Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Rhode Islanders Sponsoring Education
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: RISE
Mailing Address: 681 Park Ave., Ste 26
City: Cranston
State: Rhode Island
Postal Code: 02910
Main Phone: 401-421-2010
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.riseonline.org
Employer ID Number: 06-1470525
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/3/26
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Mentoring and Educational Supports for Children of Incarcerated Parents
Project Description:

Rhode Islanders Sponsoring Education (RISE) was founded in 1997 by two physicians caring for addicted incarcerated women at Rhode Island State Prison. They realized the women were concerned about their children and that education and other practical supports could increase protective factors for these children. RISE’s mission is to provide educational opportunities and mentoring to children of incarcerated parents to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty, crime, and addiction that too often threatens them. Our goal is high school graduation for our highly disadvantaged, low-income, diverse youth. We are succeeding! RISE’s 13-year 100% high school graduation and college attrition rate demonstrates the effectiveness of our work and the determination of our students. We are helping close the wealth gap for our low-income, diverse youth. By high school graduation, our scholars can often envision career paths that lead to economic security and are accepted into colleges/universities that advance their career goals.

Today RISE is serving 114 disadvantaged children with 2 programs: 40 public school students ages 7-18 receive 1-1 mentoring with a caring, trained adult mentor and 74 children ages 9-18 receive financial assistance to attend non-public schools. Research supports mentoring as helping at-risk children avoid problem behavior and succeed emotionally, socially, and academically. For those preferring non-public school, the environment has special benefits, generally smaller than public school, academically rigorous, supportive, and a place where post-secondary education is normalized and expected. Along with tuition support (not the subject of this request), RISE provides funds for textbooks, uniforms, tutoring, bus passes, school meals, and other things as needed.

All RISE students are low-income with parental history of incarceration. Student racial diversity is 96%. Every one of our students has avoided incarceration over our 29-year history. God’iss, a 2025 graduate attending Mercyhurst University studying chemistry said, “All anyone needs is an opportunity.”

Total Project Budget: $548,311

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Though funds for FY27 are not yet committed, we expect 46% of income to come from tuition sponsors (many already committed), 22% from grants, 17% from individual gifts/donation, 9% from appeals, 5% from event income, and 1% from in-kind. Our 29-year track record of financial success speaks to our ability to raise funds, though more are needed due to rising costs and adding 15 new students in FY27.

Project Duration: FY 27 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027, funds will be applied after October 2026.)
Geographical Area Served: Providence County, Rhode Island
Age Group To Be Served: 9-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Kaitlin
Contact Last Name: Della Grotta
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 401-421-2010
Contact Email: kdellagrotta@riseonline.org