, sustainable communities in Rhode Island. 

About Rhode Island Energy 

Rhode Island Energy provides essential energy services to over 770,000 customers across Rhode Island through the delivery of electricity and natural gas. Our team of more than 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 Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.