Best Grants for Historic Preservation in Rhode Island

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare can seek up to US $15,000 for direct-service programs, trainings, or enrichment activities, including work in Rhode Island. The Dan Paul Foundation funds efforts such as child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, environmental education, refugee enrichment, and scholarships that benefit children and young people.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Rhode Island organizations working with urban children and youth in education, health, or family economic stability can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for project support or scaling efforts. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public entities in the U.S., with requests of more than US $50,000 considered.

Rhode Island youth-serving organizations and schools offering work-based learning and career exploration may be eligible for funding to run Real Skills for Youth internships and skill-building programs statewide. Historic preservation groups that engage teens in government, education, community advocacy, or facilities management projects could access support from the State of Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in charitable, educational, scientific, or medical fields can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for programs carried out in the U.S. Organizations focused on historic preservation that also meet these criteria may be eligible if they are tax-exempt under federal and, when applicable, California law.

Researchers at any level seeking support for short-term historical records and archives research in Rhode Island can receive up to US $5,000 for travel and accommodation expenses. Rockefeller Archive Center provides Rhode Island historic preservation and history-focused scholars with funding to work in its Commonwealth Fund collections, including those exploring architecture, design, and institutional history.

Rhode Island land trusts, tribes, governments, and private landowners seeking to preserve working farms, grasslands, or historically significant agricultural parcels can apply for conservation easement support through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program’s Agricultural Land Easements component. Rhode Island historic preservation and conservation entities may be eligible when protecting agricultural land with conservation, open space, or historic values, with funding provided via USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing needs like poverty relief, education, disaster response, health care, animal welfare, or conservation can apply for Robinson Foundation support; funding is limited to the Southern U.S. While not restricted to historic projects, Rhode Island preservation groups serving southern communities may be eligible if they meet the regional and program criteria.

Tax-exempt Rhode Island organizations operating accredited camps can seek funding to provide financial assistance for children who otherwise could not afford summer camp. With a mission to strengthen communities, The Champlin Foundation provides youth services and summer program providers with campership support through an online portal open September 1 to October 15 each year.

With a mission to support small cultural heritage and local historical organizations, Rhode Island Council For The Humanities provides Rhode Island historic preservation groups with up to US $5,000 in general operating support. Eligible nonprofits must be Rhode Island-based, serve local residents or visitors, have income under $150,000, and have leadership reflecting their communities.

Rhode Island historic preservation nonprofits that own or long-term lease their properties can access funding for exterior repair and protection projects. Rhode Island historic preservation groups can access funding through the 1772 Foundation for 1:1 matching grants up to US $10,000 for exterior painting, structural repairs, porches, roofs, windows, foundations, chimneys, and safety systems.

Rhode Island-based nonprofit organizations planning capital projects such as equipment purchases, facility construction, renovation, or real estate acquisition can seek highly limited challenge grants that leverage matching donations. With a mission to strengthen Rhode Island communities, The Champlin Foundation provides support across areas including historic preservation, arts and culture, libraries, social services, and youth-focused facilities.

Rhode Island historic preservation nonprofits seeking capital support for facilities or equipment can access funding through the Champlin Foundation for construction, renovation, real estate purchase, or tangible property. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations (or those with fiscal sponsors) must align with Champlin’s focus areas and demonstrate capacity, equity commitment, and feasible, well-planned 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.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, social services, health care, civic or cultural programs, environmental projects, or community heritage may be eligible for grants from the Dr Scholl Foundation. Organizations can request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project funding, which may include historic preservation-related initiatives.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

Municipal governments in Rhode Island that are Certified Local Governments can apply for the State of Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission’s CLG Grants to fund historic preservation survey and planning projects. Funding supports identifying and evaluating historic and archaeological properties, preparing National Register nominations, preservation plans, and certain education-related activities.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island preserving the history, records, and artifacts of the state’s Supreme Court and judicial system can access funding through Rhode Island Community Foundation. Grants support historical programs, publications, and public forums on Rhode Island legal and constitutional history, and applicants are expected to provide matching funds or in-kind resources.

Historical and preservation societies in smaller Rhode Island cities and towns can seek $250 to $750 to conserve pre-1900 manuscripts, documents, photographs, and municipal records. Focused on document preservation, the Rhode Island Community Foundation supports restoration, archival housing, and some acquisition costs for paper-based historical materials, benefiting local historic preservation efforts.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations can seek US $2,500 - US $10,000 to plan and promote preservation of battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures in Rhode Island and other eligible states. National Trust for Historic Preservation funding supports planning, capacity building, and public education efforts that advance historic preservation goals.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Non-sectarian 501(c)(3) organizations and similar nonprofits in Rhode Island or working globally to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000 for direct-service programs. Organizations focused on poverty, disability, humanitarian relief, or related human services may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s size and leadership criteria.