Adelaide Dawson Lynch Grant Program

The Adelaide Dawson Lynch Trust is a philanthropic foundation established in 1993 by Robert M. Lynch in memory of his wife, Adelaide Dawson Lynch. The Trust is administered through Bank of America’s Philanthropic Solutions division and is specifically intended to support charitable organizations serving economically disadvantaged individuals in Rhode Island. Its mission focuses on addressing basic human needs, particularly food and shelter, for underserved populations in the state. This grant opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide housing and shelter, as well as human services. The Trust is focused geographically and programmatically, limiting its funding to Rhode Island and specifically to initiatives that directly benefit local communities facing economic hardship. The trust emphasizes foundational support for vital services such as access to housing and food assistance. The funding amounts typically range from $1,000 to $5,000. However, larger or multi-year grants may be awarded on a discretionary basis for special campaigns, indicating the fund’s flexibility in supporting broader or long-term initiatives that align with its goals. There are no specified restrictions or required match contributions mentioned, allowing for accessible participation by eligible applicants. Eligible organizations must serve Rhode Island communities. There are no additional categorical restrictions or exclusionary criteria noted, apart from the geographic limitation. Application procedures are facilitated through the Rhode Island office of Bank of America’s Philanthropic Solutions. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the office via the designated email address for questions or to discuss the application process. Detailed procedures are available in downloadable PDF or Word documents from the foundation’s website. Applications are due annually on October 1. Applicants can expect to receive notification of the funding decision within two to three months of the submission deadline. There is no indication of a pre-application phase or formal Q&A period, but email correspondence is encouraged for inquiries. While a specific application start date is not mentioned, the deadline provides a clear timeline for submission. To get in touch regarding the Adelaide Dawson Lynch Trust, applicants are advised to email ma.ri.grantmaking@bofa.com and include the name of the foundation in the subject line. Detailed contact information is available in the procedures document linked on the foundation’s webpage.