KINGSTON, R.I.—Feb. 17, 2026—Rhode Island’s coastal communities face increasing threats from storm-driven erosion and flooding. With a new $210,000 philanthropic investment from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, the University of Rhode Island will accelerate two high-impact projects designed to strengthen coastal resilience in Jamestown, Aquidneck Island, Block Island, and Prudence Island.

This funding will directly benefit more than 60,000 year-round residents, as well as over 1.4 million annual visitors to Newport’s Cliff Walk. The projects will help protect critical infrastructure, improve emergency preparedness, and inform long-term planning to keep coastal communities safe, accessible, and protected.

The van Beuren Foundation’s investment of $160,000 launches the Island Resilience Cohort, a rapid assessment and information exchange process to identify flooding solutions for the four islands. This Cohort will foster local leadership, strengthen inter-island collaboration, and support the development of practical tools and strategies to enhance the resilience of the critical public infrastructure (roads, schools, housing, and emergency services) that serves year-round, low- to middle-income residents. This effort is also supported by the Rhode Island Foundation.

The second project for $50,000 involves the collection of topographic data along Newport’s 3.5-mile Cliff Walk using advanced drone technology, as well as supporting the city’s efforts to determine methods and products to aid resilience planning.

“We are deeply grateful to the van Beuren Charitable Foundation for its steadfast commitment to safeguarding Rhode Island’s coastal communities,” said Marc Parlange, president of the University of Rhode Island. “This investment enables URI to deliver the cutting-edge science, technology, and community partnerships needed to protect our shoreline, strengthen local resilience, and ensure these treasured places remain safe and vibrant for generations to come.”