Best Grants for Charities in Rhode Island

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charities and eligible public institutions in Rhode Island can seek Amgen Foundation support for science education and community-strengthening programs. Amgen Foundation provides funding for scalable, replicable initiatives that enhance science teacher development, deliver hands-on, technology-enabled science experiences, and promote civic engagement in communities where Amgen operates, including Rhode Island.

Charitable organizations and public entities running humanitarian, social, education, or community programs that serve Rhode Island or provide nationwide U.S. support may be eligible for this funding. With a mission to strengthen communities, Amgen Foundation provides non-healthcare charities and government agencies with donations and sponsorships for charitable, educational, scientific, or literary purposes.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) public charities hosting date-specific community events can seek event sponsorship funding for galas, golf tournaments, walks/runs, cultural performances, and similar activities. Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation provides these sponsorships to nonprofits based in or serving Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts counties, supporting organizations that strengthen local communities and improve quality of life.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding may be eligible for funding in Rhode Island. With a mission to support positive change, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible support that could help charities advance programs benefiting people, the environment, and broader community well-being.

Educational 501(c)(3) charities, municipalities, Tribal and religious organizations in Rhode Island can apply for Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation support to advance college readiness, access, and completion for underserved students. Funding may cover programs, general operating support for smaller organizations, research on post-secondary success, and limited pre-K–12 reform work serving New England residents.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Rhode Island charities seeking capital support for facilities, construction, renovations, real estate, or equipment can access funding through the Champlin Foundation. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least three years of status or fiscally sponsored programming may apply across areas like arts and culture, education, healthcare, social services, youth services, conservation, libraries, animal welfare, and historic preservation.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) charities providing health care access and related services can receive up to US $20,000 for projects that enhance residents’ quality of life. Ocean State Charities Trust supports organizations incorporated and operating in Rhode Island, with at least two years of activity, through semi-annual competitive grant cycles.

With a mission to make the world better for future generations, the David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund provides Rhode Island charities and other 501(c)(3) organizations with broad program support. Eligible nonprofits may seek funding for arts and culture, education, environment and animals, health, human services, religion, and public or societal benefit initiatives.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) public charities providing education-focused programs can seek up to US $20,000 to promote social welfare through the Edward Ricci Award. Grants from Ocean State Charities Trust help charities that enhance quality of life in areas like housing, health, education, and welfare, with two application cycles each year.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) charities providing social services, including housing, health, education, and welfare programs, can apply for the Harry Kizirian Award, offering up to US $20,000 for program support. Focused on promoting social welfare, Ocean State Charities Trust accepts semi-annual applications from organizations operating in the state for at least two years.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) charities improving housing, health, education, or social welfare can apply for the Ocean State Charities Trust’s Roger Schonning Award to support projects enhancing residents’ safety and well-being. Eligible organizations must be Rhode Island-based, operating at least two years, and focus on measurable benefits to people in the state.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The FCIDD Nonprofit Project Grants are designed to support 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across various states. Grants are awarded for projects that enhance accessibility, provide educational opportunities, and promote community engagement. The foundation encourages collaboration with local Civitan clubs, particularly in October and March funding rounds, while also offering open applications in July. The initiative aims to empower nonprofits to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Program Area Improvements

For I/DD specific 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) looking to add/improve programming potential via equipment and property improvements, updates and additions.

Focused on STEAM youth education, Cox Communications invites Rhode Island 501(c)(3) charities in its service area to apply for Cox Charities Community Grants of US $5,000 - US $12,000. Funding supports youth innovation programs in science, technology, engineering, arts and math, plus conservation, sustainability, and inclusion initiatives.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations addressing needs like poverty relief, education, health, disaster response, families, or animal welfare can seek single-year program support from the Robinson Foundation; organizations must have operated for over three years. While funding is limited to the Southern U.S., Rhode Island charities with Southern programs may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, recognizing exemplary collaborations that address significant social issues. U.S. charities demonstrating measurable community impact and innovative, multi-sector partnerships may be selected for one of six annual awards.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) and 509(a) charities seeking support for community services, environmental work, or other local causes can apply for grants from the Kimball Foundation. Funding may help match other gifts, launch start-ups, or sustain small organizations, with a particular emphasis on projects benefiting South County residents.

Rhode Island charitable organizations providing community services and relief programs in the greater East Bay, especially Bristol, can access funding through the Rhode Island Community Foundation; awards range from US $500 - US $5,000. Programs that promote benevolence and extend relief to poor and indigent residents in Bristol and surrounding East Bay communities are preferred.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) charities serving children and at-risk youth can seek program funding for items like food, playground equipment, computers, art supplies, music lessons, and after-school programs. With a mission to support children’s welfare, Andrade Faxon Charities for Children assists organizations in Rhode Island and nearby Bristol and Plymouth counties focused on youth health, education, and development.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) public charities serving primarily low- to moderate-income residents with affordable housing, youth development, or financial education programs can seek US $2,500 - US $10,000 to strengthen community opportunity. Grants from Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation help support shelters, youth enrichment and mentoring, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and small business support initiatives in areas served by Rockland Trust branches.