Best Providence Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

Nonprofit youth-serving organizations in Providence, Rhode Island offering workforce preparation, internships, or career/college readiness programs can apply for the State of Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training’s Real Skills for Youth initiative. Funding supports partnerships that deliver high-quality work-based learning, career exploration, and essential skill-building experiences for young people in Providence County and nearby communities.

Nonprofit youth-serving organizations and school partners in Providence, Rhode Island can access funding for work-based learning, career exploration, and college/career preparation programs through the State of Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training’s Real Skills for Youth initiative. Grants from the department help Providence organizations build healthcare-focused career pathways and essential job skills for local students.

Nonprofit organizations in Providence, Rhode Island seeking support for health and welfare projects may be eligible for this opportunity, with awards ranging from US $800 - US $2,500. The Rhode Island Community Foundation’s North Smithfield Ambulance & Rescue Association Fund prioritizes groups that lack access to other funding sources and serve the well-being of local residents.

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Southside Community Land Trust

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: Get real world experience working in the industries farming, agriculture and more.
• Choose Your Placement: You’ll explore a career pathway in the art of Urban Farming
• Skill Building: You’ll get hands-on experience working at urban farms, where you’ll learn practical farming skills and build job skills. You’ll also join interactive sessions on topics like environmental awareness, financial planning, and career readiness.
• Mentorship: Work alongside experienced staff at urban farm sites and learn what a real workday looks like. 

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Urban agriculture 
• Food production and processing  
• Environmental conservation  
• Renewable energy related to agriculture 
• Farm management 

Communities Served: Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Tri County Community Action Agency

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: Get help choosing a paid work experience with a real employer
• Choose Your Placement: Explore your skills and interests and then get matched them with a work-based learning site that fits with your goals.
• Skill Building: Work on workplace skills like building a resume, interviewing, learning about managing money and more.
• Mentorship: Work alongside experienced staff and learn what a real workday looks like. 

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Health Care 
• Business & Finance 
• Computer Science 
• Sustainable Energy 
• Education 
• Hospitality

Communities Served: Northern / Providence County and Southern / Washington County

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: East Bay Community Action Program

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: Earn paid, hands-on work experience in a real workplace connected to your interests
• Career Ready: Explore different career options and industries while building real-world skills
• Skill Building: Develop professional and life skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
• Mentorship: Get support from mentors, employers, and program staff as you learn and grow

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Sports Management
• Child Enrichment
• Culinary Arts/Hospitality
• Library Tech Services
• Green Industries/Urban Forestry
• Healthcare
• Blue Economy

Communities Served: East Providence, Barrington, Warren, Tiverton, Little Compton, Bristol, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, and Jamestown

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Young Voices

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: Youth will work in teams on a hands-on, industry-connected capstone project. Through this experience, they will build real-world skills like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and basic technical skills that prepare them for college, training programs, and future careers.
• Skill Building: Through hands-on career experiences, students will build important workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, resume and cover letter writing, and professional behavior. This program helps students gain confidence, build strong professional relationships, and develop the skills they need to succeed in the world of work.
• Mentorship: Each career track will have one or two mentors who check in with students at least once a week during scheduled team time to support progress and growth.

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Industrial Engineering
• Banking & Finance
• Biological and Environmental Science
• Pharmacy
• Public Health, and Pre-Engineering

Students enrolled in the Making Money Moves industry track will have the opportunity to earn 0.5 high school credits through the All-Course Network (ACN).

Communities Served: Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Cranston, Warwick

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Youthbuild Preparatory Academy

What To Expect

• Career Exploration: Youthbuild Prep Academy will host a 60-hour, 10-week after-school program for a cohort of 20 students focused on building career readiness and technical awareness. Complete career assessments, participate in essential skills workshops 
• Skill Building: Youth will team up to complete a hands-on capstone project connected to real careers. Along the way, they’ll practice working together, solving problems, communicating their ideas, and building technical skills they can use after high school.
• Mentorship: Throughout the program, students will get support and guidance from facilitators and industry partners who will help them explore what they’re interested in, learn about real careers, and feel more confident planning their next steps.

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Technology
• Healthcare
• Skilled Trades

Communities Served: Providence

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: YWCA Rhode Island

What To Expect

• Career Exploration: A six-week summer career exploration program Hands-on workshops in carpentry, welding, robotics, and environmental engineering A supportive camp-style experience designed for learning, teamwork, and confidence-building Guidance and support from program staff to ensure a safe and positive experience.

• Skill Building: Learn technical skills through hands-on activities in trades and engineering fields Build essential workplace skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership Participate in enrichment activities focused on preparing for future jobs and careers Gain experience applying skills in real projects and group activities.

• Mentorship: Learn from strong female role models working in skilled trades and technical careers. Youth will receive mentorship from industry professionals through NAWIC (organization of that connects women to construction trades) activities Get support from a dedicated program coordinator and youth counselor. Build confidence through encouragement, coaching, and regular check-ins.

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Carpentry
• Welding
• Robotics
• Environmental Engineering 

Communities Served: Woonsocket

Nonprofit organizations in Providence, Rhode Island working in education, health, Catholic religious initiatives, or culture and the arts can seek program support through the Lynch Foundation. Focused on sustainable social change, the foundation offers a rolling, multi-step application process for not-for-profits in the Greater Boston community, including Providence County.

The AIA Fellowship for Study in the U.S. supports archaeologists employed by the Deutsches Archäologisches Institut (DAI) and project collaborators. This post-doctoral research fellowship encourages high-quality scholarship and fosters connections between North American and DAI scholars. It covers travel expenses, housing, library access, and living stipends for a minimum two-month residency at UCLA, Brown University, or the University of Cincinnati, with opportunities for lectures and engagement in academic life.

The Brown Rudnick Community Grants program aims to support front-line educational workers in underserved communities across cities like Boston and New York. With grants up to $2,000, it addresses immediate educational needs that traditional funding overlooks. This initiative encourages collaboration with educators to enhance learning environments and foster positive change, ensuring that impactful projects receive the necessary support to thrive within a year of funding.

The Interlace Grant Fund offers Emergency Grants to visual artists in the Providence area facing urgent needs like eviction or healthcare costs. Applications are accepted monthly, with awards between $50 and $500, totaling $1250 each month. Artists can apply repeatedly until they reach a maximum of $500. The grants are unrestricted and do not require reporting, ensuring support is provided without barriers. Recipients will remain anonymous to protect their privacy.

The Interlace Grant Fund offers Project Grants between $5,000 and $6,000 to support Providence-area artists in creating and presenting new work. This initiative particularly values innovative visual art that enhances public engagement and understanding. The grants aim to spotlight underrepresented artistic endeavors and foster community connections through collaborative projects. Eligible applicants must be practicing visual artists living within a 10-mile radius of Providence, Rhode Island, and meet specific criteria, ensuring meaningful contributions to the local art scene.

The Interlace Grant Writing Mentorship Program connects emerging visual artists with experienced mentors who have successfully navigated grant writing. This initiative supports newer artists in crafting proposals and developing project management skills essential for their creative pursuits. Eligible participants must reside within 10 miles of Providence, Rhode Island, be at least 18 years old, and have not received an Interlace Project Grant as a lead applicant in the past two years. This program fosters growth and opportunity in the art community.

Nonprofit, neighborhood-based organizations in Providence, Rhode Island can seek capital funding to create or rehabilitate local football fields, improving safety and access to play spaces. Focused on community sports infrastructure, Local Initiatives Support Corporation and the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program provide up to US $250,000 plus technical assistance for field improvement projects.

Early-career biomedical researchers at nonprofit academic, medical, or research institutions in Massachusetts, Brown University, or Yale University can receive up to US $400,000 for three-year basic or translational projects. Grants from Health Resources in Action support newly independent faculty in fields such as biomedical imaging, informatics, engineering, chemistry, and physics, including those serving Providence, Rhode Island institutions.

Women and non-binary playwrights of color entering designated MFA playwriting programs, including Brown in Providence, Rhode Island, can apply for the Hansberry-Lilly Fellowship, awarding US $25,000 per year for cost-of-living support. This need-based scholarship from Dramatists Guild Foundation helps reduce financial barriers so fellows can focus on writing and creative development.

The Boston Scientific Foundation aims to enhance health and educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly in STEM fields. Their grant program focuses on K-12 students, requiring at least 50% of participants to be at or below 185% of the poverty line. The foundation seeks evidence-based proposals that can measure improvements in STEM learning, and it prioritizes applications serving communities near Boston Scientific locations, ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination in service.

Nonprofit organizations supporting disadvantaged children and families through youth development, education, health, or social services programs in Providence, Rhode Island may be eligible for funding. Baystate Financial Charitable Foundation provides grants to strengthen family relationships and improve the daily lives of children in need across Providence County and other nearby communities.

The Philanthropy Connection Grant supports Massachusetts organizations through unrestricted general operating grants. It aims to empower nonprofits by connecting them with a network of female philanthropists, enhancing their funding opportunities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial stability, meet revenue criteria, and be located in the Greater Boston area. The grant prioritizes missions addressing poverty, income inequality, and employment readiness among others. Organizations with significant financial losses or lacking independent 501(c)(3) status are ineligible.

The Westinghouse Charitable Giving Program aims to strengthen community ties by providing financial support in key areas such as education focused on STEM, environmental sustainability, and community safety. This program welcomes applications from eligible organizations that meet specific grant criteria, including being tax-exempt and located within 50 miles of a Westinghouse site. The initiative underscores Westinghouse's commitment to advancing education, promoting environmental stewardship, and enhancing community well-being.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running health, education, or poverty-alleviation programs in Providence, Rhode Island can apply for program-specific operating support. Grants from Rotary Charities Foundation help Providence nonprofits that are located in or primarily serve city residents advance Rotary’s goals of health, education, and alleviating poverty through targeted program grants awarded each spring.

Mobile Beacon's Connect for Success program addresses the digital divide by providing schools with essential technology resources. This initiative offers up to 25 laptops and 4G devices with 12 months of complimentary high-speed internet service. By targeting students and communities facing digital inequities, the program ensures that all students can complete homework and access educational content from home. With ongoing support options available post-grant, Mobile Beacon is committed to fostering equitable learning environments and empowering educators to enhance digital inclusion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified public entities providing community development programs in low- to moderate-income areas, including Providence, Rhode Island, may be eligible for charitable sponsorship supporting housing, jobs, and financial stability. With a mission to advance educational, physical, and economic mobility, Santander Bank Foundation supports efforts like affordable housing, small business development, financial education, workforce training, youth development, and neighborhood revitalization.