Best Climate Change Grants in Rhode Island

Academic and research institutions studying coastal resilience laws and policies, including climate change impacts, can apply for funding in Rhode Island and other eligible coastal states. Focused on legal and policy effectiveness, the National Sea Grant Law Center invites projects on sea level rise, flooding, storm surge, land use, and related environmental factors, with awards of US $75,000.

This cooperative agreement aims to address the challenge of invasive plant control under rising temperatures in the Northeast. It will synthesize practitioner knowledge and scientific research to enhance treatment strategies for invasive species, aligning with federal priorities on environmental resilience and scientific leadership. The project will support resource managers by developing actionable data and tools to effectively mitigate invasive species threats, thereby safeguarding native ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices.

Rhode Island climate resilience and coastal conservation organizations can access funding through Restore America’s Estuaries to address urgent threats to estuaries, including habitat loss, coastal erosion, stormwater runoff, and harmful algal blooms. This nationally competitive program awards US $200,000 - US $500,000 for projects within designated National Estuary Program boundary areas.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking up to US $15,000 for infrastructure, planning, or technical assistance projects can apply for these capacity building grants. With a mission to strengthen community priorities, Rhode Island Community Foundation provides support for efforts including climate change resilience and equity, governance, strategic and business planning, fundraising, technology, and evaluation.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups can receive US $15,000 - US $150,000 for programmatic or general operating support that advances community priorities, including climate change resilience and equity. The Rhode Island Community Foundation’s Community Priority Grants back efforts centered on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to build thriving, climate-resilient communities.

Collaborative nonprofits, government agencies, and academic institutions in Rhode Island can apply for the Rhode Island Community Foundation’s Catalyst Grants, awarding up to US $250,000 for innovative, multi-year initiatives. Projects addressing climate change resilience and equity, alongside other community priorities, and led by RI-based organizations with strong impact and DEIA focus may be competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on climate change, coastal conservation, and environmental justice in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts can seek project or general operating support, including potential multi-year funding. Focused on marine and coastal resources, Island Foundation backs efforts linking climate, renewable energy, regional planning, working landscapes, and community health, especially for those most impacted by environmental harms.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Rhode Island can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that improve soil health, water and air quality, and climate resilience. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service supports projects on eligible working lands, including cropland, pasture, forestland, and environmentally sensitive areas.

Rhode Island nonprofits seeking support for organizational planning or strengthening can access funding through Rhode Island Community Foundation’s Capacity Building Grants, with awards up to US $15,000. Grants can fund activities like strategic, business, or fund development planning, DEIA training and assessment, and other capacity projects, including for groups addressing climate change resilience and equity.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, fiscally sponsored projects, and government agencies can seek Barr Foundation support for climate action work. Focus areas include clean energy, low-carbon transportation, and climate-resilient communities, with a strong emphasis on climate change resilience and equity for communities of color in the Northeast region.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

U.S.-based nonprofit organizations working on climate change resilience and equity projects, including those in Rhode Island, can apply for Earth Rising Foundation grants of US $200 - US $20,000 to support bold, bottom-up climate action. Funding may support Indigenous rights, regenerative agriculture, climate justice, visionary futures, and youth-led climate initiatives, with all funds disbursed through a U.S. nonprofit.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) organizations working on climate change policy, fossil fuel reduction, or youth climate education can access funding via Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation. Grants support general operations or programs that decrease domestic fossil fuel demand and production or provide scientifically accurate, action-oriented climate education for high school and college students across the U.S.

The Rural Climate Partnership Grant supports innovative, community-led climate solutions in rural America. With funding ranging from $20,000 to $150,000, it empowers organizations focused on rural leadership and equitable climate actions. The grant aims to strengthen rural economies and enhance climate resilience by providing critical resources and support to rural-serving entities. It prioritizes projects that benefit under-resourced communities and actively engage in addressing pressing rural issues, making a meaningful impact on local climate narratives.

The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) Grant supports US-based projects aimed at enhancing community resilience against climate change. With a budget of $1.5-2 million, grants typically range from $75,000 to $115,000. CSCI prioritizes projects that focus on historically disinvested populations facing climate vulnerabilities, emphasizing equity, nature-based solutions, and community capacity building. The initiative encourages collaboration between climate adaptation practitioners and local government entities to address climate impacts effectively.

The Stray Dog Institute Grants aim to transform food systems by providing funding and support to nonprofits focused on animal welfare, environmental advocacy, and food justice. With grant amounts typically ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, the Institute prioritizes pragmatic solutions that foster dignity, justice, and sustainability. By addressing systemic issues in food production, they promote a compassionate approach that respects both people and animals. This initiative seeks to create a sustainable future for all stakeholders in the food system.

The NOAA Climate Program Office is inviting proposals for the FY 2027 grants competition aimed at leveraging Super Intelligence and Machine Learning to enhance Earth system science and hazard resilience. This initiative focuses on improving predictive capabilities, hazard resilience decision-support, and preparedness for extreme heat. Collaborating with various stakeholders, the program seeks innovative solutions to better forecast and respond to climate-related challenges, ultimately fostering safer and more resilient communities.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) and other U.S. or Canada-based nonprofit organizations can access funding for programs advancing confidence, inclusion, or sustainability through the Aerie Real Foundation’s community grants, with awards up to US $10,000. Climate change, environmental conservation, and climate resilience initiatives that protect the planet may be especially competitive.

Rhode Island rural communities, tribes, governments, cooperatives, and other legal entities can seek USDA Rural Development’s Community Connect funding to build broadband infrastructure that supports jobs, education, healthcare, and public safety. Projects must serve rural areas lacking existing broadband, provide free service to critical community facilities and a community center, and can advance climate resilience and equity. Awards range from US $100,000 - US $5,000,000.

Undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers at U.S. institutions studying fungal roles in climate systems can receive US $10,000 for climate change research that advances practical mitigation solutions. With a mission to support innovative fungal-climate science, Mycological Society of America provides funding that Rhode Island climate resilience projects may be able to leverage when led by eligible investigators.

Legally incorporated organizations worldwide advancing climate action, racial justice, inclusive economies, effective governance, or pandemic and health systems work can receive Skoll Awards to scale proven social innovations. Grants from Skoll Foundation help Rhode Island and other climate change resilience and equity leaders access $2 million in unrestricted funding plus connection to a global community of social change leaders.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans with climate, environmental, or resilience-focused programs in Rhode Island and other U.S. locations can seek funding for projects. With a mission to empower women’s collective giving, Impact100 Global Veterans provides up to US $100,000 for initiatives in areas like climate change resilience, environmental justice, recreation, health, education, and family support for veterans.

Early-career social science faculty researching economic mobility, access to opportunity, or systemic inequality in the U.S. can seek one-year project funding from the Russell Sage Foundation, including work on climate change resilience and equity. Focused on innovative, data-driven studies, this program prioritizes underrepresented scholars and those at under-resourced institutions, including those based in Rhode Island.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program offers federal funds aimed at reducing flood risks for buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. This initiative supports states, U.S. territories, and local governments in implementing various flood mitigation activities, thereby lessening the financial burden on the NFIP. FEMA prioritizes applications that enhance multistate or regional capabilities, contributing to a safer infrastructure and community resilience against flooding.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5427 - Advancing Actionable Climate Resilience Metrics for Water Supply Planning

Grant Information

• Catalog existing performance metrics that consistently drive water utility operational and capital decisions, assess their applicability to support future resilience-based decision making under nonstationary climate conditions, and identify adjustments or alternative metrics needed to support forward-looking, resilience-based decision making for water utilities.
• Determine the appropriate level of climate resilience analysis needed to evaluate and apply climate resilience metrics, with requirements scaled based on metric sensitivity to climate change, decision context, and utility characteristics.
• Develop guidance to integrate climate resilience metrics into planning and decision processes.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5416 - Innovative Approaches to Extend Lifetime and Minimize O&M for Nature-based Installations

Grant Information

• Identify and evaluate innovative design, construction, and management approaches that extend the functional lifetime of nature-based installations and reduce ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements.
• Develop practical guidance on key factors affecting nature-based solution (NbS) longevity, including hydraulic optimization, engineered media selection and replacement, plant selection, sediment management, and construction-phase best practices.
• Survey utilities and other NbS owners to document current maintenance practices, costs, and hours, and establish benchmarks to inform targets for improvement.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is inviting proposals for projects that enhance coastal flood protection through public-private partnerships, innovative insurance products, and improved sediment management. This initiative aims to utilize natural infrastructure to bolster flood preparedness and resilience. Funding of up to $2,000,000 is available for selected projects, supporting research teams that collaborate with regional stakeholders. Proposals must be submitted via Grants.gov, ensuring accessibility to critical resources and information.