Best Grants for Education Nonprofits in Rhode Island

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public institutions in Rhode Island can seek Amgen Foundation support for science education and community-strengthening programs. The foundation prioritizes teacher professional development, hands-on, technology-enhanced science learning, and civic engagement initiatives in communities where Amgen operates; most grants are by invitation, with limited unsolicited requests reviewed twice yearly.

Education and community-focused nonprofits and public entities in Rhode Island can seek funding for humanitarian, social, education, and community programs that serve local residents. With a mission to support community-focused initiatives, Amgen Foundation provides non-healthcare donations and sponsorships to eligible 501(c)(3) charities and qualifying governmental or Puerto Rico tax-exempt organizations across the U.S.

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.

Nonprofit and community-based groups in Rhode Island and other Northeast states can seek reimbursement-based funding to advance social science research and education that strengthen farming and food systems. Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education supports projects on marketing, production, climate, and community sustainability that may benefit education-focused organizations working with agricultural communities. Awards range from US $50,000 - US $250,000.

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.

Nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions supporting rural microentrepreneurs in Rhode Island can access USDA’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program to capitalize microloan revolving funds and provide training and technical assistance, with awards up to US $500,000. Education-focused organizations offering entrepreneurship training or small business support in rural areas may be eligible.

Eligible 501(c)(3) entities, government agencies, and state-recognized nonprofits in Rhode Island can seek NRA Foundation grants of US $3,000 - US $5,000 to support charitable firearms and shooting sports education and safety programs. Grants may benefit education-focused organizations offering firearms safety, marksmanship, or related instructional activities for youth or the general public.

Rhode Island tax-exempt organizations operating accredited camps can seek funding to provide financial assistance for children who could not otherwise afford summer camp. With a mission to strengthen communities, The Champlin Foundation provides education-focused and youth-serving nonprofits with campership support through an online portal open September 1 to October 15, with awards distributed by mid-January.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering wellness, nutrition education, and diabetes or obesity prevention programs can apply for Chartercare Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $25,000. Focus is on structured programs that identify, treat, and track outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged populations, which may include school- or community-based health education initiatives.

Educational 501(c)(3) organizations and other eligible public or tribal entities in Rhode Island focused on college readiness, access, and completion can apply for Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation support. Funding backs New England programs helping underserved and under-represented students enter and complete 2- or 4-year post-secondary credentials, including research and select preK–12 reform efforts.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups advancing gender equity for womxn and girls can seek funding for healthcare access, economic security, civic voice, safety, and leadership initiatives in Rhode Island and other eligible coastal areas. Island Foundation prioritizes innovative, community-based, womxn- and girls-led efforts, including intergenerational collaborations and systems-change work that addresses root causes of inequality.

Education nonprofits running experiential, after-school, or alternative education programs in Rhode Island can seek funding for general operations or specific projects. Island Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations, with interest in hands-on marine education, maritime trades, community service, and programs expanding access and opportunity for at-risk youth.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on marine, coastal, or environmental conservation can seek general operating or project funding to advance this work. With a mission to protect coastal and working landscapes, Island Foundation provides support for initiatives like climate resilience, sustainable fisheries and agriculture, environmental justice, and capacity-building for local conservation organizations.

Nonprofit organizations, school districts, higher education institutions, government units, and Tribes in Rhode Island can apply for ServeRI’s AmeriCorps State and National Rhode Island Grants to create or expand community service programs using AmeriCorps members. Education-focused nonprofits may benefit by designing service roles that address learning needs while supporting members’ pathways to careers or post-secondary education.

Rhode Island-based nonprofit organizations seeking capital support for education-related facilities, equipment, or real estate can apply for challenge grants that leverage matching donations. With a mission to strengthen capital projects, The Champlin Foundation provides funding for classroom innovation, school infrastructure, and other educational spaces across the state, alongside its broader support for youth, libraries, and social services.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning capital projects can seek funding for equipment purchases, tangible property, construction, renovations, or real estate through the Champlin Foundation. Education-focused organizations, including higher education and high schools, may be eligible if their missions align with the foundation’s nine focus areas and they demonstrate capacity, equity, and project feasibility.

Rhode Island pre-K–12 schools and 501(c)(3) education nonprofits can access funding for arts education projects through the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, with awards up to US $7,000. Grants support experiential, sequential arts learning led by teaching artists in ADA-compliant settings, including in-school and community-based education programs across the state.

Rhode Island nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups can receive up to US $6,000 to produce discrete arts and culture projects that engage local communities. With a mission to strengthen cultural life, Rhode Island State Council on the Arts provides Rhode Island education and community-focused organizations with support for project production, presentation, marketing, and accessibility, especially for historically marginalized residents.

Nonprofit organizations supporting the self-sufficiency and independence of girls and women in Newport County, Rhode Island can receive annual awards for scholarships and charitable programs. Grants from The Rhode Island Community Foundation encourage programs that offer certificates, degrees, or formal credentials, and may benefit education-focused nonprofits working with women and girls in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island education nonprofits running established vocational or job-skills courses for youth and young adults ages 14 to 24 can access funding through the Emma G. Harris Foundation. Eligible programs provide technical, industrial, household, or domestic training focused on preparing young people for work outside the home; most grants are one year in duration.

Rural public entities, nonprofits, higher education institutions, tribes, and cooperatives in Rhode Island can obtain funding to provide technical assistance and support for small rural businesses. With a mission to strengthen rural economies, USDA Rural Development offers US $10,000 - US $500,000 for training, infrastructure, business incubators, and community or technology-based economic development that may involve education-related activities.

Nonprofits, government units, and fiscally sponsored groups serving LGBTQ communities in Rhode Island can seek project and capacity-building support, with awards from US $2,500 - US $10,000. The Rhode Island Community Foundation’s Equity Action program funds advocacy, community education, and organizational development, which may benefit education-focused organizations working with LGBTQ Rhode Islanders.

Nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island providing basic human needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare to underserved residents can seek operating or program support, including small capital expenses. With a mission to strengthen community health and human services, Uw Urania C Sherburne supports access to primary care and health education, which may benefit education-focused nonprofits with aligned basic-needs programming.

Rhode Island arts and culture nonprofits and culturally specific organizations can apply for the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts’ General Operating Support for Organizations program, with awards of US $3,000 - US $40,000 for unrestricted operating expenses. Eligible Rhode Island entities with strong arts programming and education-related activities may benefit from this multi-year support.