Providence Children’s Museum

Continued from page 12 governmental agencies and even fee-forservice activities such as translations.

But Cloutier said the pandemic led to more expenses, including protective equipment, deep cleaning and new technology for virtual learning.

“We don’t think of ourselves specifically as a BLM [Black Lives Matter] organization, but in reality we are in solidarity with them because of who our clients are. We serve a relatively large population of Black Africans, for example,” she said.

Christopher V. Samih-Rotondo, interim director of Direct Action for Rights and Equality, said the organization saw a 130% increase in donations from the 2020 fiscal year to the 2021 fiscal year.

Sheila Wilhelm, DARE co-founder and board member, said allies and supporters stepped up, particularly during the pandemic. They helped DARE supply rental assistance and food.

“We received a lot of support. Some sustainers supported us for the first time, and I hope they will continue to be supportive for years to come,” she said.

Some organizations had difficulties fundraising. The NAACP Providence Branch traditionally derived the bulk of its fundraising through two large public events, a breakfast in the spring and a dinner in the fall. But the pandemic forced the organization to cancel in-person events, and obtain funding from individual mem-

COLLABORATIVE MEETING: Staff and members at Direct Action for Rights and Equality collaborate at the office. Clockwise from left, Jordan Jace, Behind The Walls member; Debra Harris, outreach coordinator; Christopher V. SamihRotondo, interim director; and Anusha Alles, staff organizer for Behind The Walls.

PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

berships, donations and corporate grants.

“We’ve been able to maintain,” said NAACP President Jim Vincent. “We’re not doing significantly better or significantly worse.”

Rhode Island for Community and Justice

reported a decrease in funding between 2020 and 2021. Executive Director Toby Ayers said that although the organization ended both years with a surplus, the 2021 number was only half of what had been projected.

Ayers said donor attention appeared to shift from RICJ’s racial justice mission to the pandemic in 2021. He said the 2020 surplus allowed the organization to expand youth staffing positions and programs. The current challenge, he said, is to continue to supply those programs despite more-limited funds. n