Best Providence Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Youthbuild Preparatory Academy

What To Expect

• Career Exploration: Youthbuild Prep Academy will host a 60-hour, 10-week after-school program for a cohort of 20 students focused on building career readiness and technical awareness. Complete career assessments, participate in essential skills workshops 
• Skill Building: Youth will team up to complete a hands-on capstone project connected to real careers. Along the way, they’ll practice working together, solving problems, communicating their ideas, and building technical skills they can use after high school.
• Mentorship: Throughout the program, students will get support and guidance from facilitators and industry partners who will help them explore what they’re interested in, learn about real careers, and feel more confident planning their next steps.

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Technology
• Healthcare
• Skilled Trades

Communities Served: Providence

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Young Voices

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: Youth will work in teams on a hands-on, industry-connected capstone project. Through this experience, they will build real-world skills like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and basic technical skills that prepare them for college, training programs, and future careers.
• Skill Building: Through hands-on career experiences, students will build important workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, resume and cover letter writing, and professional behavior. This program helps students gain confidence, build strong professional relationships, and develop the skills they need to succeed in the world of work.
• Mentorship: Each career track will have one or two mentors who check in with students at least once a week during scheduled team time to support progress and growth.

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Industrial Engineering
• Banking & Finance
• Biological and Environmental Science
• Pharmacy
• Public Health, and Pre-Engineering

Students enrolled in the Making Money Moves industry track will have the opportunity to earn 0.5 high school credits through the All-Course Network (ACN).

Communities Served: Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Cranston, Warwick

Mobile Beacon's Connect for Success program addresses the digital divide by providing schools with essential technology resources. This initiative offers up to 25 laptops and 4G devices with 12 months of complimentary high-speed internet service. By targeting students and communities facing digital inequities, the program ensures that all students can complete homework and access educational content from home. With ongoing support options available post-grant, Mobile Beacon is committed to fostering equitable learning environments and empowering educators to enhance digital inclusion.

The Westinghouse Charitable Giving Program aims to strengthen community ties by providing financial support in key areas such as education focused on STEM, environmental sustainability, and community safety. This program welcomes applications from eligible organizations that meet specific grant criteria, including being tax-exempt and located within 50 miles of a Westinghouse site. The initiative underscores Westinghouse's commitment to advancing education, promoting environmental stewardship, and enhancing community well-being.

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Tri County Community Action Agency

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: Get help choosing a paid work experience with a real employer
• Choose Your Placement: Explore your skills and interests and then get matched them with a work-based learning site that fits with your goals.
• Skill Building: Work on workplace skills like building a resume, interviewing, learning about managing money and more.
• Mentorship: Work alongside experienced staff and learn what a real workday looks like. 

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Health Care 
• Business & Finance 
• Computer Science 
• Sustainable Energy 
• Education 
• Hospitality

Communities Served: Northern / Providence County and Southern / Washington County

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Southside Community Land Trust

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: Get real world experience working in the industries farming, agriculture and more.
• Choose Your Placement: You’ll explore a career pathway in the art of Urban Farming
• Skill Building: You’ll get hands-on experience working at urban farms, where you’ll learn practical farming skills and build job skills. You’ll also join interactive sessions on topics like environmental awareness, financial planning, and career readiness.
• Mentorship: Work alongside experienced staff at urban farm sites and learn what a real workday looks like. 

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Urban agriculture 
• Food production and processing  
• Environmental conservation  
• Renewable energy related to agriculture 
• Farm management 

Communities Served: Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls

The AIA Fellowship for Study in the U.S. supports archaeologists employed by the Deutsches Archäologisches Institut (DAI) and project collaborators. This post-doctoral research fellowship encourages high-quality scholarship and fosters connections between North American and DAI scholars. It covers travel expenses, housing, library access, and living stipends for a minimum two-month residency at UCLA, Brown University, or the University of Cincinnati, with opportunities for lectures and engagement in academic life.

Nonprofit youth-serving organizations and school partners in Providence, Rhode Island can access funding for work-based learning, career exploration, and college/career preparation programs through the State of Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training’s Real Skills for Youth initiative. Grants from the department help Providence organizations build healthcare-focused career pathways and essential job skills for local students.

Nonprofit youth-serving organizations in Providence, Rhode Island offering workforce preparation, internships, or career/college readiness programs can apply for the State of Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training’s Real Skills for Youth initiative. Funding supports partnerships that deliver high-quality work-based learning, career exploration, and essential skill-building experiences for young people in Providence County and nearby communities.

The A. O. Smith Foundation, established in 1955, provides grants to support charitable, educational, and human services organizations primarily in communities where A. O. Smith Corporation operates. With a mission focused on enhancing community well-being, the Foundation promotes education, arts, culture, and health initiatives. It encourages employees to engage in volunteerism, fostering a culture of community involvement. Notably, the Foundation does not fund politically active organizations or those primarily aiming to influence legislation.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

Early-career biomedical researchers at nonprofit academic, medical, or research institutions in Massachusetts, Brown University, or Yale University can receive up to US $400,000 for three-year basic or translational projects. Grants from Health Resources in Action support newly independent faculty in fields such as biomedical imaging, informatics, engineering, chemistry, and physics, including those serving Providence, Rhode Island institutions.

Nonprofits, schools, and youth-serving organizations in Providence, Rhode Island can seek funding to deliver work-based learning, career exploration, and job readiness programming for high school youth. Grants from the State of Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training help organizations provide Real Skills for Youth experiences that build technical, professional, and leadership skills tied to high-demand career pathways.

Youth-serving organizations and schools in Providence, Rhode Island offering career exploration and work-based learning for teens can apply for the State of Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training’s Real Skills for Youth partnership. Funding supports tech-focused summer camps, entrepreneurship projects, and other programs that build essential skills and expose youth to business, finance, media, and technology careers.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Inspiring Minds

What To Expect

• Earn paid, hands-on experience in real school and education settings during the school year and summer
• Build job skills and confidence through work readiness training and classroom support roles
• Learn from mentor educators and receive individualized guidance and coaching
• Explore careers in education and youth development through real-world experience

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Education and Youth Development
• Early Childhood
• Elementary Teacher Assistants
• (Substitute) Teachers 

You will have the opportunity to receive RIELDS training and get CPR & First Aid Certified!

Communities Served: Providence

Providence, Rhode Island community development and human services nonprofits can access funding through Santander Consumer USA Foundation for programs benefiting low- and moderate-income and underserved residents. Grants of more than US $10,000 support affordable housing, homeownership education, small business development, workforce training, financial education, neighborhood revitalization, disaster relief, and related community service initiatives within Santander Bank’s operating footprint.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified public entities providing community development programs in low- to moderate-income areas, including Providence, Rhode Island, may be eligible for charitable sponsorship supporting housing, jobs, and financial stability. With a mission to advance educational, physical, and economic mobility, Santander Bank Foundation supports efforts like affordable housing, small business development, financial education, workforce training, youth development, and neighborhood revitalization.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

The Nonprofit Resource Training Grant offers up to $1,000 for tax-exempt organizations to send employees to essential training and conferences. This initiative supports community-based groups that serve low- to moderate-income populations and align with The Ready Commitment. By enhancing employee skills, the grant aims to strengthen nonprofits and their impact in the community, ensuring they provide valuable services effectively.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on education, economic development, affordable housing, or critical community needs in Providence, Rhode Island can receive support for local programs and services. Bristol County Savings Bank’s charitable foundation offers grants up to US $10,000 to organizations serving eligible communities in Providence County and nearby Massachusetts areas.

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: East Bay Community Action Program

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: Earn paid, hands-on work experience in a real workplace connected to your interests
• Career Ready: Explore different career options and industries while building real-world skills
• Skill Building: Develop professional and life skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
• Mentorship: Get support from mentors, employers, and program staff as you learn and grow

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Sports Management
• Child Enrichment
• Culinary Arts/Hospitality
• Library Tech Services
• Green Industries/Urban Forestry
• Healthcare
• Blue Economy

Communities Served: East Providence, Barrington, Warren, Tiverton, Little Compton, Bristol, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, and Jamestown

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The Brown Rudnick Community Grants program aims to support front-line educational workers in underserved communities across cities like Boston and New York. With grants up to $2,000, it addresses immediate educational needs that traditional funding overlooks. This initiative encourages collaboration with educators to enhance learning environments and foster positive change, ensuring that impactful projects receive the necessary support to thrive within a year of funding.

The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation offers grants to support arts and general education projects within a 50-mile radius of MetroWest Boston. Annually, they distribute approximately $300,000, funding 15-20 Single Year Grants up to $10,000, 3-4 Scholarship Fund Grants of $2,500, and Trilogy Grants totaling $35,000 over three years. Organizations seeking funds are encouraged to submit a Letter of Inquiry to initiate the application process.

The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation offers Trilogy Grants to organizations that have received at least three Single-Year grants. Each grant totals $25,000 over three years, with $10,000 in the first year and $7,500 in the following years. Limited to a 50-mile radius from MetroWest Boston, the Foundation prioritizes measurable projects in arts and general education. Only four Trilogy Grants are awarded annually, encouraging sustained educational engagement through hands-on experiences.

The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation offers Single-Year Grants to support projects in arts and general education for preschool through high school. With an annual budget of about $300,000, grants can reach up to $10,000. Priority is given to hands-on arts education projects, with 75% of the budget allocated to this area. Organizations must wait one year after receiving three consecutive grants before reapplying. Eligibility is limited to projects within a 50-mile radius of MetroWest Boston.