Best Grants for Children in Rhode Island

With a mission to support innovative social impact, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides Rhode Island youth and children’s organizations with up to US $300,000 over three years in unrestricted funding or investment capital. Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits serving underserved communities worldwide, including Rhode Island, can apply year-round for capacity-building and growth support.

Nonprofit cultural institutions serving youth-focused arts and science programs in Rhode Island can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation; awards are typically more than US $100,000 for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. Eligible U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s must have audited expenses over $2 million and demonstrate broad, lasting impact.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations supporting children’s health, welfare, and education can seek grants for medical care, disabilities, child protection, literacy, and related services from the Semnani Family Foundation. Semnani Family Foundation provides Rhode Island youth services groups, and similar programs worldwide, with support for health care access, disaster relief, and vulnerable children and families.

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.

Rhode Island youth and children’s organizations seeking support for education, financial literacy, social services, or public health programs can apply for grants of more than US $10,000. Focused on community impact, Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation prioritizes applicants within its general marketing area, including programs serving children, veterans, hunger, housing, and public safety.

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.

K-12 public and charter school teachers, artists, and nonprofits integrating arts into core academics for Rhode Island public school children can receive US $500 - US $1,000 for collaborative, arts-based educational projects. The Rhode Island Community Foundation’s Arts in Academics Grant supports stipends, materials, equipment, field trips with academic purposes, and professional training that enhance youth learning.

With a mission to strengthen Rhode Island’s nonprofit community, The Champlin Foundation provides Rhode Island youth-serving organizations with campership funding to help children who could not otherwise afford summer camp. Eligible applicants are Rhode Island tax-exempt organizations operating ACA-accredited (or similarly accredited) camps, with applications accepted online from September 1 to October 15.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) public charities serving children and youth can access funding through Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation for programs in youth services, education, and leadership development. Grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000 support initiatives like early childhood education, after-school enrichment, mentoring, summer camps, and social-emotional and mental health programs for low-to-moderate income families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth or broader community and environmental programs in Rhode Island may be eligible for funding to advance their work. With a mission to support community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides grants that could help strengthen child- and youth-focused initiatives within these areas.

Youth- and child-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries in Rhode Island can request US $5,000 - US $10,000 in unrestricted operating or program support for environmental, human services, disaster relief, or other eligible work. Focused on broad community and environmental needs, the Lawrence Foundation invites applications from U.S.-headquartered organizations, including those with programs benefiting children and youth.

Educational organizations in Rhode Island focused on college readiness, access, and success for underserved youth can apply for grants from the Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation. Eligible 501(c)(3) charities, municipalities, Tribal governments, and religious organizations serving New England students may request program, general operating, small capital, or research support related to post-secondary completion.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth through education, human services, or Christian programs may be eligible for this funding, with capital requests limited to Aquidneck Island. Grants from the John Clarke Trust help support youth services and child welfare, with preference for groups on Aquidneck Island and in the East Bay area.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Anthony F Cordeiro Foundation provides Rhode Island youth services nonprofits with up to US $5,000 to support programs serving children and families. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, or those with a fiscal sponsor, must focus on needs such as health and mental health services, food, shelter, child welfare, or suicide prevention in Southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial support, including groups serving children and youth in Rhode Island. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, arts education, and community development for clients in the U.S., with priority near Ameriprise employee centers.

Rhode Island-based nonprofit organizations seeking capital support for youth services, education, libraries, social services, or related facilities can apply for challenge grants to fund equipment, renovations, or real estate projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, The Champlin Foundation provides limited challenge opportunities that help nonprofits leverage its funding to secure matching donations for child- and youth-focused capital projects.

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) nonprofits providing health services can access funding through The Rhode Island Community Foundation to support programs in areas like renal disease, hospice, cancer, disabilities, and other serious conditions. Youth-serving organizations, including those running summer camps for children with low vision or blindness, may be eligible for awards of US $10,000 - US $50,000.

Charitable organizations in Rhode Island serving physically disabled, low-income children and adults can receive support for educational, vocational, and job training programs, as well as healthcare, recreation, and access to religious services. The John D. & Katherine A. Johnston Foundation prioritizes youth programs, especially those benefiting children in Newport, which may suit child-focused organizations statewide.

Charitable organizations in Rhode Island that improve the lives of physically disabled low-income children and adults can seek general operating or program support, typically for one-year grants. Focused on health and human services, the Vigneron Memorial Fund gives preference to groups serving children in Providence or Narragansett, which may particularly benefit youth-focused programs.

Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations serving children up to age 18 can seek funding for direct-benefit programs like snacks and meals, playground equipment, computers, arts, and after-school activities. With a mission to aid children’s welfare, Andrade Faxon Charities for Children supports youth services and related programs in Rhode Island and nearby counties.