Best Biology Grants in Rhode Island

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs can seek funding to develop or expand their work, including those based in Rhode Island. Grants from Creag Foundation help eligible groups with at least one year of 501(c)(3) status pursue new approaches to persistent or emerging societal issues.

With a mission to support early-stage social impact innovation, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides Rhode Island biology and other impact-focused organizations with capacity, community, and up to US $300,000 over three years. Eligible independent nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits must serve underserved communities, show measurable impact, and operate scalable, systems-focused models.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Rhode Island can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation, with awards up to US $100,000. Eligible organizations must primarily serve economically underserved communities and propose innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled solutions rather than sustaining existing programs or general operations.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Rhode Island offering arts, science, or STEAM programming can apply for more than US $100,000 to support programs, capital projects, or limited general and endowment needs. The William Randolph Hearst Foundation favors organizations with budgets over $2 million that serve large constituencies and demonstrate lasting impact, including arts education and artist development initiatives.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million that provide direct social services, including in Rhode Island, can seek more than US $100,000 to support proven programs, capital needs, or general operations. Focused on tackling chronic poverty, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation favors scalable efforts in housing, food access, economic development, legal aid, reentry, and youth development.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community programs can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation support to expand services and outreach. Funding may benefit Rhode Island groups providing healthcare for underserved populations, food pantries, STEM education, or preventative health and wellness initiatives in their local communities.

Rhode Island biology and youth-focused organizations working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for project support or scaling efforts. Eligible applicants must be formal entities (such as nonprofits, schools, social enterprises, or governments) serving urban low-income children or youth in the U.S., with requests over US $50,000.

Nonprofit organizations, qualified charitable entities, and U.S.-based government agencies can seek support for humanitarian, social, education, science, and community programs, including in Rhode Island. With a mission to advance innovative science, Amgen Foundation provides non-healthcare donations and sponsorships that may benefit biology-related education or community initiatives with a national or local reach.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services can seek funding from Semnani Family Foundation to support marginalized communities worldwide. Semnani Family Foundation provides Rhode Island biology and health-focused groups with support for healthcare access, disease prevention, medical education, disaster relief, and related human and social services projects in the U.S. and abroad.

Private and tribal landowners in Rhode Island seeking to protect or restore degraded agricultural wetlands can receive conservation easement support and restoration cost-share through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program’s Wetland Reserve Easements. With a mission to improve soil, water, and wildlife habitat, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Rhode Island offers permanent, term, and 30-year easement options plus related recording and planning support.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental or community-focused projects in Rhode Island can seek support for programs that respect life, people, and the planet. With a mission to foster positive change, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides funding for initiatives in community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding that reflect this broad, future-oriented vision.

Environmental and human services 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries in Rhode Island can seek unrestricted program or operating support for biology-related or broader environmental work. Focused on environment and human services, the Lawrence Foundation typically awards US $5,000 - US $10,000 to U.S.-headquartered organizations working locally or internationally.

Nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island and across the U.S. can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs, including environmental and wildlife protection activities that may involve biology. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help fund projects where modest awards can make a significant impact.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nonprofits, NGOs, universities, and other organizations conducting conservation biology field studies or related projects worldwide can apply for up to US $1,000 from the Sophie Danforth Conservation Biology Fund. With a mission to support biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, Roger Williams Park Zoo provides funding for environmental education, field techniques, and integrative breeding programs, including projects connected to Rhode Island biology initiatives.

Focused on basic needs and community vitality, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for program support, with priority to communities where its employees and advisors volunteer. Rhode Island organizations working on hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, arts access, or community development may be eligible, especially when engaging Ameriprise volunteers.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

Wildlife conservation 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Rhode Island seeking support to tell impactful stories of their work can apply for the Storytelling Grant, with awards of more than US $50,000. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds storytelling projects that highlight conservation, preservation, education, and wellness outcomes in local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community quality of life in Rhode Island can seek project, operating, or capital support for programs such as economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief. With a mission to strengthen underserved communities, O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports U.S.-based charities in areas where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

U.S. nonprofit organizations leading strong cross-sector community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award to recognize and support impactful collaborative work. Rhode Island organizations, including those with biology-related initiatives addressing social issues through partnerships, may be eligible if their programs demonstrate measurable community benefit, replicability, and potential to scale across multiple communities.