Rhode Island Commerce Issues RFP for Placemaking Grants | Rhode Island Commerce

PROVIDENCE, R.I. Today, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation announced a new Request for Proposal (RFP) to support outdoor and public space activities, events, art installations, and capital improvements through the RI Rebounds Placemaking Initiative. 

Proposals selected through the competitive process will be eligible for grants of up to $75,000 for events, and up to $200,000 for capital improvement projects. Proposers are encouraged to offer projects that support the tourism and hospitality industries which continue to face challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Eligible proposers include nonprofit organizations, arts and cultural organizations, chambers of commerce, municipalities, business cooperatives, and tourism regions located in Rhode Island.  

“Rhode Island is home to some of the best events, festivals, local businesses, and attractions in the nation. Our placemaking initiative invests in Rhode Island’s thriving tourism and hospitality economy, highlighting many of the unique things that make our state special for residents and visitors alike,” said Governor Dan McKee.  

“Rhode Island’s small businesses and commercial districts are the backbone of our economy and supporting them through programs like Placemaking ensures the state’s tourism and hospitality industries will continue to thrive for years to come,” said Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner

Previous Placemaking Initiative awards include:

  • City of East Providence | To support capital improvements including lighting and garbage receptacles along the East Bay Bike Path for public events in the evening hours. 
  • City of Cranston | To support the design and construction of an ADA accessible gazebo in Knightsville Pocket Park.  
  • Town of Smithfield | To support the construction an outdoor amphitheater, stage, and restroom facility, and new family-friendly event programming. 
  • Newport County Development Council | To support outdoor public events including the Aquidneck Growers Market, Broadway Street Fair, and Outdoor Art Biennial Exhibition. 
  • Hope Street Merchants Association | To support beautification projects, outdoor pop-up spaces, and revenue generating events including a holiday winter stroll, and parking for Small Business Saturday.  
  • South County Tourism Council | To create a public art trail focused on sustainability in rural locations throughout South County. 

Responses to this RFP must be submitted by November 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. For more information, click here.

The Placemaking Initiative is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLRFP0136 in connection with State Fiscal Recovery Funds awarded to the State of Rhode Island by the U.S. Department of Treasury. 

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