News Summary
In 2025, the John E. Fogarty Foundation will celebrate its 60th anniversary by distributing $313,000 in grants to 47 nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. This funding aims to enhance support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Notable recipients include AccessPoint RI and The Autism Project, allowing them to expand essential services tailored for individuals facing various challenges. The foundation’s ongoing dedication stems from John E. Fogarty’s legacy of advocacy for improved healthcare and community resources.
Providence, Rhode Island – The John E. Fogarty Foundation is commemorating its 60th anniversary in 2025 by disbursing a remarkable $313,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. A total of 47 nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island will benefit from these funds, significantly enhancing the resources and opportunities available to individuals with intellectual and physical developmental disabilities.
This historic grant initiative underscores the foundation’s enduring commitment to improving healthcare and community resources for those facing developmental challenges. The grants are intended to bolster the efforts of local nonprofits in providing essential services and programs tailored to the needs of this vulnerable population.
Among the notable recipients of these grants are AccessPoint RI, The Arc of Bristol County, The Autism Project, and Special Olympics RI. Each organization is set to utilize the funding to enhance their existing services or introduce new programs aimed at better serving individuals with disabilities.
The awards are reflective of the legacy of John E. Fogarty, a significant figure in Rhode Island’s political history, who served for 22 years in Congress until his death in 1967. Fogarty was known for his advocacy in healthcare improvements and programs specifically designed for people with developmental disabilities. His reputation as “Everybody’s Congressman” stemmed from his dedication to the needs of diverse communities, especially those requiring additional support and advocacy.
Impact on the Community
The funding from the Fogarty Foundation aims to strengthen local nonprofits by enabling them to expand their services and reach more individuals in need. Organizations like AccessPoint RI and The Autism Project play critical roles in offering specialized services, including employment assistance, skill-building programs, and recreational activities tailored for individuals with disabilities.
The grants will allow these organizations to enhance existing programs and possibly introduce new initiatives. For instance, recipients may use the funding to provide training for staff, advocate for policy changes, and improve facility accessibility, ensuring that they meet the diverse needs of the community they serve.
A Legacy of Advocacy
The Fogarty Foundation’s mission aligns with John E. Fogarty’s vision of a supportive and inclusive community for individuals with developmental disabilities. The foundation was established to honor his work and continue advocating for healthcare improvements, leveraging funding to support initiatives that resonate with Fogarty’s principles of equity and access to essential services.
As the foundation continues to navigate the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, the 60th-anniversary grant represents a significant step in its ongoing commitment to foster a more inclusive environment. By empowering local nonprofits with the necessary resources, the Fogarty Foundation is helping to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities receive the support and services vital for their growth and integration into society.
Conclusion
The $313,000 in grants awarded by the John E. Fogarty Foundation stands as a testament to the substantial impact of local initiatives aimed at supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. As Rhode Island continues to recognize the importance of community-based support, this funding offers hope and tangible assistance to those who need it the most. Celebrating its 60 years of service, the Fogarty Foundation remains dedicated to the future of health advocacy and community development in the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- GoLocalProv: 70 Layoffs at Providence Community Health Centers
- Wikipedia: Health Care
- Providence Journal: RI Other States Sue HHS
- Google Search: Health Funding
- HC Innovation Group: Rhode Island Funds Primary Care Workforce Training Efforts
- Google Scholar: Primary Care Training
- Turnto10: Trump Administration Pulls Millions in Pandemic Funding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Programs
- WPRI: CDC Nixes $30M in Federal Funding for RI Health Department
- Google News: Health Department Funding

Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.