Enrichment Fund / Teen Grant Programs
Enrichment Fund
The Enrichment Fund offers grants to youth age thirteen and under who live in DCYF sponsored out of home care, and who would like to participate in an activity that will enhance their self esteem, skills or knowledge. RIFPA maintains this initiative through donations and various fundraising activities. We provide up to $350.00 annually per child upon request so that foster children may participate in the same activities, at the same facilities as their peers. Applications that represent requests more likely to be considered as "presents" or "gifts" are much less likely to be approved. Applications to the Enrichment Fund are reviewed monthly by a committee of staff and youth.
Download and print a Enrichment Fund Application Form.
Participation in enrichment activities such as athletics or the arts stimulates social skills and increases motivation for learning and participation in school activities. The true beauty of the Enrichment Fund is that it lets foster children know they are valued. It also provides them with a sense of normalcy that too often is lacking in their lives. Finally, one hundred percent (100%) of the funds donated to the Enrichment Program are dispersed to pay for activities requested by the child on the Application Form. To donate to the Enrichment Fund, send a check payable to RIFPA Youth Enrichment to:
55 South Brow Street
East Providence, RI 02914
All donations are tax deductible.
Teen Grant
The Rhode Island Foster Parent's Teen Grant Program, funded by the DCYF's Independent Living Initiative, is intended to serve youth between the ages 14-21 who live outside of their biological family's home. Teens are eligible to apply for grants for up to $400.00 per year in order to enhance self-esteem, build skills and knowledge and prepare for independence and adulthood.
These grants are reviewed by an all-volunteer committee comprised of current or former youth in-care, teen programming staff, foster family members and DCYF representatives. This committee meets monthly, generally the last Monday of every month, to review submitted grant applications.
Several issues have come to the Teen Grant Committee's attention and in an effort to process grant applications more efficiently, the committee would like to make several suggestions to all youth planning to apply for future Teen Grants.
Application Process
Applications must be filled out completely by the youth. Foster parents, DCYF and Agency Caseworkers are strongly discouraged from filling out and applying on behalf of youth. The grant process is intended to help build independence and self-esteem. When an adult takes on the responsibility of applying on behalf of a young person it undermines the spirit of the grant process. Applications filled out by anyone other than the applicant will only be accepted under circumstances where the youth is unable (either physically or developmentally) to complete the application. Youth should also be researching their requests fully. For example, “I want a computer to help me with my school work”, isn't sufficient. The youth should have a particular computer in mind, the cost of the computer, where it will be purchased, and how s/he will pay any remaining costs (if any). In cases where musical instruments, etc. are requested, previous lessons or a mentor should be identified to show that the youth will be able to fully utilize the item requested.
Time
Please allow approximately 4 to 6 weeks for processing the grant application. This means that the youth should be applying for any requested monies well in advance of the anticipated need. The committee meets only once monthly and no application is reviewed individually between meeting dates. Remember it not only takes time to review the grant, but the processing of checks and the mailing of grant decisions also takes time.
Eligible Requests
Youth are encouraged to make grant application for things that will enhance their self-esteem, independence, skills and knowledge. Applications requesting funding for things likely to be considered 'presents or gifts' are much less likely to be approved.
Likely to be approved: Driving Lessons/Education classes; Music/Art/Dance Lessons; Sports Equipment/Camp; School/Club Activities, Prom Expenses; Desktop Computers, etc.
Less likely to be approved: Personal Electronics (CD players, DVD players, Laptop Computers, etc.); Clothing; Rent; Most furniture and baby items.
Approval
Teen Grants are subject to committee review and grant application guidelines. Submitting an application does not automatically mean the grant is approved. Teen Grant funding is very limited and not to be thought of an 'Individual's Account' where youth draw down funds. There is no such thing as “How much do I have left in my account.” In addition, it is the responsibility of youth who apply for several grants to maintain a copy of their grants and the amounts they have previously requested. The committee bases approval on need, available funding and priority of use.
Funds Dispersement
Checks will be issued in the exact amount of the purchase directly to companies, stores, camps, schools etc. Checks will not be issued to teens, foster parents, etc.
Receipts
All applicants must provide proof of use, by way of receipts, within 15 days of purchase. Youth who do not return receipts will forfeit the ability to apply for future Teen Grants.
Any questions should be left on the Teen Grant Committee's new voicemail system. Again, youth should be making their own inquiries, whenever possible. The new Teen Grant telephone number is (401) 431-0557 Voice mailbox number 3. Youth should leave a brief message which includes: their name, contact number and any questions and/or information. Teen Grant committee members return calls on a weekly basis, generally on Fridays.
