For Community Partners

For groups and organizations who want to collaborate with RISD on community-focused work, the CCP can connect you with partners from among our students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as with the RISD Museum, the Career Center, RISD Research, Continuing Education and others.

Partnership principles

These principles, adapted from the National Center for Time and Learning NCTL Community Partner Rubric, guide our relationships with both community and campus partners as we develop and support ongoing, reciprocal collaborations.

Copy link to section

The partnership supports a shared set of goals all participants established that align with each partner's mission and vision.

Support for a desired set of outcomes is articulated, documented, and shared among partners.
A system to measure outcomes and success is established.

Copy link to section

The partnership acknowledges complementary expertise supporting outcome-driven programs, resources and services corresponding to shared goals.

Understanding of the expertise and strengths of each partner is shared.
Programming aligns with a set of achievement goals.

Copy link to section

The partnership establishes clear, consistent lines of communication.

Expectations are communicated in all phases of the partnership, including the roles and responsibilities of each partner.
Systems are in place for regular communication, instruction, assessment and various needs.

Copy link to section

The partnerships may be a multiyear endeavor, single opportunity or ongoing exchange in which partners share responsibilities for relationship building and continuous improvement.

Planning for financial sustainability is ongoing and collaborative.
Systems are established to ensure the partnership continues if there is a change in leadership.

GivePulse Network

Our online hub for community engagement

Student volunteers clean up Billy Taylor park on the East Side of Providence

Register for the GivePulse Network

By connecting campus with nearby groups, organizations and service opportunities, GivePulse helps facilitate many forms of engaged work at and around RISD.

When you create a GivePulse profile, you stay connected and aware of upcoming, ongoing and recurring community-based initiatives across and beyond our campus.

Want to partner with us? Get in touch today.

First things first: If you want to learn more about partnering with RISD students, faculty and staff—and how we can do meaningful community-engaged work together, reach out to begin exploring the possibilities.

Partnership interest form

Engagement kickoff — tools to get started

Goal setting

To make sure everyone’s working toward the same vision, use this resource to break large goals down into smaller, concrete activities.

Summary of expectations

Use this document to establish goals, expectations, commitment levels and timelines right from the start of your partnership.

Co-Sponsorship form

Campus and community partners can complete this form to request event or initiative co-sponsorship from us (usually in the form of promotional/marketing support). Access the form for more details.

Definitions: socially engaged practice at RISD

Learn the terms artists and designers use in describing their fields and the creative processes and approaches they take in their efforts to make systemic, social, economic and environmental change.

Related RISD policies

Review RISD policies relevant to the CCP’s work in the areas of civic engagement and service-oriented community partnerships. (For questions about risk and/or emergency policies, contact our director of RISK and Emergency Management.)

Pathways of Public Service and Civic Engagement

RISD is among several colleges and universities who are part of Campus Compact’s Pathways of Public Service and Civic Engagement program—a collaboration that lets us know about student interests in service work as they relate to broad social changes.

The anonymous survey linked below helps us improve student programming, understand shifting student needs and desires, and develop a framework among our partners to share across the higher education landscape. We encourage all RISD students to take the survey linked below. (Not a student? Try out this anonymous, non-recorded demo survey).

Take the Pathways survey

Impact stories

Interior Architecture students work on large model of the Pell Bridge

New Grant Program Unites RISD Faculty with External Partners to Supercharge Research

Expanded Field Fund grants are supporting wide-ranging projects by faculty members Adela Goldbard, Jonathan Knowles, Rene Payne, Liliane Wong and Derrick Woods-Morrow.