Best Grants for K-12 Schools in Rhode Island

Public and charter K–12 schools near Greenwich, Rhode Island offering or planning at least one PLTW Biomedical Science course in 2026–2027 can apply for Project Lead The Way’s ON Semiconductor Foundation expansion grants, awarding US $10,000 for program costs. Funds may cover PLTW fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training travel.

Rhode Island public and charter high schools near Greenwich that want to start a PLTW Biomedical Science course can receive US $20,000 in implementation support. Focused on K-12 STEM education, Project Lead the Way and the ON Semiconductor Foundation fund PLTW fees, required equipment, devices, supplies, and teacher core training costs.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and K-12 students in Rhode Island and nearby Bristol and Plymouth counties can seek funding for direct-benefit programs such as snacks and meals, playground equipment, computers, arts, and after-school activities. With a mission to aid children’s welfare, Billy Andrade Brad Faxon Charities for Children supports 501(c)(3) initiatives for youth up to age 18.

K-12 schools, libraries, colleges, universities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Rhode Island can receive up to US $10,000 to support comprehensive family literacy programs. Dollar General Literacy Foundation funds projects within 15 miles of its stores that combine adult education, children’s education, and parent-child together time, benefiting school-age learners and their families.

Middle and high school science educators improving chemical safety in K-12 classrooms in Rhode Island can request up to US $3,000 for lab safety initiatives. American Chemical Society supports curriculum integration of safety, professional development, and infrastructure upgrades for U.S. and territory schools using or managing chemicals.

Full-time preK–12 classroom teachers planning to return to Rhode Island schools can design their own professional learning fellowships to strengthen K–12 instruction and student achievement. With a mission to empower educators, Fund For Teachers provides U.S. teachers with support for individualized growth experiences they can bring back to their students and school communities.

K-12 teachers and educators in Rhode Island can seek funding for insect-focused classroom projects and programs, including supplies, services, travel, and educator compensation. The Entomological Society of America supports hands-on insect science education through the Chrysalis Fund, offering micro, regular, and large grants up to US $2,500 for projects directly serving K-12 students.

Rhode Island K-12 education programs focused on agricultural literacy can access funding through state or county Farm Bureaus via the American Farm Bureau Federation’s White-Reinhardt Grant. Eligible Farm Bureaus nationwide may receive up to US $1,000 to start or expand repeat-use agricultural education projects for grades K-12.

Rhode Island K-12 schools and education partners can seek funding to develop innovative STEM and biomedical science education programs for pre-K through grade 12 students. Through the NIH Science Education Partnership Award, projects may include classroom curricula, teacher support, or informal learning in after-school programs and libraries, with emphasis on quantitative and computational skill-building.

K-12 educators seeking agricultural literacy materials in Rhode Island and nationwide can receive US $100 in store credit to purchase resources from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture store. With a mission to support agricultural education, American Farm Bureau provides classroom teachers with accurate, standards-aligned ag literacy resources for their students.

Nonprofit organizations providing K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations can apply for approximately US $77,000 from the Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund to support year-round, direct-service programming. With a mission to advance charitable and educational purposes, this fund primarily serves select regions, which may include Rhode Island-focused partners working in eligible communities.

Rhode Island K-12 education organizations on Aquidneck Island serving under-resourced students can access funding through the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust for data-driven literacy, academic, and youth workforce development programs. First-time grants up to US $25,000 generally support program costs for initiatives that improve reading, writing, high school completion, and post-secondary success.

Rhode Island higher-education faculty who mentor future K–12 educators can access recognition through the Mentor of the Year Award, honoring exemplary academic and professional guidance. Society of Health and Physical Educators highlights role models who involve students in professional opportunities, support student organizations, and promote high standards in health, physical education, and related fields.

K-12 schools and youth music programs in Rhode Island can access support for bluegrass-focused music education through the IBMA Foundation’s Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund. The fund is used flexibly where needed most to help young people age 21 and under experience and learn to play bluegrass music.

K-12 education nonprofits and school-supporting organizations in Rhode Island working on youth learning, workforce development, or basic needs may be eligible for this community grant. Grants from OneAmerica Financial help programs nationwide, with emphasis on communities like Indianapolis and Maine, that improve academic outcomes, financial literacy, food security, and housing stability.

K-12 health and physical education professionals planning projects for girls’ and women’s sports can apply for the NAGWS Legacy Award, a US $1,000 national award supporting research, programs, or professional development. Society of Health and Physical Educators members in Rhode Island may be eligible if their proposals expand opportunities for girls and women in sport.

Health and physical education professionals advancing measurement and evaluation, including those connected to K-12 settings in Rhode Island, may be eligible for this national lifetime achievement recognition. With a mission to advance professional practice, Society of Health and Physical Educators honors a SHAPE America member whose career demonstrates substantial, influential scholarly work in this field.

With a mission to advance health and physical education, Society of Health and Physical Educators provides U.S. K-12 professionals with the Measurement and Evaluation Honor Award. Current SHAPE America members in the Measurement and Evaluation SIG who have significantly advanced its mission may be nominated, which can include Rhode Island school-based health and PE educators.

The Principal Student Support Services Grant, offered by the School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network, aims to enhance mental health support for students in grades 6-12 at under-resourced public schools. With funding available for hiring mental health professionals and performance-based awards, this initiative addresses critical challenges like chronic absenteeism and behavioral issues. By providing targeted interventions, the grant seeks to improve academic performance and overall well-being among students facing mental health crises.

The NewSchools Learning Differences Grant Program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students who learn differently, particularly those affected by poverty and racism. The program invests in innovative solutions and models that support personalized education for these students, ensuring they have access to quality instruction and belonging within school communities. With a focus on equity, it seeks ideas that align with its core investment areas and addresses the needs of marginalized learners.

The All Kids Play: Youth Sports Grant aims to support families and community-based organizations in low-income areas, ensuring access to recreational sports for children in grades K-12. This grant assists those who struggle to afford youth sports, providing essential funding on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible organizations must demonstrate budget constraints and operate in areas with high low-income student percentages, promoting inclusivity in youth sports participation.

The Major Construction and Landscape Grants offered by the Van Beuren Charitable Foundation support impactful projects that enhance community vitality in Aquidneck Island and Newport County. These grants focus on three key areas: ensuring children have a strong educational start, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering regional economic growth. By encouraging innovative proposals that align with these priorities, the foundation aims to strengthen organizations and improve the quality of life for residents, making communities more vibrant and resilient.

The Major Construction and Landscape Grants - Design Grants support nonprofit organizations and public institutions in planning significant construction and landscape projects. The grants focus on three key areas: Strong Starts for children, Healthy Lifestyles for community members, and Community Prosperity through regional economic growth. By investing in innovative and collaborative approaches, the program aims to enhance the quality of life in Aquidneck Island and Newport County while providing a framework for successful project execution.

The Van Beuren Foundation offers planning grants for major construction and landscape projects, focusing on community impact, particularly in Aquidneck Island and Newport County. These grants help organizations assess project feasibility, engage stakeholders, and define project requirements. The Foundation encourages innovative proposals that align with its priorities in education, health, economic growth, and community infrastructure. The application process is rolling, and first-time applicants are advised to schedule a call with a Program Assistant.

The Van Beuren Foundation offers Capacity Grants to nonprofit organizations and public institutions, focusing on initiatives that enhance community impact. These grants, capped at $10,000, aim to strengthen organizational capacities through board development, leadership coaching, and strategic planning. While centered on Aquidneck Island, proposals from outside the region are encouraged if they benefit local communities. The foundation prioritizes innovative, collaborative approaches that address education, health, and economic development challenges.

The Spotlight Fund Grants, specifically the STEM Fund, provide essential funding for K-12 educators to enhance their curriculum with necessary tools and materials for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education. Aimed at supporting under-served communities, these grants typically range from $500 to $1,000 per educator, with a cap of $5,000 per school. Priority is given to educators from high-needs schools, ensuring equitable access to quality STEM education.

The Spotlight Fund Grants aim to enhance racial equity in K-12 education by providing flexible funding to BIPOC educators. With grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, these funds are essential for sourcing tools and materials that support diverse student needs. As schools face budget cuts exacerbated by COVID-19, this initiative focuses on proven strategies that foster an inclusive learning environment for students of color, ensuring they have equal opportunities to thrive.