Best Biology Grants in Rhode Island

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Amgen Foundation Inc focuses on non-healthcare donations and sponsorships that target humanitarian, social, educational, and community programs. They offer support to organizations outside the U.S. healthcare community, particularly those recognized as tax-exempt public charities. Eligible organizations must serve specific Amgen communities throughout the U.S. This initiative aims to enhance health outcomes and address critical societal needs, thereby reducing the burden of disease and improving lives.

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: Wildlife Clinic Of Rhode Island

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: You’ll earn paid internship experience by completing a 120-hour internship.
• Choose Your Placement: You’ll explore a career pathway in a life science that matches your interests.
• Skill Building: WCRI interns will gain hands-on, career-relevant skills through direct participation in daily clinical and field activities at the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island and with employer partners. Interns will build technical competencies in emergency veterinary medicine, wildlife biology, and public health disease tracking.
• Mentorship: Interns will work closely alongside experienced wildlife professionals, veterinarians, biologists, and public health partners who provide ongoing guidance, supervision, and real-time feedback.

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Life Sciences
• Emergency Veterinary Medicine
• Wildlife Biology
• Public Health
• Pollinator Science

Communities Served: Statewide

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

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Sophie Danforth Conservation Biology Fund, established by Roger Williams Park Zoo, supports global conservation efforts. It prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a multi-disciplinary approach to biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, including field studies, environmental education, and breeding programs. Eligible applicants must be associated with an organization capable of receiving funds, with no nationality restrictions. Projects already funded may apply for a second year with a progress report. In-country collaboration is preferred.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Rhode Island Natural Resources Conservation Service

NRCS works hand-in-hand with the people of Rhode Island and the Ocean State's three conservation districts to improve and protect their soil, water, air, plants, animals and energy. We employ conservation experts who help farmers, forest landowners, oyster growers, ranchers and urban growers develop conservation plans for sustainable and resilient operations, create and restore wetlands, restore and manage other natural ecosystems, and advise on flood protection, nutrient and animal waste management and watershed planning.

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) - Rhode Island

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners, land trusts, tribes, and other entities to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands, grasslands, and working farms and ranches through conservation easements.

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) protects the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses which negatively affect agricultural uses and conservation values, protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring or conserving eligible grazing land, and protecting and restoring and enhancing wetlands on eligible land.

ACEP has two components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE).

Wetland Reserve Easements

(See page 130 of attached PDF document)

Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE) help private and tribal landowners protect, restore and enhance wetlands which have been previously degraded due to agricultural uses.

Benefits

Wetland Reserve Easements component of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program provides habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wetland dependent wildlife, including threatened and endangered species; improves water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals; reduces flooding; recharges groundwater; protects biological diversity; and provides opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities.

What land is eligible?

Land eligible for wetland reserve easements includes privately held farmed or converted wetlands that were previously degraded due to agricultural uses and can be successfully and cost-effectively restored. NRCS will prioritize applications based the easement’s potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

How does it work?

To enroll land through wetland reserve easements, NRCS enters into purchase agreements with eligible private landowners or Indian tribes that include the right for NRCS to develop and implement a Wetland Reserve Plan of Operations (WRPO). This plan will detail practices to help restore, protect and enhance the wetlands functions and values.

Wetland Reserve enrollment options include:

• Permanent Easements – Permanent easements are conservation easements in perpetuity. NRCS pays 100 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 75 to 100 percent of the restoration costs.
• 30-year Easements – 30-year easements expire after 30 years. Under 30-year easements, NRCS pays 50 to 75 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 50 to 75 percent of the restoration costs.
• Term Easements - Term easements are easements that are for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws. NRCS pays 50 to 75 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the term easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 50 to 75 percent of the restoration costs.
• 30-year Contracts – 30-year contracts are only available to enroll acreage owned by Indian tribes and program payment rates are commensurate with 30-year easements.

For all Wetland Reserve Easements options, NRCS pays all costs associated with recording the easement in the local land records office, including recording fees, charges for abstracts, survey and appraisal fees and title insurance.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.