CACD receives $500,000 grant to renovate cultural center in Pawtucket

The funding represents an important step within the "Building for Community" campaign, a $2.3 million global effort aimed at modernizing and reimagining community space to better serve the population for generations to come. According to the CACD, the goal is to transform the building into a modern, accessible and sustainable space, aligned with the growth and vitality of the Rhode Island community.

According to the organization, the RISCA grant will be applied to Phase 1A of the project, which prioritizes security, accessibility and infrastructure improvements. Among the planned interventions are strengthening the building's security conditions, ADA-compliant accessibility improvements, installation of new HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems, masonry repairs, and interior and exterior improvements.

The CACD stresses that the community building is central to its mission and calls on the community's support to raise the 1.2 million dollars needed to complete the capital campaign.

In addition to the RISCA grant, the organization has already secured a $400,000 commitment from the city of Pawtucket and $175,000 from the Champlin Foundation, bolstering the viability of the project.

Phase 1A construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, depending on final permits. Even during the construction period, CACD plans to keep its doors open and continue providing services to the community.

When complete, the renovation should allow the organization to significantly expand its impact, ensuring that the cultural center remains safe, welcoming and sustainable for future generations of the Cape Verdean community and the state of Rhode Island.

The CACD invites community members and supporters to contribute to the campaign via email: cacd401@gmail.com.

Below is the original press release in English

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Rosy Tavares Marketing Director Cape Verdean American Community Development (CACD) Phone: 401-288-3100 Email: cacd401@gmail.com Capital Campaign

Contact:

Stephanie Tavares Executive Director Phone: 401-288-3100

Email: cacd401@gmail.com Website: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/building-for-community-capital-campaign

CACD Receives $500,000 Grant from RISCA as Part of $2.3 Million Capital Campaign to Renovate and Reimagine Community Cultural Center Current exterior of Cape Verdean American Community Development's community cultural center at 120 High Street in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Architectural rendering of the proposed renovation as part of CACD's $2.3 million 'Building for Community' Capital Campaign. Pawtucket, RI - February 9, 2026 - Cape Verdean American Community Development (CACD) is proud to announce that it has received a $500,000 Cultural Facilities capital grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) to support major renovations to its community building at 120 High Street in Pawtucket. This grant marks an important milestone in CACD's Building for Community Capital Campaign, a $2.3 million effort to renovate and reimagine the space so it can better serve the community for generations to come.

The renovation will transform the current facility into a modern, accessible, and sustainable space that reflects the growing needs and vibrancy of Rhode Island's community. The RISCA grant will fund Phase 1A of the renovation project, focusing on improving safety, accessibility, and infrastructure. Planned upgrades include life-safety improvements, ADA accessibility enhancements, new HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, masonry repairs, and interior and exterior improvements. CACD's building is central to its mission. The organization is calling on community members and supporters to help raise the remaining $1.2 million needed to complete the $2.3 million campaign.

The renovation will be completed in phases. In addition to the RISCA award, CACD has secured a $400,000 commitment from the City of Pawtucket and $175,000 from the Champlin Foundation. Construction for Phase 1A is expected to begin in 2026, pending final permits, and CACD plans to remain open during renovations. When complete, the project will allow CACD to expand its impact and ensure the space remains safe, welcoming, and sustainable for generations to come.

To support the Building for Community Capital Campaign, please email cacd401@gmail.com. About Cape Verdean American Community Development (CACD) CACD is a nonprofit organization based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, supporting the Cape Verdean and broader Rhode Island community through arts, education, community services, and partnerships that promote equity and opportunity. About Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) RISCA supports artists, cultural organizations, and communities across Rhode Island by investing in programs and spaces that expand access to the arts and strengthen the state's creative economy.