Rhode Island Foundation Appoints Two New Board Members
The nonprofit group added Ted Long and George Matouk Jr. to help guide its philanthropic strategy in the state.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People
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The Rhode Island Foundation has appointed Ted Long and George Matouk Jr. to serve on its board of directors. The pair joins the organization to support its work in education, health equity, sustainability, and economic mobility.
Why it matters
These additions bring fresh expertise to a major regional institution that manages significant assets and provides critical funding to thousands of local organizations. The board helps oversee the foundation's strategic direction as it works to address complex societal challenges across Rhode Island.
The foundation reported $1.7 billion in total assets at the end of 2025, supported by a total fund investment return of 16.2% for the year.
The players
Ted Long
He is a partner at the law firm Holland & Knight LLP.
George Matouk Jr.
He serves as the CEO of the home textile manufacturer John Matouk & Co.
Rhode Island Foundation
This nonprofit organization provides grants to support education, health, and economic initiatives across the state of Rhode Island.
The details
Ted Long, a partner at Holland & Knight LLP, and George Matouk Jr., CEO of the Fall River-based John Matouk & Co., bring backgrounds in civic, cultural, and economic development to the board. The appointments were confirmed by the Providence-based foundation, which has operated for 110 years.
Timeline
John Matouk & Co. was established in 1929.
The foundation awarded $93 million in grants throughout 2025.
The two new board members were formally announced on October 21, 2026.
Market Landscape
These board appointments follow the pattern set by the foundation in its 2025 grant distribution model, which prioritized broad-based community support. This move positions the foundation to maintain its long-term influence on Rhode Island's civic and economic trajectory.
The addition of these leaders to the board ensures continued oversight of the $93 million in annual grants that support over 2,500 local organizations. Residents may see continued investment in local health and educational programs as the new board members begin their terms.
The takeaway
The foundation's growth in assets and grant-making capacity reflects a significant role in state-wide philanthropic efforts. Stakeholders can expect the board to maintain its focus on balancing sustainable investment returns with its long-term commitment to community social programs.
Further reading
For more context on regional leadership, see the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Providence Business News.
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