Best Grants for International Development in Rhode Island

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public institutions in Rhode Island can apply for Amgen Foundation support to strengthen science education and community programs. Amgen Foundation provides Rhode Island STEM and community services groups with funding for scalable, replicable initiatives, especially those using educational technology and hands-on science, with most grants made by invitation and limited unsolicited reviews each March and September.

Focused on community well-being, Amica Companies Foundation invites Rhode Island 501(c)(3) organizations to seek funding for programs that build economic independence and strong communities. Eligible projects include basic needs, community development, education, health, arts and culture, and civic affairs, which may benefit organizations engaged in international development-related work locally.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare can seek funding for programs in Rhode Island and worldwide. The Dan Paul Foundation supports child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, environmental education, and related youth initiatives, offering grants up to US $15,000 per calendar year.

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.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology to advance crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, including work reaching Rhode Island. Awards up to US $100,000 support innovative, early-stage programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with a focus on scalable, tech-enabled international development solutions.

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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in health, education, or community services, including those in Rhode Island, can apply for Labcorp Charitable Foundation grants to support equitable care and education. Funding may assist food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programs, and healthy lifestyle initiatives, which can include international development-related efforts.

Rhode Island international development organizations working on education, health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children and youth can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; awards are more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible applicants must meet the foundation’s focus areas and operate in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

Nonprofit and governmental organizations running humanitarian, social, education, or community programs in Rhode Island or nationwide U.S. can seek support for charitable initiatives; awards are for non-healthcare donations and sponsorships. With a mission to strengthen communities, Amgen Foundation provides eligible organizations with funding for charitable programs and fundraising events.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, or disaster relief can seek support for marginalized communities worldwide, including Rhode Island-based groups with international programs. Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for initiatives such as healthcare access, women and children’s health, disaster relief, literacy, and social services in countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the U.S.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven causes in Rhode Island and across the U.S. may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial support. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, arts education, and community revitalization, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise volunteers or located near key employee centers.

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 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.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits with well-defined projects to improve marine safety or ocean environments can apply for Bonnell Cove Foundation support, with awards up to US $10,000. Grants from Bonnell Cove Foundation help organizations across North America, including Rhode Island, fund specific initiatives in safety at sea, marine conservation, and responsible recreational boating.

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.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $1 million can access funding for children, education, humanitarian aid, and related programs that support life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Hansen Family Foundation offers US $1,000 - US $10,000 to U.S.-based organizations, including those working on international development and basic human needs abroad.

Wildlife conservation 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Rhode Island seeking to share their impact stories can apply for the Storytelling Grant, which offers more than US $50,000 to support mission-driven storytelling projects. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds organizations working in areas like environmental conservation, education, wellness, and preservation across the U.S., including Rhode Island-based international development efforts.

Creative Aging Grant

The Creative Aging Grant for organizations supports sequential arts instruction for adults, 55 years and older. Organizations may apply for up to $7,000 to support a series of creative activities designed for older adults led by experienced teaching artists. RISCA defines “sequential arts instruction” for older adults as a multi-session engagement with a consistent group who are actively learning artistic skills. 

For this initiative, the emphasis is on a learning model.

Program Goals and Priorities

• Respects the high capabilities of adults 55 years and older by challenging them to develop artistic skills.
• Offers sequential arts instruction in a sustained and organized manner. ​
• Deepens social engagement.​
• Employs teaching artists trained to understand the effects of aging and their significance ​for the design and delivery of arts programs for older adults.​

The funding for the Creative Aging, Creative Futures grant program is made possible through a partnership with E.A. Michelson Philanthropy and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA). Designed to meet the needs of older adult populations through arts and creativity, the program's primary purpose is to help state arts agencies deliver more high-quality arts learning experiences to these adults by expanding point-of-service delivery.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in Rhode Island can receive up to US $6,000 to produce discrete arts and culture projects that engage local communities. With a mission to strengthen statewide cultural life, Rhode Island State Council on the Arts supports festivals, performances, exhibitions, classes, and related marketing and accessibility efforts; programs serving historically marginalized communities are especially encouraged.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Rhode Island working on youth education, family services, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs serving underserved youth and their families, including international development components, may be competitive.

Fall 2026 Early Childhood Education Funding Cycle

Overall Early Childhood Education Program Blueprint

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program supports efforts to improve access to high-quality early care and education for young children (birth to five), especially those from low-income families. We do this by investing in strategies that strengthen, support, and retain a high-quality, thriving early educator workforce.

The Foundation has a history of supporting professional development (PD) and learning systems through its Provider strategy (). We believe strong professional development systems are essential for building a skilled early childhood workforce and creating positive learning environments for young children.

The Fall 2026 funding cycle is available for organizations that align with this Provider strategy.

Funding Opportunity

This funding opportunity will provide up to $750,000 to support early childhood education providers in strengthening existing professional development (PD) systems. Funding is intended to improve a specific area of an established PD system—not to build a brand-new system from scratch or put the foundational elements in place.

What kind of improvements can funding support?

Organizations should focus their projects on strengthening their professional development systems. The Stranahan Foundation defines a strong professional development system as one that includes:

• Connect learning opportunities that build on one another over time.
• Use adult learning best practices.
• Align staff learning to educator competencies, credentials, career growth, or compensation.
• Provide learning experiences that are individualized, scaffolded, and responsive to educators’ needs, experience, and goals.
• Have dedicated leadership and organizational capacity to support ongoing implementation.

• Gather regular feedback from staff and families.
• Use standardized assessment and evaluation tools to understand what is working and where improvements are needed.
• Make ongoing improvements based on what is learned.
• Support reflective practice, peer learning, and collaborative inquiry among educators.

• Offer both individual and group learning opportunities, such as training, professional learning communities, coaching, and mentoring.
• Provide learning opportunities on an ongoing basis rather than in a one-and-done situation.
• Connect internal and external learning opportunities to make the best use of available resources.
• Support classroom implementation through observation, modeling, feedback, and continuous improvement cycles.

• Provide learning experiences that are practical, relevant, and easy to apply in daily work.
• Include fundamental topics such as family engagement, effective instruction, developmentally appropriate practice, and classroom management.
• Align with established standards, research, and effective practices in the early childhood field.
• Equip educators to support all learners, including multilingual learners, children with disabilities, and children impacted by trauma or adverse experiences.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) public charities serving primarily low-to-moderate income residents can obtain funding for affordable housing, youth development, financial education, and small business support programs. Grants from Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation help organizations provide shelter, prevent homelessness, expand educational and mentoring programs, build workforce skills, and deliver financial literacy services that may benefit internationally focused community development efforts.

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.