Stepping Up to the Challenge

As RISD students and their families faced the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Trustees and RISD community sprang into action.

This was a moment when the RISD community pulled together like no other time in its 143-year history. RISD quickly had to assist students leaving campus and reboot its educational model to be delivered online.

These efforts were enormous—and so were the related expenses. RISD provided more than $2 million in emergency financial support to students, preserved their work left on campus, shipped making kits and laptops to students around the globe, trained staff and faculty to deliver education online, and much more.

Board of Trustees Chair Michael Spalter came up with a plan and galvanized the Board of Trustees into action. He called on the trustees—both current and emeriti—to launch the RISD Together Challenge that matched, dollar-fordollar, up to $1 million in gifts made to RISD by June 30. One hundred percent of the trustees gave generously.

“I saw our community gripped by a crisis that was unprecedented and playing out at educational institutions around the world. I knew that this was a moment where the Board of Trustees could make an immediate difference for RISD students,” says Spalter. “It was up to the trustees to lead by example and encourage the entire community to join together to help.”

“When Michael shared his plan for the RISD Together Challenge, I was excited to take part,” says Trustee H. E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin KhalifaAl Thani. “The trustees and administration have prioritized engagement of our alumni and families and this critical moment was a perfect opportunity to enlist the support of those who love RISD. I found it deeply gratifying to provide financial assistance to our students when they so urgently needed it.”

The RISD community rallied to the call. More than 500 donors responded in just eight weeks and together gave over $2.4 million. RISD put the funds to use immediately to support students with emergency assistance and ensured that both students and faculty had the tools and technology they needed to enhance remote learning.

“The outpouring of generosity of our community continues to be extraordinary,” says President Rosanne Somerson. “It has been heartening to see how the ever-strengthening ties among us are helping RISD meet one of the most significant challenges in our history. I am encouraged by how we are adapting together to emerge stronger and more resilient for the future.”

"I saw our community gripped by a crisis that was unprecedented and playing out at educational institutions around the world. I knew that this was a moment where the Board of Trustees could make an immediate difference for RISD students," says Board of Trustees Chair Michael Spalter.

RISD Together Challenge Impact

516 Donors

$2.4 Million Raised in Gifts and Pledges