Best Community Development Grants in Rhode Island

The Amgen Foundation, established in 1990, focuses on enhancing science education and strengthening communities. It supports nonprofit organizations that align with its mission, emphasizing teacher development and hands-on science experiences. Grants are awarded annually, with a commitment of $180 million to impactful programs. Eligible organizations include public schools and libraries, while ineligible requests involve individual support, religious organizations, and political activities. This approach aims to inspire the next generation of innovators through quality educational opportunities.

The Eastern Bank Foundation's CITC Grants support community development organizations with a 501(c)(3) IRS designation, focusing on addressing local needs in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Committed to philanthropy, the foundation listens to community members to ensure donations are impactful. Eligible organizations must be registered and have received CITC credits, while private foundations are excluded from consideration. This initiative exemplifies the foundation's dedication to investing in the well-being of the communities it serves.

The Eastern Bank Foundation provides Impact Grants aimed at enhancing Economic Inclusion and Mobility for Low to Moderate Income (LMI) individuals and families. With a focus on advancing equity in small businesses, enriching early childhood development, ensuring affordable housing, and promoting workforce development, the foundation invested over $16 million in local organizations last year. Grants typically range from $50,000 to $100,000, supporting critical community needs across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

The Amgen Foundation Inc focuses on non-healthcare donations and sponsorships that target humanitarian, social, educational, and community programs. They offer support to organizations outside the U.S. healthcare community, particularly those recognized as tax-exempt public charities. Eligible organizations must serve specific Amgen communities throughout the U.S. This initiative aims to enhance health outcomes and address critical societal needs, thereby reducing the burden of disease and improving lives.

The Town Fair Tire Foundation Grant supports local organizations in New England, focusing on social, health, and educational services. Established in 2000, the foundation emphasizes 'paying it forward' by encouraging grant recipients to assist others in need. TFTF aims to promote self-reliance and community advancement, funding initiatives that create positive change in the lives of individuals and families affected by poverty. Although primarily focused in New England, grants may be considered for aligned programs elsewhere.

The Capacity Building Grant program, initiated by the Rhode Island Foundation, offers funding and technical assistance to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. This program aims to address critical community priorities identified through extensive public engagement and research. By focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, the grant supports various activities, including strategic planning and operational improvements, enhancing the capacity of organizations to better serve their communities.

The Rhode Island Foundation's RIF Capacity Building Grants program supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Rhode Island. It aims to empower organizations that align with community priorities, focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA). Grants provide funding and technical assistance for strategic planning, business development, and operational improvements to enhance community impact. Proposals are evaluated based on need, readiness, and expected outcomes, ensuring a commitment to addressing systemic inequities in the region.

The Equity Action Grants aim to foster social change and support LGBTQ Rhode Islanders by funding projects and capacity-building initiatives. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 are awarded annually to nonprofit organizations that enhance the quality of life within the community. Eligible applicants include all agencies serving LGBTQ needs, ensuring non-discrimination policies are in place. The Rhode Island Community Foundation, a private funder, administers these grants, with decisions typically made within 8-10 weeks.

The Moving Image Fund, established by LEF New England, offers crucial support for independent documentary filmmakers in the region. Since 2002, it has funded over 300 projects, promoting innovative storytelling and artistic excellence. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for pre-production phases, with a focus on projects demonstrating originality, technical skill, and feasibility. The fund aims to strengthen New England's film community and ensure the sustainability of artistic endeavors.

The Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation has been a pillar of support for over 25 years, focusing on education, economic development, affordable housing, and critical needs sustainability. By funding diverse initiatives, the foundation aims to enhance community well-being across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Grants range up to $10,000, with a commitment to assist qualified 501c3 organizations. This foundation's efforts are crucial in addressing ongoing challenges while fostering a more equitable environment for all residents.

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) offers General Operating Support for Organizations (GOS-O) to arts and culture nonprofits in Rhode Island. This program provides multi-year unrestricted funding to organizations that significantly engage their communities through arts programming. GOS-O aims to promote equity, support diverse cultural representation, and foster economic vitality across the state. Eligible organizations must have a clear arts mission, be in continuous operation, and demonstrate strong community impact.

The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation supports tax-exempt organizations under IRS Section 501(c)(3) in four key areas: human needs, environmental stewardship, education, and community vitality. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $15,000, with two application cycles each year. Notably, funding is unavailable for organizations without 501(c)(3) status or those located outside Dominion's service areas. This foundation aims to enhance community welfare through targeted support for impactful programs.

The Washington Trust Charitable Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and southeastern Connecticut. They focus on funding programs that enhance affordable housing, economic development, youth services, health, arts, and environmental initiatives. Multi-year grants may support capital projects and campaigns that directly benefit local communities. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in the areas they serve.

The Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation focuses on enhancing community well-being through grants that prioritize low-to-moderate income populations. Key funding areas include affordable housing, children and youth programs, financial education, workforce development, and small business support. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities located in Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Funding is directed towards initiatives that promote safety, education, and economic opportunity, ensuring a positive impact on the communities served.

The Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund Grant, established by the Rhode Island Foundation, aims to support Rhode Island's Black community by addressing pressing needs. The fund focuses on empowering low-income Black Rhode Islanders through community-based organizations and promoting youth development and mentoring for Black youth. By funding programs that enhance financial stability and educational success, the initiative honors the legacy of Bannister House while fostering economic empowerment and preserving cultural heritage.

The AmeriCorps State and National Rhode Island Grants, offered by ServeRI, empower organizations to tackle community needs by recruiting and training AmeriCorps members. These grants aim to enhance civic engagement and support pathways for participants to advance their careers or education. Successful proposals must demonstrate how AmeriCorps service positions address specific community challenges while providing meaningful benefits to the members. This initiative fosters collaboration among nonprofits, schools, and government agencies to improve lives and strengthen communities across Rhode Island.

The Tree Equity RI Grant Program offers funding of up to $25,000 for tree planting projects in Rhode Island, focusing on communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. Funded by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the program encourages local governments, educational institutions, and non-profits to enhance urban greenery. A total of $120,000 is available, requiring a 75/25 match of non-federal funds. This initiative aims to improve tree equity and mitigate extreme heat impacts.

The Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program, previously known as the RI America the Beautiful Grant Program, supports projects enhancing urban and community forest management. This initiative aims to promote sustainable practices, protect trees from various threats, and improve public awareness of the importance of tree cover. Eligible applicants include local and state governments, educational institutions, and certain non-profits. Projects should align with the goals outlined in the Rhode Island Forest Action Plan to qualify for funding.

The Champlin Foundation offers Challenge Grants to Rhode Island-based nonprofits to leverage funding for matching donations. These grants are limited and require organizations to discuss their plans with the Foundation before submitting formal requests. Since its inception in 1932, the Foundation has invested nearly $725 million in capital projects, enhancing various sectors such as healthcare, education, and the arts, while fostering community engagement and supporting marginalized populations.

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts offers Project Grants in Education to foster artistic engagement in schools and communities. These grants support schools, arts educators, and nonprofits in delivering high-quality arts education experiences. Aiming to enhance students' learning through art, the program encourages collaboration and creativity while ensuring equitable access for diverse communities. With funding up to $10,000 for organizations and $3,000 for individuals, these grants empower teaching artists and enrich Rhode Island's cultural landscape.

The RISCA Project Grants for Organizations program offers funding up to $3,000 to support arts and culture projects that benefit Rhode Island communities. This entry-level grant program is designed for non-profit organizations that demonstrate a commitment to engaging with historically marginalized groups. The initiative aims to enhance cultural vibrancy and equity in the arts, ensuring all Rhode Islanders have access to meaningful artistic experiences.

The Chelsea Groton Foundation, established in 1998, has awarded over $6.79 million in grants to nonprofits in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Committed to community growth, equity, and inclusion, the Foundation will implement updated grant procedures starting January 2025. Organizations must ensure prior grants are fully expended before applying for new funding, with a maximum grant request set at $10,000 to support more community partners effectively.

The RIC Foundation's Catalyst Grants program aims to support innovative initiatives that catalyze change in Rhode Island. By prioritizing collaborations among organizations, the program addresses essential community priorities while emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Grants are available to state and local governments, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations, focusing on systemic inequities. Applications are accepted annually, with a single grant awarded per cycle, fostering impactful partnerships for lasting progress.

The White Family Foundation provides support to non-profit organizations that enhance community engagement through art and artistic elements. Their mission emphasizes empowering individuals, fostering cultural awareness, and improving well-being through access to the arts. Organizations seeking funding should demonstrate how their programs impact lives, educate youth, and develop leadership skills. The foundation primarily serves Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, focusing on enriching the community and promoting collaboration.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Rhode Island aim to assist small rural businesses with technical support and training. These grants prioritize smaller funding requests, with no maximum limit, and may cover various project costs such as training, infrastructure development, and community economic initiatives. Eligible recipients include rural public entities and nonprofit organizations. This funding opportunity fosters entrepreneurship and economic growth in less urbanized areas, making it essential for enhancing local business capabilities.

Office of Accounts and Control

The primary mission of the Office of Accounts and Control is to promote the financial integrity and accountability of state government through sound administrative and accounting controls and procedures.

State of Rhode Island Designated Grants

State Designated Grants are funded through the state budget. In 2016, the Community Service Grant program was eliminated and replaced in favor of state agency-administered itemized budget appropriations and competitive grants. The Department of Administration’s Office of Accounts and Control has developed a standard payment policy and uniform set of procedures that will enhance the transparency and accountability of our state grant-funding system, while also taking into account best practices from across state and federal entities.

Designated Grants are funded each fiscal year though the Rhode Island State Budget. State Agencies are awarded specific allocations of funding, stated in the budget. If your organization is awarded funds from a State Agency, you will be contacted by said State Agency with information about your award and instructions on how to submit an application.