Lawsons Receive Outstanding Philanthropic Citizens Award
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Rhode Island Chapter honored Cathy and Thomas Lawson for their giving to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Philanthropy
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Rhode Island Chapter awarded the 2026 Outstanding Philanthropic Citizens award to Cathy Lawson and Thomas Lawson, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank announced November 4. The couple had given to the food bank since 2016, including a $3 million gift in December 2025.
Why it matters
The $3 million gift, the largest in the food bank's history, was made during the federal government shutdown and the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The recognition highlights large individual donations as a source of support for Rhode Island's food assistance network.
The Lawsons' December 2025 gift totaled $3 million, the largest single gift in the Rhode Island Community Food Bank's history. The couple has supported the organization continuously since 2016, though the extraction does not specify annual giving amounts.
The players
Rhode Island Community Food Bank
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank is the state's largest hunger-relief organization, distributing food through a network of partner agencies.
Association of Fundraising Professionals Rhode Island Chapter
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Rhode Island Chapter is the state chapter of a national professional body for fundraisers that presents annual philanthropy awards.
The details
Cathy Lawson, a retired speech pathologist, accepted the award as a donor to the food bank. Thomas Lawson, former CEO of FM, a Johnston-based global commercial insurer, died in March 2026.
Timeline
2016: The Lawsons began donating to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
December 2025: The Lawsons gifted $3 million to the food bank.
March 2026: Thomas Lawson died.
November 4, 2026: The food bank announced the award.
Market Landscape
The Lawsons' $3 million gift arrived while the federal government shutdown suspended Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, placing private giving in direct contrast with a public food-assistance pause. The donation shows how major individual gifts can temporarily fill demand that public programs leave unmet.
Rhode Island residents who rely on food bank services can continue to access the network's partner agencies supported by large donations like the Lawsons'. Individuals interested in supporting the food bank can contribute directly to its ongoing operations.
The takeaway
Large, sustained individual giving can provide meaningful support for food assistance during periods when public programs are disrupted. Readers interested in similar causes can explore donation opportunities through local food banks.
Further reading
Explore more on Philanthropy to see how donors across the region support community programs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Providence Business News.
