News

John (Jack) Partridge, Esq. has retired from the Ocean State Charities Board of Trustees after decades of service to the organization. Jack’s careful stewardship of the fund entrusted to Ocean State Charities had made a difference in the lives of thousands of Rhode Islanders during his tenure. In honor of Jack’ dedication to Ocean State Charities, the Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the addition of the John J. and Regina Partridge Award for Outstanding Achievement in Arts Programming. The award will be presented annually to a worthy organization.

Marisa Albanese Named to Executive Director Role

Since joining the agency in mid-January, Marisa has been meeting with grantees and applicants to understand challenges facing organizations and the clients they serve. She has been consulting with the Trustees as well to ensure that their vision for Ocean State Charities is being implemented. The team is working well together, and at its last board meeting, the Trustees voted to offer Marisa the permanent role.

Marisa is honored to accept the position of Executive Director. According to her, “In just a few short months I have seen the impact OSCT grants have in the community. According to Albanese, “Although our grants are modest, ranging from $1,500 to $20,000, they make a difference to organizations that need funds to complete projects.”

Maris has been diving into the grant application process, paying particular attention to smaller non-profits and those who have never applied for funding. In the most recent grant cycle, ten (10) grants went to agencies that have never applied to OSCT before.

Grants Awarded in June 2025

In the most recent grant cycle, Ocean State Charities received eighty-five (85) applications totaling $1.027 million dollars. Despite the competition for resources, the Trustees were able to award $127, 050 to twenty-six (26) organizations.

2025 brings several changes to Ocean State Charities Trust (OSCT). Executive Director, Jane Lynch, retired at the end of 2024 after a long and storied career in the non-profit sector. As the face of Ocean State Charities for more than twenty years, Jane made an indelible imprint on the non-profit community.

Under Jane’s leadership, the Trust provided support in areas ranging from small projects like software upgrades to installation of security systems. Historically, grants were geared towards the purchase of tangible items for non-profit organizations. In recent years, particularly in response to COVID, the Trust has contributed to food pantries across the state, ensuring that youth in afterschool programs and seniors always had healthy meals available.

Additionally, Jane shared her knowledge with agencies such as the Grant Makers Council of Rhode Island and others who sought her expertise. We thank her for her careful stewardship of Ocean State Charities Trust and wish her well in her retirement.

Diana Mello, Jane’s worthy second in command, announced her retirement as well. Diana was the glue behind the scenes, holding together the agency’s administrative functions and providing daily support to non-profit leaders and grant writers. We thank Diana for her exemplary service to the organization.

OSCT’s Trustees commend Jane and Diana for their incredible teamwork and dedication to community service. Both of you will be missed. According to Board of Trustees Chairperson, Scott Avedisian, “Jane dedicated herself to nurturing Rhode Island’s network of non-profit agencies, and we were lucky to have Diana supporting her in that work. We look forward to honoring their legacy and commitment under new leadership.

The Ocean State Charities Trust Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome Marisa A. Albanese as Interim Executive Director of OSCT, effective January 13, 2025. Marisa joins the agency with a wealth of experience in community building and grantmaking throughout her career at Rhode Island Energy and its predecessor companies, as well as her roles as Director of Development and Communications and Interim CEO at Red Cross of Rhode Island. She is well known in the non-profit community for her dedication to organizations with youth-centered missions. Marisa has received a Jefferson Award for Public Service and was named to the Junior League of RI’s “The Rhode Island 100” list of outstanding women. Join us in welcoming Marisa to Ocean State Charities Trust.

“I like to consider myself a Riverzedge Arts success story.  The most significant lesson I learned from working there is the importance of trying.”

“But perhaps most importantly, OSCT support for Riverzedge Arts brought Weedney into the community of caring people whose belief in her incredible ability, she says, keeps her going. “

“Words cannot express how grateful I am for the never-ending support of my former Studio Director Kim Keiter, (Artistic Director) Brad Fesmire, and everyone else at Riverzedge Arts.  Their encouragement guides me daily.”

Above all, OSCT showed our youth that they are cared about and believed in.  And showing care for the people and communities is how we help our teens build a more creative, more sustainable future.

The annual meeting was held.  The Election of Officers commenced:

Mr. Scott Avedisian – Chairman

Mr. Mark Russell – Vice-Chairman

Mr. Victor Capellan – Secretary

Ms. Amy Vitale – Treasurer

Mr. John J Partridge – Trustee

The “Harry Kizirian Award” was given to The Learning Community Charter School

                 In recognition to provide educational needs for the children in the state of RI

The “Roger Schonning Award” was given to the Jonnycake Center of Westerly

                 For providing social services to assist people through crisis situations and to find a path out toward self-sufficiency

The “Helen A. Marandola Award” was give to the John Clarke Retirement Center

                 For its rehabilitative care and a meaningful, active retirement community

The “Edward Ricci Award” was given to Seque Institute for Learning 

                 In recognitions of teaching young people from all backgrounds learn life’s lessons on honesty, humility and perseverance while gaining respect for their community

The “Jonathan Farnum Award” was give to the Community Prep School

                 For empower their diverse student body to reach full academic and leadership potential.