Town of Bristol / RWU Cooperative Committee

In September 2007, when Roger Williams University and the Town of Bristol reached agreement on the landmark PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) pact, a group comprising key representatives from both the town and the University was established to jointly consider items of mutual interest or concern.

In the years since, the Town of Bristol / Roger Williams University Cooperative Committee has provided an open venue for discussion and decision-making and has assisted in building upon a truly symbiotic relationship between both parties.

Through the Fund for Civic Activities – one of its most visible initiatives - the Committee has awarded $312,000 (as of November 2022) to local organizations and residents in support of projects and initiatives designed to enhance the civic experience of Bristol residents.

Town of Bristol Representatives

Dr. Ana C. Riley
Superintendent, Bristol Warren Regional School District

Julie R. Goucher
Town Treasurer

Sarah Klein
Director of Parks & Recreation

Kevin Lynch
Chief of Police

Michael DeMello
Fire Chief

Diane M. Williamson
Director of Community Development

Roger Williams University Representatives

K.C. Ferrara
Director, Feinstein Center for Service Learning & Community Engagement

Dr. Allen Hance
Associate Provost for Community Engagement 

Dr. John J. King
Vice President for Student Affairs

Mark Porter
Interim Director, Public Safety

Dr. Jeffrey Merriweather 
Dean, School of Humanities, Arts and Education 

Jill Pais 
Assistant Vice President, Communications and Media Relations  

In support and recognition of the important relationship that exists between Roger Williams University and the Town of Bristol, the Town of Bristol/Roger Williams University Cooperative Committee created the Fund for Civic Activities (FCA). The FCA accepts grant requests twice a year to fund a broad range of projects and services proposed by individuals or non-profit organizations that work toward enhancing the civic experience in the Town of Bristol. Further detail regarding this fund, the application process and other project related criteria may be found in the FCA Application.

Click here for complete instructions and a printable application.

For your convenience, applications will be accepted via mail, email, or online.