Best Financial Assistance Grants in Rhode Island

The Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative Grant supports crucial conservation efforts for shorebirds during their migration along the Atlantic Flyway. This initiative addresses threats such as human disturbance, habitat loss, and hunting in critical areas from the U.S. Atlantic coast to the Caribbean and South America. By promoting coordinated research and management, the initiative aims to ensure the survival of species like the American oystercatcher and red knot, fostering healthy migratory pathways.

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.

5418 - Optimizing PFAS Treatment Systems for Multi-contaminant Removal and Operational Benefits

Project Objectives

The Vigneron Memorial Fund, established in 1959, supports charitable organizations aimed at enhancing the lives of physically disabled children and adults, particularly in Providence and Narragansett, Rhode Island. Grants are primarily for one-year projects and focus on health and human services. Preference is given to organizations serving low-income individuals. This fund is dedicated to fostering community welfare and improving the quality of life for those in need.

The Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeships program supports the transmission of traditional artistic skills between mentors and apprentices from shared cultural backgrounds. With awards up to $7,000, it fosters cultural heritage through hands-on learning experiences. This initiative is aimed at preserving folk art practices and ensuring they continue to thrive in communities.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The Big Yellow School Bus Grant, offered by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, provides funding to support in-person field trips for Rhode Island schools. Grants of up to $500 are available to facilitate arts and cultural experiences. Schools can apply starting September 1 for the 2025-26 school year. Eligible organizations include schools and affiliated non-profits, with a maximum of two grants awarded per school each year.

The Lillian Sparfven & Ethel Ferrara Fund Scholarship, offered by the Rhode Island Community Foundation, provides financial support for Rhode Island residents pursuing nursing degrees. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled in accredited programs for LPN, RN, or advanced nursing degrees. The scholarship amounts range from $500 to $10,000, with a preference for those planning to practice in Rhode Island after graduation. Past recipients can reapply.

The John J. O'Connor Jr. Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund provides financial support to Rhode Island residents pursuing a CNA, Associates, or Bachelor's degree in nursing. Each year, the Foundation awards scholarships from various nursing funds, allowing applicants to apply for multiple programs with a single application. Awards range from $500 to $10,000, and past recipients can reapply, ensuring continued support for academic excellence and financial need.

The Edward J. and Virginia M. Routhier Nursing Scholarship, offered by the Rhode Island Community Foundation, supports licensed RNs pursuing baccalaureate or graduate degrees in nursing. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and can reapply if they were past recipients. Award amounts range from $500 to $10,000, and a single application covers multiple nursing funds, providing accessibility for qualified candidates in Rhode Island.

The Chartercare Senior Wellness & Safety Grant supports health and wellness programs for the elderly in Rhode Island. It emphasizes structured quality of life initiatives, safety training, and community engagement. Applicants must be Rhode Island 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on underserved populations. Proposals should demonstrate a clear scope, measurable outcomes, and collaborative efforts with other nonprofits. Preference is given to new initiatives addressing significant community needs, ensuring broad geographic representation and client reach.

The Sprague Charitable Contribution Program focuses on giving back to communities through charitable donations. With awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, priority is given to organizations that support children and environmental stewardship, particularly within Sprague's operational areas. The program seeks impactful contributions that can achieve significant results, reflecting Sprague's commitment to social responsibility and community improvement.

The Willard and Marjorie Scheibe Nursing Scholarship, offered by the Rhode Island Community Foundation, supports Rhode Island residents pursuing LPN, RN, or advanced nursing degrees. This scholarship considers financial need and allows past recipients to reapply. Award amounts range between $500 to $10,000, and applicants can use a single application for multiple nursing funds, streamlining the process for qualifying individuals.

CVS Health Foundation: Hometown Fund

The CVS Health Foundation’s Hometown Fund was created to support local nonprofits across Hartford, Connecticut, and the state of Rhode Island – places where our CVS Health teams live, work and care deeply about community health. Through this fund, we support organizations that are making a real difference by expanding access to health care and addressing the everyday factors that shape people’s well‑being, like nutritious food and stable housing.

In 2025, the Hometown Fund awarded $2 million in general operating support grants – $1 million to 20 organizations in Greater Hartford and another $1 million to 20 organizations across Rhode Island. These investments continued our commitment to improving local health and strengthening community support systems, bringing the amount of Hometown Fund grants awarded since 2022 to $8 million. 

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

The NCDDG program supports innovative research aiming to discover and develop new treatments for mental disorders, including substance use and alcohol use disorders. This initiative encourages collaborations between academic and industry partners to advance neurostimulation techniques and drug/device development. Applicants are invited to submit proposals that focus on specific projects utilizing the U01 mechanism, with a clear emphasis on rationally designed candidate agents and cutting-edge technologies. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the submission deadline.

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.

The OSCT: Roger Schonning Award, provided by the Ocean State Charities Trust, aims to enhance the quality of life for Rhode Islanders by supporting charitable organizations that operate within the state. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities, operating for at least two years, and focused on social welfare, health, housing, and education. Grants are capped at $20,000 and are awarded semi-annually, with specific guidelines to ensure accountability and effectiveness in funding.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

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 NE-AIPG Angelo Tagliacozzo Memorial Geological Scholarship (ATMGS) supports junior and senior undergraduate geology students in the NE Section, honoring Angelo Tagliacozzo's legacy. Established in 1986, the scholarship aims to encourage young geologists to pursue careers in geological sciences. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited programs, on track for required credit hours, and can only receive the scholarship once. This initiative fosters early engagement with AIPG, emphasizing professional affiliation and support for the next generation of geologists.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

The Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust – Falk Catalyst Awards support high-risk, high-reward biomedical research with up to $350,000 in funding over one to two years. These awards aim to address critical scientific challenges and enable the translation of innovative research into clinical practices. Projects focus on identifying biological markers, therapeutic targets, and developing interventions to disrupt disease processes, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients.

The Rhode Island Council for the Humanities is launching the FY26 THRIVE Grant Program, which offers 20 grants of $5,000 each to small cultural heritage organizations and local historical societies in Rhode Island. This program aims to support organizations that enhance community engagement and preserve local history. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit entities located in Rhode Island, with a focus on serving local residents. Applications will be assessed based on eligibility and alignment with funding priorities.

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.