Best Grants for Preschools in Rhode Island

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

The General Operating Support for Artists program offers unrestricted grants of $6,000 annually for three years to three artists in Rhode Island, allowing them to pursue significant self-identified artistic goals. This initiative fosters a supportive community with learning opportunities tailored to grantees' needs. Eligibility includes being 18 or older, a practicing artist, and a legal resident of the U.S. with a tax ID. Importantly, capital projects and fundraising expenses are not covered.

Rockland Trust Event Sponsorships aim to enhance community engagement by providing funding for specific events organized by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Priorities include support for galas, cultural performances, and community events within designated areas. Eligible organizations must demonstrate compliance with IRS requirements and submit necessary documentation. This program underscores Rockland Trust's commitment to fostering opportunities and improving the quality of life for individuals and families in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The Folk and Traditional Arts Fellowships, offered by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, support exceptional folk artists demonstrating outstanding skill in their craft. Each year, two fellowships are awarded: one for $7,000 and another for $3,000. These fellowships recognize artistic practices that are community or family-based, showcasing the aesthetic heritage and traditions of their respective communities, thus promoting cultural preservation.

The Artist Open Studio Tour Grants provide funding to support marketing and administration for artist-initiated studio tours in Rhode Island. These tours feature multiple artists in one or several nearby studio buildings and are open to the public. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the annual grant funds are exhausted, allowing communities of artists to collaborate and engage the public in their artistic endeavors.

The Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant supports dairy farmers in enhancing their operations for sustainable success. This funding aids in modernizing outdated systems and implementing innovative solutions that improve farm viability, milk quality, and worker conditions while addressing climate impacts. Eligible applicants include dairy farmers, cooperatives, and service providers across Northeast states. Awards range from $15,000 to $100,000, requiring a 25% match contribution.

The Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeships program supports the transmission of traditional artistic skills between mentors and apprentices from shared cultural backgrounds. With awards up to $7,000, it fosters cultural heritage through hands-on learning experiences. This initiative is aimed at preserving folk art practices and ensuring they continue to thrive in communities.

The IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in underfunded states by fostering collaborations among research institutions. By supporting faculty research, mentoring, and student involvement, INBREs create pathways for undergraduate students to enter biomedical careers. This initiative not only promotes institutional partnerships but also strengthens research infrastructure, ultimately contributing to a more robust scientific community in IDeA states.

The Big Yellow School Bus Grant, offered by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, provides funding to support in-person field trips for Rhode Island schools. Grants of up to $500 are available to facilitate arts and cultural experiences. Schools can apply starting September 1 for the 2025-26 school year. Eligible organizations include schools and affiliated non-profits, with a maximum of two grants awarded per school each year.

The Rhode Island Council for the Humanities is launching the FY26 THRIVE Grant Program, which offers 20 grants of $5,000 each to small cultural heritage organizations and local historical societies in Rhode Island. This program aims to support organizations that enhance community engagement and preserve local history. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit entities located in Rhode Island, with a focus on serving local residents. Applications will be assessed based on eligibility and alignment with funding priorities.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Rhode Island

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program

The VFA program is funded through the US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS). The objective of the VFA program is to improve the capacity and capability of fire departments in rural areas and rural communities to prevent and suppress wildfires. (A rural community is defined as having 10,000 or less population.)

The Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation Grant supports educational and leadership initiatives focused on agriculture within the Northeastern United States. Established as a private foundation, it provides funding to 501(c)(3) organizations that promote agricultural leadership, enhance understanding of food production, and improve farmers' quality of life. The Foundation prioritizes programs that educate youth about agriculture and promote farm safety awareness. Grants are primarily directed towards statewide or larger projects that align with these objectives.

About Us

We’re on a mission to help you achieve yours.

At Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, we understand that each business requires different kinds of support at different times. Our team of Business Engagement Specialists are here to assist your business in navigating any obstacles you may face. Whether you are considering launching a startup, seeking to expand your existing company or looking for assistance with red tape reduction, Rhode Island Commerce’s mission is to help you achieve your goals. We offer business assistance, access to funding and red tape reduction for companies of all sizes.

As a quasi-public agency, we serve as a government and community resource to help businesses expand in, and relocate to, Rhode Island. Our Specialists work with Rhode Island businesses in all industries and at all stages. 

Renewable Energy Fund

About REF

The Rhode Island Commerce Renewable Energy Fund (REF) supports the growth of renewable energy across Rhode Island, helping businesses and communities access cost-effective, sustainable energy solutions.

REF provides renewable energy grants for projects that generate cleaner electricity while supporting job growth in the green technology and energy sectors. Funded through the system benefit charge on electric bills and alternative compliance payments from electricity providers, REF invests in Small Scale solar, Commercial Scale, and Community Renewable energy projects throughout Rhode Island.

The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (RI Commerce) and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) seeks to fund solar PV on Brownfield locations. All projects must be in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for the Renewable Energy Fund Development Program.

The Coby Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, focusing on innovative projects related to textiles and fashion. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of inquiry with a project description and budget at least nine months prior to the project start. The foundation seeks exhibitions, public programs, and publications that enhance understanding of textile arts, while promoting underrepresented artists and cultures.

The New England Food Vision Prize aims to enhance local food supply chains in New England's educational institutions by awarding up to $1.5 million. The program supports innovative projects that increase the amount of regionally produced food served to K-12 and college students. By fostering collaboration among schools, farmers, and community organizations, the Prize strengthens food systems while prioritizing access for students and communities with limited fresh food options.

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) serves as the chief steward of the state’s natural resources – from beautiful Narragansett Bay to our local waters and green spaces to the air we breathe. Our mission put simply is to protect, restore, and promote our environment to ensure Rhode Island remains a wonderful place to live, visit, and raise a family. 

Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI)

The purpose of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) is to develop and administer state-coordinated initiatives to build resilience across the middle of the State’s food supply chain for food crops. Funds will support expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy, grains for consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry. DEM will work in partnership with USDA to make competitive sub-award investments in middle of the supply chain infrastructure (Infrastructure Grants) to domestic food and farm businesses and other eligible entities.

Cost Share or Match Required

Infrastructure Grant Recipients are required to contribute 50% of the total proposed project cost as a match to federal funding. This applies to all applicants except those who qualify for the reduced match described below.  

For historically under-served farmers and ranchers, or for other businesses that qualify under SBA categories of Small disadvantaged business, women-owned small business, or veteran-owned small business, the required match funding Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant (RFSI) contribution or cost share is reduced to 25% of the project cost. 

What Can I Use the Funding for?

RFSI will focus on funding Infrastructure Grant activities in each State that:

• Expand capacity for processing, aggregation and distribution of agricultural products to create more and better markets for producers;
• Modernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems;
• Enhance worker safety through adoption of new technologies or investment in equipment or facility improvements;
• Improve the capacity of entities to comply with federal, state, and local food safety requirements;
• Improve operations through training opportunities;
• Support construction of a new facility;
• Modernize or expand an existing facility (including expansion and modifications to existing buildings and/ or construction of new buildings at existing facilities);
• Construction of wastewater management structures, etc.;
• Modernize processing and manufacturing equipment; and
• Develop, customize, or install equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases efficiency in water use, improves air and/or water quality, and/or meets one or more of USDA’s climate action goals.

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.

About OLIS

The Office of Library and Information Services strengthens, connects and empowers libraries to advance knowledge, connect communities and enrich the lives of all Rhode Islanders.

The mission of the Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) is based on the fundamental vision that Rhode Island libraries inspire and transform lives. OLIS provides services and programs for all types of libraries, including public, academic, school and special libraries. These services support and strengthen library and information services in the state to ensure that all Rhode Islanders have free and convenient access to library and information resources and services.

LORI Summer Reading Program Mini-Grants

The Office of Library & Information Services offers subgrants of its Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant to support the overall purposes of LSTA and the priorities of the OLIS Five-Year Plan. The Library of Rhode Island (LORI) Grant Program provides opportunities for libraries, library consortia, or library-serving organizations to execute forward-looking projects that support the advancement of library services in Rhode Island and support the OLIS priorities of Access, Learning, and Engagement. OLIS also administered subgrants for COVID Stimulus Funds.

Library of Rhode Island (LORI) Project Grants provide opportunities for libraries, library consortia, or library-serving organizations to execute forward-looking projects that support the advancement of library services in Rhode Island. Libraries or organizations are encouraged to submit proposals that expand access to library materials and services, expand learning opportunities or promote literacy, expand or advance the use of library services or the role of the library in the community, or create more inclusive or accessible library services to all members of the community. Partnerships with community-serving organizations are strongly encouraged. Visit the 2026 LORI Mini Grants page to learn more about opportunities for smaller projects.

Funds

Grant applications will be accepted for projects from $10,000 to $27,500. No matching funds are required.

The Edward J. and Virginia M. Routhier Nursing Scholarship, offered by the Rhode Island Community Foundation, supports licensed RNs pursuing baccalaureate or graduate degrees in nursing. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and can reapply if they were past recipients. Award amounts range from $500 to $10,000, and a single application covers multiple nursing funds, providing accessibility for qualified candidates in Rhode Island.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants focus on underutilization of crop insurance projects to enhance agricultural producers' economic viability. This initiative, backed by the Northeast ERME Center and others, provides funding to deliver education in various risk management areas. Grants up to $100,000 are available for projects running from April 2026 to September 2027, with plans to support 7-10 new projects based on quality applications and funding availability.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants: Exploratory Projects aim to enhance agricultural producers' economic viability through innovative risk management education. Funded by the University of Delaware, these grants offer up to $10,000 for projects that address emerging risk topics or support producer workshops. With an 18-month duration from April 2026 to September 2027, this initiative encourages the development of new educational approaches to better serve the needs of farmers and ranchers.

The Extension Risk Management Education (ERME) Competitive Grants program aims to enhance the economic viability of agricultural producers through targeted risk management education. Funded by the University of Delaware, this initiative offers grants of up to $75,000 for projects addressing production, marketing, financial, legal, or human risks. The grants are expected to support 12-15 new projects over an 18-month duration, from April 2026 to September 2027, subject to funding availability and application quality.

The RI Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) provides essential support for private landowners and Indian tribes to restore and protect wetlands. This program enhances habitats for wildlife, improves water quality, and offers financial assistance for easement purchases. Eligible participants can apply for permanent, 30-year easements, or contracts for Indian tribe-owned land, ensuring sustainable land management practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.

The RI Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) to protect the agricultural viability of eligible lands. This program supports private and tribal landowners by limiting non-agricultural land uses, thus preserving croplands and grasslands. NRCS funding assists in purchasing these easements, ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability. The program also enhances public benefits like wildlife habitat and environmental quality, making it vital for maintaining the nation's food supply.

The RI Regional Conservation Partnership Grant Program enhances collaboration between NRCS and various partners to provide conservation support to producers and landowners. This initiative integrates four previous conservation programs and prioritizes energy efficiency, fish and wildlife habitat, plant health, soil health, and water quality and quantity. Eligible participants include agricultural producers and landowners who can access assistance through partnership agreements or in designated conservation areas.

The AgEnhancement Grant, awarded by Farm Credit East and CoBank, provides funding between $500 to $10,000 annually to support projects that enhance agriculture, commercial fishing, and forest products in the Northeast. Since 1996, over $3.5 million has been distributed to various organizations. The program seeks initiatives that promote diversity and provide opportunities for all-sized farms, ensuring long-term benefits to the community and industry.