Best Grants for BIPOC in Rhode Island

The OSCT: Helen A. Marandola Award, provided by the Ocean State Charities Trust, aims to enhance the quality of life for Rhode Islanders by supporting charitable organizations. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities operating in Rhode Island for at least two years. The Trust focuses on promoting social welfare, particularly in health, education, and housing. Grants are awarded semi-annually, with a maximum of $20,000 per application, and a strict policy on funding histories and operational costs.

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 New England States Touring (NEST) Grant supports nonprofit organizations in New England to present performances, readings, and screenings by regional and international artists. With three funding tiers—NEST 1, NEST 2, and NEST 3—this initiative aims to enhance community engagement, foster collaborations, and promote diversity in the arts. Eligible organizations can receive up to $10,000 to fund projects that occur between June 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.

Mission

The Foundation was established in December 2013 by Kathryn B. McQuade, after retiring from 33 years of working in the business community. I was blessed to have been born into a loving middle class family. My father worked very hard to insure that all of his children were given an opportunity for a good education and my mother, “a stay at home Mom’ was always there for us. My world was safe and comfortable. My life is in stark contrast to how much of the rest of the world lives. I continue to read of the terrible injustices waged against women and children globally and hope that this foundation can provide them the opportunity and resources to succeed. We will support organizations that help us achieve our goal of Striving to make sustainable improvements in women and children’s rights education and welfare.

Kathryn McQuade Foundation Grant

The Foundation will make timely decisions on your grant request and provide clear communications on our expectations of reporting progress.

Women

The Foundation’s goal is to provide women assistance and provide them an opportunity to succeed. Assistance can take many forms, however our goal is to help them become self sufficient and enable them to lift themselves out of poverty and provide for their children. Access to education, job training and professional skills, even access to capital in order to build a business are possible ways we will consider helping women to succeed. Grant requests should focus on enabling the women to sustain financial independence.

We look forward to hearing of the many creative ways organizations are working on helping women succeed through out the world. To help women is to help their children and the communities they live in.

Children

Too many children in the US and across the world live in poverty and lack the access to education. Education and/or appropriate skills training are necessary to break the cycle of poverty and crime. While the assistance to women may take many forms, the foundation’s focus for children will target education and/ or skills training. The Foundation is open to many ideas on how to accomplish this goal and look forward to receiving proposals to help all children achieve their potential.

The George I. Alden Trust offers a Higher Education Grant aimed at supporting independent colleges and universities in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The Trust prioritizes capital needs to enhance the educational experience, approving grants up to $100,000 for first-time applicants. Eligible institutions must have a minimum of 1,000 full-time undergraduate students and demonstrate a commitment to educational excellence and effective administration.

The Community Engaged Project Grants (CEPG) support innovative arts and culture initiatives that actively involve the public in Rhode Island. These artist-led projects encourage participation from all community members, including new and non-artists, fostering engagement through diverse artistic disciplines. By connecting with the community, funded projects aim to enhance the cultural landscape and provide meaningful experiences that resonate with both small and large audiences.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, led by the National Arbor Day Foundation, empowers colleges and universities to enhance their green spaces. By adhering to five standards, institutions can achieve recognition for their commitment to tree care, which promotes environmental health and student well-being. Participating schools enjoy benefits such as energy conservation and improved mental health, while fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among students. This initiative ultimately contributes to healthier, more sustainable campuses.

The Folk and Traditional Arts Fellowships, offered by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, support exceptional folk artists demonstrating outstanding skill in their craft. Each year, two fellowships are awarded: one for $7,000 and another for $3,000. These fellowships recognize artistic practices that are community or family-based, showcasing the aesthetic heritage and traditions of their respective communities, thus promoting cultural preservation.

The Artist Open Studio Tour Grants provide funding to support marketing and administration for artist-initiated studio tours in Rhode Island. These tours feature multiple artists in one or several nearby studio buildings and are open to the public. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the annual grant funds are exhausted, allowing communities of artists to collaborate and engage the public in their artistic endeavors.

The 1772 Foundation offers matching grants up to $10,000 for historic preservation projects in Rhode Island. Eligible projects include exterior painting, surface restoration, and repairs to porches, roofs, and windows. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and own or lease the property. The grants aim to support the restoration of historic sites while ensuring safety through upgrades like fire detection systems. This funding opportunity is not available for buildings used as schools or places of worship.

The Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research supports graduate students in advancing conservation efforts. Offered by Ducks Unlimited, this fellowship provides up to $17,000 annually for research and personal support. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research originality, ecological contributions, and feasibility. It is open to all North American graduate students, with a preference for doctoral candidates. The award is renewable for PhD students up to two years, and once for Master's students, contingent on satisfactory progress.

Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers competitive grants to farmers, educators, agricultural service providers, researchers, graduate students and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region. Northeast SARE is one of four regional SARE programs funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The program—including funding decisions—is driven by the Northeast SARE outcome statement:

Agriculture in the Northeast will be diversified and profitable, providing healthful products to customers. Farmers and the people they work with will steward resources to ensure sustainability and resilience, and foster conditions where farmers have high quality of life and communities can thrive.

Northeast SARE Research and Education Grants

The purpose of the Research and Education grant program is to invest in education for farmers that leads to changes in farmer behavior, decision-making, and/or practices. These changes must increase the sustainability of farming in the Northeast United States. A Research and Education project can also include an applied research component, related to the educational activities.

• The primary audience are farmers, ranchers, and farm employees (henceforth “farmers”) that meet Northeast SARE’s Definition of a Farm.
• Farmers must be engaged in demonstrating the need for and the design of the project.
• Anyone who works in farming, including farmers, can lead a Research and Education project.
• The education program must be useful to farmers regardless of the results of any optional research component.

This grant program seeks innovative projects that improve existing practices or introduce existing practices to new farmer audiences.

The Northeast SARE: Farmer Grant Program supports innovative sustainable agriculture projects by providing funding to farmers. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 enable farmers to conduct research, implement new ideas, and address issues affecting long-term sustainability. This program encourages proposals that explore diverse topics such as crop production, livestock raising, urban agriculture, and climate-smart practices. Successful projects promise significant benefits to farming communities while fostering collaboration and education within the agricultural sector.

Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers competitive grants to farmers, educators, agricultural service providers, researchers, graduate students and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region. Northeast SARE is one of four regional SARE programs funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The program—including funding decisions—is driven by the Northeast SARE outcome statement:

Agriculture in the Northeast will be diversified and profitable, providing healthful products to customers. Farmers and the people they work with will steward resources to ensure sustainability and resilience, and foster conditions where farmers have high quality of life and communities can thrive.

Professional Development Grant

The Professional Development Grant program funds projects that help service providers improve the way they work with farmers through research-based education. These projects result in a change in practice or behavior by service providers that supports farmers in sustainable agriculture innovation.

Northeast SARE’s definition of a service provider is a professional who assists farmers as part of their work. Typical audiences include extension educators, consultants, agency personnel, and not-for-profit organization staff. Project audiences may include realtors, bankers, attorneys, or farmers who help other farmers.

The NRP Young Investigator Award is designed to support research on optimizing newborn care during delivery using Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) techniques. This grant encourages innovative projects addressing gaps in transitional physiology and resuscitation practices. Eligible applicants include researchers from Canadian and US institutions, particularly those in training or within four years of completing medical training. Awardees may receive up to $15,000 to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program provides grants for graduate students to research sustainable agriculture under faculty supervision. Proposals should address relevant issues for Northeast farmers and agricultural professionals. Projects should align with themes of stewardship, profitability, and quality of life. The aim is to support diversified and profitable agriculture in the Northeast, enhancing community and environmental well-being through effective resource management.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation Grant supports educational and leadership initiatives focused on agriculture within the Northeastern United States. Established as a private foundation, it provides funding to 501(c)(3) organizations that promote agricultural leadership, enhance understanding of food production, and improve farmers' quality of life. The Foundation prioritizes programs that educate youth about agriculture and promote farm safety awareness. Grants are primarily directed towards statewide or larger projects that align with these objectives.

The Child Health Research Awards Program, funded by the Charles H. Hood Foundation, aims to support young investigators in pediatric research. It provides two-year grants of $200,000 to newly independent faculty, encouraging creativity and the transition to other funding sources. This initiative is pivotal in advancing children's health by fostering innovative research projects in New England, ultimately enhancing the well-being of children and families through early career support and funding opportunities.

The RIF: Basic Human Needs Grants provide crucial support to community agencies in Rhode Island, offering up to $5,000 for emergency assistance programs. These grants target organizations delivering essential services such as food, clothing, housing, and utilities assistance. The funding aims to help both new initiatives and established programs, ensuring they can meet the needs of Rhode Islanders in crisis. Organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria to apply, emphasizing the importance of local support for vulnerable populations.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

The EDA Philadelphia FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance regional economic development by providing grants for creating and implementing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). This initiative supports eligible organizations, including Indian Tribes and District Organizations, to develop plans that foster economic prosperity and job retention in distressed areas. Through various investments, the program strengthens local capacities for effective economic development and job creation.

The High Priority HIV and Substance Use Research funding opportunity aims to support innovative research that addresses the intersection of HIV and substance use. Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals that include a detailed research plan and preliminary data, exploring new avenues for prevention, treatment, and potential cures for HIV among people who use drugs. Applications are due by 5 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior.

The Booth Ferris Foundation's Higher Education Grant Program offers crucial capacity-building support to eligible higher education institutions in New York State, requiring an annual budget exceeding $1 million. Established in 1957, the Foundation has contributed over $425 million to various charitable causes. This program focuses on enhancing institutional effectiveness and sustainability, ensuring that organizations can thrive and serve their communities effectively. Note that the Foundation does not fund requests from individual schools or certain types of support.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

The Artist Resource Trust (A.R.T.) Fund for Organizations Grant supports mid-career visual artists (aged 35+) in New England and parts of New York. Established in 1996, it provides annual funding to nonprofit organizations for commissions, purchases, or engagements with these artists. Eligible organizations must match funds 1:1 in cash and have specific geographic ties. The grant emphasizes quality and commitment in artistic work, aiding in the growth and visibility of mature artists.

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.