Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The Amgen Foundation, established in 1990, focuses on enhancing science education and strengthening communities. It supports nonprofit organizations that align with its mission, emphasizing teacher development and hands-on science experiences. Grants are awarded annually, with a commitment of $180 million to impactful programs. Eligible organizations include public schools and libraries, while ineligible requests involve individual support, religious organizations, and political activities. This approach aims to inspire the next generation of innovators through quality educational opportunities.

The Point32Health Foundation Grant focuses on advancing equity in aging by providing multi-year, general operating grants to nonprofits in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with community organizations to address systemic inequities and improve health outcomes for older adults. Grant applications are accepted at various times, with specific deadlines for advocacy and social justice projects. The foundation seeks to honor the voices of those most affected by inequities.

Rockland Trust is committed to strengthening local communities through charitable donations to 501(c)(3) organizations and community groups. Their mission focuses on providing essential services, enhancing quality of life, and fostering relationships with customers. They prioritize funding programs that align with their philanthropic goals, specifically in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Capital projects are not eligible for support, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful community services.

The Capacity Building Grant program, initiated by the Rhode Island Foundation, offers funding and technical assistance to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. This program aims to address critical community priorities identified through extensive public engagement and research. By focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, the grant supports various activities, including strategic planning and operational improvements, enhancing the capacity of organizations to better serve their communities.

The Rhode Island Foundation's RIF Capacity Building Grants program supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Rhode Island. It aims to empower organizations that align with community priorities, focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA). Grants provide funding and technical assistance for strategic planning, business development, and operational improvements to enhance community impact. Proposals are evaluated based on need, readiness, and expected outcomes, ensuring a commitment to addressing systemic inequities in the region.

The 1829 Legacy Fund Grants, managed by the Rhode Island Community Foundation, support nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island focusing on human services, education, arts, and journalism. Established in 2012, the fund continues a legacy of philanthropy dating back to 1956. Organizations can apply annually, with decisions made within three months. This initiative aims to mobilize community generosity and drive impactful change across the state.

The Champlin Foundation offers campership grants to support Rhode Island's tax-exempt organizations in providing financial assistance for children unable to afford summer camp. Since 1991, these grants have aimed to create equitable access to enriching camp experiences. The application portal opens on September 1st and closes on October 15th, with notifications by December and awards distributed by mid-January. This initiative continues the Foundation's long-standing commitment to community support and development.

The Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, established in 1973, focuses on educational support for underserved populations in New England. It offers scholarships for employees of the Balfour Company and their families, as well as funding for organizations that provide educational services in Attleboro and surrounding areas. The Foundation prioritizes programs aimed at college readiness and success, particularly for first-generation and low-income students, and encourages multi-year funding requests to enhance nonprofit sustainability.

The Island Foundation's Womxn and Girls Grant aims to support organizations that address the root causes of inequality for womxn and girls in the U.S. By focusing on innovative, community-driven solutions, the Foundation seeks to empower womxn and girls of color through initiatives that enhance access to healthcare, economic security, and political representation. With a commitment to systemic change, this grant fosters intergenerational collaborations and prioritizes sustainable organizations working towards gender equity.

The Island Foundation offers Alternative Education Grants aimed at supporting experiential education programs, after-school initiatives, and alternative education schools. Established in 1979, the Foundation emphasizes unconventional approaches that connect youth with their environment, promote community service, and embrace diverse learning styles. They prioritize funding for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, with a focus on maritime trades and programs benefitting at-risk youth.

The Anthony F. Cordeiro Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island that enhance the lives of families and children. Established in 2017, the foundation focuses on providing essential resources such as health services, mental health support, food, and shelter. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that align with the foundation's mission, ensuring no discrimination in hiring or service provision.

The Champlin Foundation offers Challenge Grants to Rhode Island-based nonprofits to leverage funding for matching donations. These grants are limited and require organizations to discuss their plans with the Foundation before submitting formal requests. Since its inception in 1932, the Foundation has invested nearly $725 million in capital projects, enhancing various sectors such as healthcare, education, and the arts, while fostering community engagement and supporting marginalized populations.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

Cox Charities Northeast offers community grants ranging from $5,000 to $12,000 annually to support nonprofit organizations focused on STEAM education. Since 2001, Cox has invested nearly $8 million in youth programming across Connecticut, Ohio, and Rhode Island. The grants prioritize innovative projects in science, technology, engineering, arts, math, and sustainability initiatives, encouraging applications from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in the Cox East serviceable footprint.

The Newport County Fund (NCF) provides competitive grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to support nonprofit organizations in Newport County. These grants aim to assist initiatives such as project development, community program expansion, and advocacy efforts. Eligible applicants include 501(c) nonprofits and municipal departments, while faith-based organizations can apply for secular projects. However, NCF does not fund individuals, scholarships, or capital efforts, ensuring support is strategically directed to impactful community services.

The North Smithfield Ambulance & Rescue Association Fund Grants, supported by The Rhode Island Community Foundation, aim to enhance the health and welfare of North Smithfield citizens. Established in 2003, these grants typically range from $800 to $2,500. Preference is given to nonprofit organizations in Providence, RI, lacking access to other funding sources. Note that applications from organizations with overdue grant reports will not be considered. This initiative reflects a commitment to addressing local community needs effectively.

CVS Health Foundation: Hometown Fund

The CVS Health Foundation’s Hometown Fund was created to support local nonprofits across Hartford, Connecticut, and the state of Rhode Island – places where our CVS Health teams live, work and care deeply about community health. Through this fund, we support organizations that are making a real difference by expanding access to health care and addressing the everyday factors that shape people’s well‑being, like nutritious food and stable housing.

In 2025, the Hometown Fund awarded $2 million in general operating support grants – $1 million to 20 organizations in Greater Hartford and another $1 million to 20 organizations across Rhode Island. These investments continued our commitment to improving local health and strengthening community support systems, bringing the amount of Hometown Fund grants awarded since 2022 to $8 million. 

Hometown Fund grant

The CVS Health Foundation’s Hometown Fund was created to support local nonprofits across Hartford, Connecticut, and the state of Rhode Island – places where our CVS Health teams live, work and care deeply about community health. Through this fund, we support organizations that are making a real difference by expanding access to health care and addressing the everyday factors that shape people’s well‑being, like nutritious food and stable housing.

In 2025, the Hometown Fund awarded $2 million in general operating support grants – $1 million to 20 organizations in Greater Hartford and another $1 million to 20 organizations across Rhode Island. These investments continued our commitment to improving local health and strengthening community support systems, bringing the amount of Hometown Fund grants awarded since 2022 to $8 million. 

The RIF: Miss Swinburne Fund Grant, established by Miss Elizabeth Swinburne, supports nonprofit organizations that promote the self-sufficiency of girls and women in Newport County, Rhode Island. Created to honor Miss Swinburne's legacy, the fund offers annual awards for programs providing educational opportunities, such as certificates and degrees. Organizations can apply without restrictions from other funds, ensuring a broad support network for women's empowerment in the community.

The RIC Foundation's Catalyst Grants program aims to support innovative initiatives that catalyze change in Rhode Island. By prioritizing collaborations among organizations, the program addresses essential community priorities while emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Grants are available to state and local governments, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations, focusing on systemic inequities. Applications are accepted annually, with a single grant awarded per cycle, fostering impactful partnerships for lasting progress.

The RIF: Joseph O'Neill Ott Fund Grants support the preservation of historical documents in Rhode Island, with grants ranging from $250 to $750. Established through a bequest in 1994, this fund focuses on conserving manuscripts and records created before 1900. Eligible applicants include historical societies from smaller cities and towns in Rhode Island. Proposals that address long-term storage and preservation efforts are particularly favored, ensuring that vital historical evidence is maintained for future generations.

The Emma G. Harris Foundation Grant supports established vocational and job training programs for youth aged 14 to 24 in Rhode Island. Applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry certified by the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Grants typically last one year and are aimed at nonprofit organizations that focus on job skills training rather than general education, excluding startup programs and capital projects.

The Grant Sherburne Fund, established in 1888, supports nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island focused on basic human needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare for underserved populations. The fund encourages proposals for operating and program support that align with its mission, while small capital expenses may be included. However, educational programs and support for startups are generally not funded. The grant aims to strengthen the nonprofit sector and enhance community well-being.

The Rhode Island Community Foundation's Neighborhood Grants program fosters community engagement by providing funding of $1,000 to $10,000 for resident-led projects. It aims to strengthen social networks, enhance collaboration, and celebrate local traditions, ultimately creating vibrant neighborhoods. Open to nonprofits, public agencies, and volunteer-led groups, the program encourages initiatives that deliver visible results within 12 months while leveraging community resources for lasting impact.