Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public institutions in Rhode Island can apply for Amgen Foundation grants to support STEM education and community-strengthening programs. Local initiatives using educational technology, hands-on science experiences, teacher professional development, or civic engagement in areas where Amgen operates may be considered; most awards are by invitation, with limited unsolicited reviews twice yearly.

Nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island that are 501(c)(3)s and run programs for children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for monetary support. Grants from Costco Foundation help small nonprofits address community needs where Costco operates. Applicants should demonstrate measurable outcomes, community collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Charitable organizations running humanitarian, education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects in Rhode Island may be eligible for philanthropic support via Roche. Focused on impactful, sustainable initiatives managed by accredited charities, Roche invites high-quality projects that can engage its expertise, logistics, and employees alongside local partners and authorities.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits and community organizations can access funding through Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation to support basic needs and community programs, including food pantries, rental or utility assistance, clothing, and education-related activities. Grants of approximately US $2,500 are available to organizations providing vital services and community support in the state.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Rhode Island nonprofits providing basic human needs like food, shelter, and healthcare can access funding through Uw Urania C Sherburne for general operating, program support, and small program-related capital expenses. Organizations serving underserved populations, including those improving access to primary care and community health education, may be especially competitive for this small-grant opportunity.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $1 million can access funding for children, education, animals, environment, humanitarian aid, and arts and culture projects. Through the Hansen Family Foundation, eligible U.S.-based organizations worldwide may receive US $1,000 - US $10,000 in support, including groups serving Rhode Island communities that reflect its mission and cost guidelines.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Rhode Island and across the U.S. can seek the J.W. Couch Foundation Storytelling Grant to fund projects that communicate their community impact. Focused on preservation, education, and wellness programs, this opportunity supports professional-quality storytelling efforts, with awards of more than US $50,000 available for eligible applicants.

Nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions supporting rural microentrepreneurs in Rhode Island can access grants and loans up to US $500,000 to capitalize revolving loan funds and provide training. Grants from USDA help eligible Microenterprise Development Organizations serve rural areas under 50,000 residents with working capital, equipment, real estate improvements, and technical assistance.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services or fundraising events can apply for grants or event sponsorships; funding is limited to charities serving communities where Insperity employees live and work. With a mission to strengthen community involvement, Insperity provides philanthropic grants and sponsorships once per year to eligible organizations.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Educational organizations and eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Rhode Island and across New England can seek support for programs that prepare underserved students to access and complete 2- or 4-year college. The Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation funds college readiness, access, and success initiatives, including research and some scholarships embedded in broader support services.

IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 for programs such as museums, cultural and performing arts, education, health facilities, community services, and environmental or wildlife protection. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation favors projects where modest grants create significant impact for youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and local communities.

Small Rhode Island cultural heritage nonprofits and local historical or preservation societies can receive up to US $5,000 in general operating support to cover organizational expenses. Focused on community heritage and historic preservation, the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities’ THRIVE Program supports organizations with annual income of $150,000 or less whose leadership reflects the communities they serve.

Nonprofits and other entities operating food processing, aggregation, or distribution in Rhode Island can use this program to expand and modernize middle-of-the-supply-chain infrastructure. The State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, partnering with USDA, funds projects improving capacity, safety, technology, facilities, and climate-friendly equipment for locally and regionally produced food products.

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.

Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help Rhode Island nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations fund one-year projects in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural programs, and environmental initiatives, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000. U.S.-based applicants are prioritized, and only one application per organization is accepted each grant year.

Nonprofit 501(c) organizations and municipal departments in Rhode Island’s Newport County can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 to develop new programs, expand services, or support community planning and advocacy. Grants from Rhode Island Community Foundation help Rhode Island small nonprofits with strategic, short-term project support in the six cities and towns of Newport County.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Rhode Island working on economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S.-based community-focused charities in O’Reilly Auto Parts service areas strengthen quality of life for underserved individuals and families.

Rhode Island nonprofits supporting youth education, basic needs, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards program. Eligible 501(c)()(3) organizations and equivalent charities may receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs serving underserved young people and their families, including leadership development, hunger relief, community services, and community gardens.

Nonprofit corporations, rural public entities, higher education institutions, tribes, and rural cooperatives in Rhode Island can use these grants for rural business development, including training, technical assistance, and community economic development projects. Focused on rural development, USDA Rural Development invites eligible applicants to request US $10,000 - US $500,000 for projects benefiting small rural businesses.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit organizations addressing poverty, disability, social exclusion, or disaster relief in Rhode Island and other eligible countries can seek support to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. With a mission to empower disadvantaged individuals, Gupta Family Foundation provides small to large grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000 for focused, non-sectarian human and social services work.