In 2007, the Rhode Island Foundation awarded a total of $25.4 million in grants to support projects around the state.

“These grants, which are awarded after a highly competitive process, make a real difference to Rhode Island residents who are most in need of assistance. They clearly express the Foundation’s continued commitment to affordable housing, to job training and employment, and to critical areas such as health care and education,” said George Graboys, the foundation chairman and acting president.

Recently awarded grants in the West Bay area include:

Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, Warwick, $70,000, for operating costs associated with educating the staff on the role substance abuse plays in domestic violence towards elders.

Westbay Community Action, Warwick, $16,700, for housing and transportation for the VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) positions in an agency food program.

House of Hope Community Development Corporation, Warwick, $35,000, for on-site case management services for previously homeless individuals living in one of the organization’s supportive housing apartment buildings in Warwick.

IN-SIGHT, Warwick, $40,000, to support the expansion of the Vision Rehabilitation Project for this statewide organization that provides programs to help people living with vision loss develop new skills that allow them to live independently.

Kent Center for Human & Organizational Development, Warwick, $25,000, to support a capital campaign for the construction and purchase of a new home for the Kent Center at 2756 Post Rd. in Warwick.

Kent Hospital Foundation, Warwick, $36,831, to support the development of a school-year nutrition and wellness curriculum for Warwick students in grades 1-4.

Ocean State Action Fund, Cranston, $25,000, for continued support of Marriage Equality Rhode Island, a coalition that seeks to achieve marriage rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in Rhode Island through legislative action in 2011

Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Warwick, $57,500, for the Domestic Violence/Anti-Racism Project at this statewide organization.