R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-84-2
Subject to appropriation, the state of Rhode Island may contribute funds to the University of Rhode Island Foundation in an amount necessary to match private donations for the purposes listed below. Subject to appropriation, the state may contribute an amount not to exceed one dollar ($1.00) for every two dollars ($2.00) or one dollar ($1.00) for such greater dollars as may be established by the board of governors for higher education, privately contributed to the University of Rhode Island or the University of Rhode Island Foundation for the creation of new academic chairs, the support of existing academic chairs, other educational enhancements and capital infrastructure investments; provided, that the maximum total contributions from the state to the University of Rhode Island Foundation shall be five million dollars ($5,000,000). Appropriations of Rhode Island capital plan funds shall be considered matching funds for the purposes of this section. Any contributions made to the University of Rhode Island Foundation for these purposes shall be reported to the board of governors for higher education which shall verify their eligibility for this matching program.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-84-2