Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The Newport County Fund (NCF) provides competitive grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to support nonprofit organizations in Newport County. These grants aim to assist initiatives such as project development, community program expansion, and advocacy efforts. Eligible applicants include 501(c) nonprofits and municipal departments, while faith-based organizations can apply for secular projects. However, NCF does not fund individuals, scholarships, or capital efforts, ensuring support is strategically directed to impactful community services.

The Simons Dissertation Fellowship in Mathematics, offered by the Simons Foundation, supports exceptional Ph.D. students in their final years of study. This fellowship, honoring co-founder Jim Simons, provides $19,200 annually for research support and departmental funds, commencing September 1, 2025. Eligible candidates must be full-time Ph.D. students in a U.S. mathematics department, entering their third year. The program emphasizes research quality, significance, and potential impact.

The Mary LeMoine Potter Fund Grants, managed by the Rhode Island Foundation, support organizations benefiting Kingston residents. Established by Mary LeMoine Potter's will, the fund aims to uplift the historic village through various projects. The Potter Fund Advisory Committee reviews submissions annually to recommend funding. Organizations without 501(c)3 status can apply with a fiscal sponsor. However, those owing grant reports to the Foundation are ineligible for funding.

The Bristol Female Charitable Society Fund, established in 2003 by 88 influential women, supports charitable programs in the East Bay community of Rhode Island, particularly Bristol. Grant amounts typically range from $500 to $5,000, and organizations can apply once per year. This fund emphasizes benevolence and offers assistance to those in need, while allowing simultaneous applications to other Rhode Island Foundation funds.

The MAA Tensor Grant Program, supported by the Tensor Foundation, aims to enrich mathematics education for underrepresented students. It encourages women and pre-college girls to pursue mathematics while also supporting historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American students. Each project can receive up to $8,000 in funding, with a focus on clear plans to achieve the program's goals. This initiative fosters a diverse mathematics community and enhances student engagement.

Cornerstone Grants

Do you volunteer with a nonprofit organization? Would you like additional funding to start or enhance a service project? Organize your own service project!

We know that as an Elks scholar, you already uphold the cornerstones of the Foundation: knowledge, integrity, charity and community. Now, we want to help you do more! The ENF is offering fifteen $500 Cornerstone Grants to any Elks scholar interested in starting or expanding a community service project. We are also offering six $250 bonuses for projects done in collaboration with an Elks Lodge.

Looking for project ideas?

Consider a cause that you are passionate about and partner with an organization addressing that need.

Talk to your sponsoring lodge about what sort of service project they’d like to see at the Lodge. Ask them about charitable projects they are currently involved with, and see if there are any projects they’d like to see enhanced. You can find contact information for a Lodge near you here.

Funding

• The ENF is offering twenty $500 Cornerstone Grants to any Elks scholar interested in starting or expanding a community service project.
• We are also offering fifteen $250 bonuses for projects done in collaboration with an Elks Lodge.

The Thomas J. Henry Sponsorship Requests program emphasizes community support and global outreach. With a commitment to enhancing lives, Mr. Henry has been a pivotal figure in South Texas, ensuring that his legal success translates into meaningful contributions. The program invites various organizations to apply for sponsorship, aligning with Mr. Henry’s vision of fostering closer connections through philanthropic efforts. This initiative aims to empower communities and promote collaborative growth on both local and international levels.

Rick Robinson Hotstart Scholarship

Applicants must be children or grandchildren of full-time Hotstart employees who have a minimum of two years employment with Hotstart as of the application deadline date. 

Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply, but an individual may receive an award no more than four times. 

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.

The Shout It Out Scholarship by Unigo invites students to express their thoughts and win $1,500 for college. Open to U.S. residents aged 14 and older, this unique opportunity encourages participants to share their messages, whether profound or simple. The scholarship aims to empower students, making their voices heard while providing financial support for their education. With a vibrant community of over 3.8 million members, Unigo is dedicated to helping students navigate their college journey.

The AAUW International Fellowships support women pursuing graduate or postdoctoral studies in the U.S. who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Since 1917, these fellowships have provided financial assistance, with awards of $20,000 for Master’s, $25,000 for Doctoral, and $50,000 for Postdoctoral studies. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to women's advancement. The program emphasizes full-time study and requires proficiency in English, ensuring a diverse and dedicated cohort of scholars.

The American Australian Association's Graduate Education Fund provides vital financial support for American and Australian students pursuing advanced degrees in each other's countries. With scholarships up to $40,000 available for Masters, Ph.D., and Postdoctoral research in various fields, including STEM and Indigenous studies, this initiative promotes educational exchange and global collaboration. It is open to eligible Native Americans and Indigenous Australians, fostering opportunities for transformative learning and cultural connections.

The O'Brate Traditional College Scholarship supports disadvantaged youth in Kansas, aged 17-25, particularly those who have been in foster care or face unstable living conditions. This scholarship not only offers financial aid ranging from $500 to $5,000 annually but also provides mentorship, financial literacy programming, and professional development opportunities, ensuring that recipients have the resources and guidance needed to succeed in their educational pursuits.

The Roger Cox Scholarship, funded by the Foundation for Rural Service, offers a $1,000 scholarship to a high school senior residing in the Atlantic Telephone Membership Company service area in North Carolina, along with two $500 scholarships for rural residents of North and South Carolina. The scholarship aims to support students' educational journeys while encouraging them to return to rural communities post-graduation. Recipients are selected through a thorough review process.

The TMS Scholarship, provided by the Foundation for Rural Service, awards $1,500 annually to two deserving students from Ardmore Telephone or West Kentucky and Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative. To qualify, applicants must be graduating high school seniors, U.S. citizens, sponsored by a member of the NTCA, and show interest in returning to rural communities post-graduation. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and support the development of rural America.

The Doyle Foundation, Inc. offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S., supporting a variety of causes. Founded by Frank and Gertrude R. Doyle, the foundation initially focused on scholarships for local students but has since expanded its reach to nonprofit grants. With no minimum GPA or income cap for applicants, the foundation aims to empower diverse communities by funding educational pursuits and enhancing quality of life. Its mission reflects the Doyles' legacy of opportunity and community service.

The American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship, offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), promotes gender equity in academia by providing $50,000 for women pursuing independent research. Open to all fields, it specifically encourages applicants in STEM and gender studies. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, hold a relevant doctoral degree, and be engaged in full-time research during the fellowship. This prestigious fellowship has supported women's academic advancement since 1888.

The FRS Scholarships, provided by the Foundation for Rural Service, support high school seniors from rural areas in their pursuit of higher education. Sponsored by NTCA members, these one-time scholarships aim to enhance educational opportunities and encourage graduates to return to their communities. With a mission to improve rural life through educational initiatives, this program plays a vital role in fostering the next generation of leaders in rural America.

The Gertrude McDaris Ruskin and Sidney H. Ruskin Scholarship offers financial support to students from specific regions in North Carolina, including Buncombe, Haywood, and Madison counties, as well as those residing on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Eligible recipients must demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to attending full-time an accredited institution. Preference is given to orphans and those attending Protestant-affiliated colleges, with a focus on maintaining good academic standing throughout the scholarship duration.

The Founders’ Award by SAX LLP honors nonprofit organizations demonstrating perseverance in their mission. With a rich history since 1956, SAX aims to empower nonprofits through a $20,000 unrestricted gift for the first place, alongside additional support for second and third places. Eligible applicants must hold a 501(c)(3) tax exemption and attend the awards ceremony if selected among the Top 75. This initiative reflects SAX's commitment to advancing impactful nonprofits in their communities.

The Everett Kneece Scholarship, offered by the Foundation for Rural Service, provides a $7,000 award annually to a graduating high school senior who shows commitment to returning to a rural community. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens sponsored by an NTCA member and express interest in rural community service. This scholarship honors Everett Kneece's legacy of philanthropy and dedication to enhancing rural life through education.

The Strategic Planning Grant Program by Attainable Edge LLC aims to provide accessible and affordable strategic planning resources to 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. Awardees will receive a one-year subscription to innovative software and consulting services, enabling them to align their teams and enhance their strategic goals. This initiative focuses on empowering organizations to effectively engage with their communities and achieve significant positive change through structured planning and collaboration.

The Patterson Foundation Scholarship offers $4,750 annually to children and legal dependents, aged 24 and under, of full-time employees at Patterson Companies in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Renewable for up to four years, this scholarship can total $19,000 for higher education at accredited institutions. All undergraduate degrees are eligible, and students can reapply even if they have previously been denied. A selection committee from Scholarship America, Inc. reviews applications each summer.

The AAUW American Dissertation Fellowship supports women scholars in their final year of dissertation writing, providing a stipend of $25,000 to help offset expenses. Established in 1888, this fellowship encourages diversity in academia and is particularly aimed at women in STEM fields and those researching gender issues. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with all coursework completed and engaged full-time in their dissertation work during the fellowship year.

The Sarah Tyree Good Neighbor Scholarship, provided by the Foundation for Rural Service, honors the legacy of Sarah Tyree, a champion for rural broadband. This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who exemplify humanitarianism and community spirit. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens with a commitment to returning to rural areas post-graduation. The award supports educational endeavors, ensuring that future leaders have the resources they need to thrive.

The Herbert and Isabel Bitz Memorial Scholarship, established by Mr. Don Bitz, offers a $5,000 award annually to a graduating high school senior dedicated to rural America. Sponsored by a member of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, applicants must be U.S. citizens with intentions of returning to a rural community after graduation. This scholarship aims to support students who aspire to contribute to the quality of life in rural areas.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts offers a Scholarship Program aimed at assisting students in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties with their college education expenses. Annually, they provide over 1,000 scholarships, totaling approximately $1.4 million. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in accredited institutions across the U.S. Scholarships can help cover tuition, fees, and living costs, with awards up to $3,000 available for one academic year.