Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The Fredric Rosemore Low Vision Educational Grant, awarded by the American Academy of Optometry Foundation since 2012, aims to foster excellence in low vision education at North American optometry institutions. Each grant provides $1,000 to support various needs such as personnel, equipment, or care, aligning with the mission of the AAOF. Eligible applicants include members of the AAO, whether they are students, candidates, or Fellows.

The Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Awards Program supports early-career faculty in the chemical sciences at undergraduate institutions. Through institutional nominations, it provides $75,000 unrestricted research grants to enhance scholarly research and teaching. Eligible nominees must hold full-time tenure-line positions and be within their fourth to twelfth independent academic years, demonstrating a strong commitment to undergraduate education. This funding opportunity fosters the development of promising educators and researchers in the chemical sciences.

The Link Foundation offers a one-year renewable fellowship of $35,000 for PhD students focusing on Modeling, Simulation, and Training. This funding aims to support advanced research and allow students to work full-time on their projects. Eligibility includes being enrolled in a PhD program at a U.S. or Canadian university, with no citizenship restrictions. Preference is given to candidates who are in candidacy and have a well-defined thesis, ensuring impactful research outcomes.

The Family Medicine Cares USA Free Health Clinics Grants support new and existing clinics in the U.S. that provide care to the uninsured. With applications accepted annually from March 15 to July 15, these grants assist clinics in purchasing essential medical equipment. The initiative aims to address the needs of over 50 million uninsured individuals, ensuring access to primary care and promoting volunteerism among AAFP members and medical students. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to eligible clinics.

The BJA FY 2026 John R. Justice Formula Grant Program offers loan repayment assistance to local and state prosecutors and public defenders who commit to three years of service. Administered by state agencies, this program aims to alleviate the financial burden on legal professionals dedicated to public service. Applications are due by November 10, 2026, providing a crucial opportunity for eligible beneficiaries to secure support for their educational loans.

The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation's Psychosocial Research Postdoctoral Fellowship supports early-career researchers in spinal cord injury (SCI) psychosocial studies. It aims to enhance professional interest and training in this vital field, focusing on areas such as caregiving, employment, and technology access. The fellowship offers mentored training, covering salary and up to $35,000 for non-personnel costs over two years, ensuring comprehensive support for fellows to advance their careers.

The Hillman Innovations in Care Grant seeks innovative, nursing-driven proposals to address the impact of racism on health equity for marginalized communities. This includes addressing health disparities faced by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and economically disadvantaged populations. The program encourages bold, evidence-based interventions that enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes. Grants of up to $600,000 will support projects that demonstrate potential for broad replicability and sustainability over a 36-month period.

The APAF: Jeanne Spurlock, M.D. Minority Fellowship Achievement Award, established in 1999, acknowledges the significant contributions of former fellows of the Minority Fellowships to the psychiatry profession and the minority community. This award promotes continued engagement in the fellowship program while honoring Dr. Jeanne Spurlock, the program's founder. It aims to enhance psychiatric education, improve access to quality care, and support the professional needs of its members, fostering collaboration in mental health fields.

The Washington Red Raspberry Commission offers research grants to support the advancement of red raspberry cultivation. These grants focus on innovative farming practices, pest management, and cultivar development, aimed at enhancing grower productivity and sustainability. Proposals are evaluated based on their potential impact on the industry, with an emphasis on practical applications. The commission invites researchers from various backgrounds to contribute, ensuring a diverse range of solutions for the challenges faced by raspberry growers.

American Cancer Society

The mission of the American Cancer Society is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

ACS Research Priority Areas

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has identified these 6 areas to categorize and track the research we fund to help advance our mission. Applicants (except Institutional Research Grants and Professor grants) are asked to select at least 1 of these research areas that aligns with their proposal:

• Etiology (causes of cancer)
• Obesity/Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL)
• Screening and Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Survivorship
• Health Equity Across the Cancer Continuum

Research Scholar Grants

Research Scholar Grants (RSG) provide support for independent, self-directed researchers.

Applicants' institutions must provide space and other resources customary for independent investigators.

Grant proposals are investigator-initiated and may pursue questions across the cancer research continuum, as long as they fit within an American Cancer Society (ACS) priority research area.

These grants typically contribute to the cost of salaries, consumable supplies, and other miscellaneous items required in the research. 

Research Scholar Grants are funded up to $215,000 per year (direct costs), plus 10% allowable indirect costs, with a project period up to four years.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is collaborating with other NIH institutes to enhance rigor and replicability in biomedical and behavioral research. This initiative aims to support projects focused on assessing the impact of improved research practices, developing frameworks for study selection, and measuring the generalizability of findings. Currently, applications are not being solicited, allowing researchers time to prepare collaborative proposals.

About Patrick "Packy" McGaughan A popular instructor in Area II, Packy operated Banbury Cross Farm in Clarksburg, Maryland. The farm was developed into a premier training, breeding and boarding facility, specializing in eventing, dressage, hunters, and equitation. Packy produced numerous horses and riders to the highest level of the sport. He was a top instructor in Area II for both juniors, amateurs, and professionals alike and could often be found at events up and down the East Coast coaching riders of all ages and levels.

About Patrick “Packy” McGaughan Prize

Following his passing, an award in Packy McGaughan’s honor was established through the USEA Foundation. That award includes a beautiful bronze trophy and award recipients will be recognized at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, and a $5,000 award given annually to a USEA member who demonstrates a love of the sport similar to Packy. 

The Allen Foundation, named in honor of William Webster Allen, operates under the laws of the State of Michigan with offices in Midland. Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research.

Policies and Priorities

• To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research.
• To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
• To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. 
• To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. 
• In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.

The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research.

Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. The foundation welcomes proposals that develop and advance:

• the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools;
• bringing the promise of nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics to realization; and
• the promotion of environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsive, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We also support environmental initiatives that strengthen sustainable food systems and address the root causes of hunger and inequity through sustainable agriculture, academic research, and promoting long-term community health and resilience.

The Allen Foundation, named in honor of William Webster Allen, operates under the laws of the State of Michigan with offices in Midland. Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research.

Policies and Priorities

• To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research.
• To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
• To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. 
• To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. 
• In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.

The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research.

Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. The foundation welcomes proposals that develop and advance:

• the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools;
• bringing the promise of nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics to realization; and
• the promotion of environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsive, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We also support environmental initiatives that strengthen sustainable food systems and address the root causes of hunger and inequity through sustainable agriculture, academic research, and promoting long-term community health and resilience.

About the Grant: The Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants are bestowed by the Broussard family through the USEA Foundation in memory and honor of Rebecca Chaney Broussard. “Becky” supported numerous international riders through both her generous financial contributions and horse ownership. The Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants are designed to assist and to encourage the education and development of event riders at the highest level of the sport. These grants are awarded to offset some of the travel and training expenses in the pursuit of achieving the qualities of an international rider. These grants are not available to any rider that has already achieved the honor of representing the United States at the Pan American Games, Olympics or World Equestrian Games.The Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Fund is separated into three types:

1. Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant (also known as the “Big Becky”) awards $50,000 for the educational development of an international quality rider based on competition in eventing on the global stage. 

2. Rebecca Broussard National Developing Rider Grant (also known as the “Little Becky”) awards $15,000 for the educational development of an international quality rider based on competition in eventing on the national stage. 

3. Rebecca Farm Travel Grants are smaller grants made available to better assist riders to visit The Event at Rebecca Farm in order to interview for the Developing Rider Grants. 

The Kevin Flanagan Student Travel Award offers up to $800 for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing diving science to attend AAUS scientific meetings. This competitive, merit-based award honors Kevin Flanagan's legacy in scientific diving and support for AAUS. Established in collaboration with his family, it aims to encourage the development of safe and effective scientific divers through education and research, while promoting standards in scientific diving practices.

The David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship aims to enhance the skills of early-career conservation scientists through two years of applied research and mentorship. It supports global scientists at U.S. institutions, focusing on pressing conservation issues, and encourages collaboration with practitioners. The fellowship emphasizes cutting-edge research, leadership development, and practical applications in conservation biology, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to bridge science and policy.

The Marliave Scholarship Fund, established in honor of Elmer C. Marliave and his family, supports students in Engineering Geology and Geological Engineering. This scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement and potential contributions to the profession. Awarded by the AEG Foundation, recipients are designated as "Marliave Scholars" based on their qualifications and involvement in professional societies. The program aims to foster excellence and commitment within the field, promoting future leaders in geoscience.

The West-Gray Scholarship Fund, established in 2014, supports undergraduate and graduate students in applied geology who demonstrate academic excellence and are members of the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists. This fund aids students conducting field studies in environmental and engineering geology particularly in the eastern United States, fostering future professionals in the field.

The Winifred Goldring Award, presented by the Association for Women Geoscientists, offers a $2000 cash prize and membership in the Paleontological Society to an outstanding female student in paleontology. Named after the pioneering woman paleontologist Winifred Goldring, the award recognizes students exhibiting exceptional motivation and professional potential. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in graduate studies and provide proof of student status. This award aims to support women's contributions to the geosciences.

The USEA Foundation has established the TEAPRO Grant (Training and Education in the Art of Pace and Riding in the Open), which is available to organizers, trainers, education groups and others to support opportunities for riders and horses to practice galloping, trot sets, and other forms of riding in the open as well as learn about fitness and conditioning for both horse and rider. The aim is to further education in these skills and to support many of the sport's stakeholders in doing so— riders, horses, trainers, organizers, coaches, clinicians, etc. Examples include funding for: a clinician to conduct a session on how to gallop horses in the open; a clinic where riders work to develop a feel for pace at walk, trot and canter over terrain; a seminar to educate riders on how to safely and effectively build the fitness level of their horse and themselves; portable steeplechase jumps that will be used to create a steeplechase course at one or more facilities; offsetting costs for the equipment required to accurately measure and set up a galloping or trot set track.Grant Funding: Grant funds will be awarded to address specific funding needs up to a maximum of $3,000 per applicant. Total awards per year shall not exceed $8,000.

The Whitehall Foundation offers research grants to support innovative and scientifically meritorious projects in neurobiology, focusing on sensory and motor functions in both invertebrates and vertebrates. Grants are aimed at independent investigators at accredited institutions in the U.S., with a maximum duration of three years, and a competitive renewal option available. Emphasis is placed on aiding early-career scientists and those transitioning into new research areas, fostering a diverse scientific community.

The A. Allen Graffham Paleontology Research Grant, administered by the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences, provides $1000 annually to support researchers publishing on specimens collected by AAPS members. Established in honor of A. Allen Graffham, a pioneering figure in paleontology, this grant fosters collaboration and acknowledges contributions to the field. Eligible applicants must be affiliated with AAPS members and prioritize proper acknowledgment of fossil sources in their research.

The Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity (GFSD) aims to increase the number of American citizens with graduate degrees in STEM fields, focusing on a diverse applicant pool. Founded in 1989, GFSD supports various disciplines, including Astronomy, Biomedical Engineering, and Physics, through partnerships with universities and employers. Each fellowship can last from two to six years, with an annual fee of $27,000, covering both expenses for fellows and operational costs for GFSD. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet specific academic requirements.

The Karl Hirsch Memorial Grants, established in honor of Karl Hirsch, support innovative research in paleontology and related fields. These grants fund activities such as museum travel, specimen collection, and advanced analyses. Preference is given to first-time applicants and WIPS members, although active membership is no longer a requirement. Past grant recipients must have met reporting obligations to be eligible. This initiative aims to foster diverse research projects and advance the field of paleontology.

The American Fellowships - American Short-Term Research Publication Grants support women in academia by funding the preparation of research manuscripts for publication. Established by the AAUW in 1888, these grants aim to enhance gender equity in higher education, particularly for women pursuing careers in STEM fields. Eligible applicants must hold advanced degrees and demonstrate significant contributions to their fields. This initiative highlights AAUW's long-standing commitment to empowering women through education and research.

The Investigator Award, offered by the Rheumatology Research Foundation, is a unique opportunity designed to support junior investigators in conducting innovative research. This award aims to empower researchers who have recently completed post-doctoral fellowship training, helping them secure competitive funding as they transition into independent investigators and establish their careers in the field of rheumatology.