Campership Requests Grant

The Champlin Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Rhode Island that has been supporting nonprofit organizations since 1932. Over the past nine decades, the Foundation has awarded more than $705 million to fund capital improvements that strengthen service delivery across the state. Among its many areas of focus is support for youth development through funding to camps that serve Rhode Island children. The Campership Requests cycle is a specific grantmaking program aimed at subsidizing camp attendance for underserved youth, enabling greater access to enriching summer experiences. The Campership Requests program is designed exclusively for ACA-accredited camps that serve Rhode Island youth. The goal is to expand access to quality camp programs by providing funds that reduce or eliminate financial barriers for campers. This grant opportunity is separate from the Foundation’s two capital funding cycles and focuses specifically on financial support for camp participation rather than capital improvements to camp facilities. Applicants must demonstrate their accreditation status, describe the population served, and articulate how funds will increase camper access. The application process for Campership Requests is conducted entirely online through a portal hosted by Foundant Technologies. The application period opens at 12:00 AM on September 1 and closes at 11:59 PM on October 15. Submitted applications are reviewed throughout November and December. Award notifications are issued by the end of December, and funds are distributed by mid-January to support camperships for the upcoming summer season. As part of the review process, applicants may be contacted to provide additional documentation or clarification, and in some cases, to schedule a site visit. Eligibility is limited to ACA-accredited camps that serve Rhode Island youth. There is no mention of organizational tax status requirements or fiscal sponsorship rules, but the ACA accreditation is a clear prerequisite. If a camp is uncertain about its eligibility, the Foundation encourages direct outreach for clarification. Contact information for general questions and technical assistance during the application process is available via the Foundation’s main office or its designated staff members. Grant recipients are required to submit reports on the use of funds, in accordance with IRS regulations. These reports are due 12 months after the award is distributed and annually thereafter until all grant funds are expended. The Foundation provides an online portal for submitting these reports and offers additional resources, including tutorials and frequently asked questions, to guide applicants and grantees through the process. For support with the application portal or technical issues, applicants can reach out to Heather Fraser, the Grants & Systems Manager, by phone at 401-944-9200 x115 or via email at [email protected]. The Foundation also provides communication guidance for organizations that wish to publicly acknowledge their grant, although no acknowledgment is required. Grantees are welcome to include approved language in newsletters, press releases, or websites but are asked not to use the Foundation’s logo on vehicles, plaques, or permanent signage.

Ensure ACA accreditation is up-to-date and maintain accurate contact details during the review process.