Frequently Asked Questions

For 25 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern New England has led the non-profit sector in creating, finding and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well being of children.

Below are some answers to some frequently asked questions.  If you have any further questions, please click on the Contact Information link on this page.

General

Do you collect Pop Tabs to raise money?
The Ronald McDonald House of Providence collects Pop Tabs to raise
money. Please visit www.rmhprovidence.org for more information.

Ronald McDonald Houses

How can I stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Massachusetts or Rhode Island?
For more information about the Ronald McDonald House of Providence,
please visit www.rmhprovidence.org. For more information about the Ronald
McDonald House of Boston, please visit www.ronaldmcdonaldhouseboston.org.

How are Ronald McDonald Houses funded?
Generous supporters like you help fund Ronald McDonald Houses. The majority of our programming funds come from individuals, organizations and businesses.

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile

What is the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program?
Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles go directly into areas where children are
medically underserved. Care Mobiles offer high-quality medical and
dental care through relationships with local health care organizations and
clinical service providers. The 40-foot vehicles are built specifically to
deliver the pediatric health care services of the Ronald McDonald Care
Mobile programs.

Who operates the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile in each local area?
Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles are operated through relationships with carefully selected clinical service providers.

Ronald McDonald House Family Rooms

Who can use a Ronald McDonald Family Room?
Any family with a child receiving treatment in a hospital is eligible to use
Ronald McDonald Family Room facilities.

How can I support the Ronald McDonald Family Room in my community?
Each Ronald McDonald Family Room offers a variety of volunteer
opportunities. For more information about supporting the Ronald
McDonald Family Room at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Rhode Island and UMass Memorial - Childrens Hospital, please visit www.rmhprovidence.org.

Grants to Local Non-Profits

How can my non-profit apply for a grant?
The mission of RMHC of Eastern New England is to help children live happier, healthier, and more productive lives. To accomplish this mission we make grants to local non-profits which help children and their families in three main area.

1. Health Care
2. Education
3. Civic and Social Services

To qualify for funding, projects must address problems in a definitive manner and have a measurable impact on children in Eastern Massachusetts, New Hampshire or Rhode Island. Grants are awarded to those non-profit organizations who are clearly demonstrating they offer meaningful services to children in need. For more information, download the application form.

Can I include the cost for salaries in my grant request?
No. General ongoing administrative costs cannot be included in your request.

I don't have my organization's most current tax return yet. Can I send in my last one?
Yes, provided that the latest version arrives in our office no later than 60 days prior to the board meeting at which your grant will be reviewed.

My non-profit organization doesn't have its 501(c)(3) letter yet, but we have applied for it. Can we still be reviewed?
Yes, but please send copies of your application for a 501(c)(3) when you send in your letter of inquiry.

Scholarships

Who is eligible? How can I apply?
With education costs spiraling ever higher, a college education is beyond the financial reach of many outstanding students. The RMHC Scholars Program in memory of Charles E. Winterhalter opens the door to higher education for graduating high school seniors from Bishop Stang High School, Dartmouth High School, Fairhaven High School, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School and New Bedford High School who face limited access to educational and career opportunities. The RMHC Scholars Program in memory of Charles E. Winterhalter seeks to invest in students who are exemplary role models in their communities and have the initiative to fulfill their educational goals.

The goal of the program is simple: to identify and invest in future leaders.

The 2011/2012 application process closed January 27, 2012. Applications are being evaluated and the winners will be announced May/June 2012.