BankNewport Awards $130,000 in Community Fund Grants

Three South County Organizations Receive Aid

NEWPORT, R.I. (December 28, 2020) – BankNewport is pleased to announce that it has awarded $130,000 in grants to community organizations throughout Rhode Island. Twenty-five organizations that provide services related to food insecurity, mental health, distance learning, minority owned small business, and underserved populations received the funding.

“We are humbled to have the opportunity to provide these proactive grants to 25 incredible organizations,” said Sandra J. Pattie, President & CEO, BankNewport. “In the best of times, these agencies work on shoestring budgets, and this year has been especially difficult. We are so thankful for the work they do, despite many challenges, to bring hope and dignity to those most in need.” In southern Rhode Island, the Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale, Southern RI Volunteers, and the Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County each received a $5,000 grant to support their efforts.

“Food insecurity continues to be a significant issue facing our communities, and the pandemic has only increased the demand,” said Kate Brewster, Executive Director, Jonnycake Center. “We are so grateful to have such outstanding support from BankNewport, which allows us to continue to serve our neighbors and ensures we can continue to take care of each other into the new year.” “We are so appreciative of this grant from BankNewport,” said Mary Roda, Executive Director, Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County. “We’ve seen major funding cuts this year, which has led to far fewer staff available to support a growing population of those in need of our services. This grant will allow us to continue to support those who need it the most.”

About BankNewport

Founded in 1819 and headquartered in Newport, BankNewport offers a full suite of loan and deposit products and services for families and businesses throughout Rhode Island. With $2.0 billion in assets, BankNewport is one of the oldest community banks in the United States and, as a mutual organization, is committed to the financial success of its customers, employees and communities. BankNewport has 17 branch locations, with commercial lending offices in Cumberland and Providence. BankNewport business lines include OceanPoint Marine Lending, specializing in consumer marine and recreational vehicle financing programs, and OceanPoint Insurance, a Trusted Choice independent insurance agency, providing a broad range of property casualty insurance products, including employee benefits and marine related insurance products.