The Harry M., Miriam C., and William C. Horton Fund, established in 1948, provides grants to support public, charitable, educational, or religious purposes within Rhode Island. This fund was created by Miriam Horton to honor her husband, Harry M. Horton, and their son, William. Harry Horton, a lifelong Rhode Island resident, was involved in the family business, the Queen Dyeing Company, which specialized in dyeing and finishing textiles. The fund continues the Horton family’s legacy of community support by benefiting organizations that serve the people of Rhode Island.

Eligible applicants must focus their activities within the state of Rhode Island, and priority is given to projects that address basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Occasionally, the fund also provides general operating support to organizations. Grants awarded from the fund are one-year in duration and typically range from $3,000 to $10,000. The fund supports a range of program areas, including arts, culture, and humanities, education, health, and human services.

Applications must be submitted by November 1, and applicants will be notified of the grant decisions within 2 to 3 months after the deadline. The fund's grantmaking process is competitive, and applicants are encouraged to clearly outline how their projects will address the needs of Rhode Island residents, particularly in the preferred areas of basic needs and healthcare.

This grant provides a valuable opportunity for Rhode Island-based organizations seeking support for projects that directly benefit the local community. Given the relatively modest grant size, organizations should tailor their proposals to fit within the fund’s priorities and ensure that the scope of their projects is manageable within a one-year time frame.