Best Grants for Museums in Rhode Island

The Sarah K. de Coizart Perpetual Charitable Trust, established in 1992, focuses on supporting species conservation and blindness-related services in the Northeast United States. Grants range from $20,000 to $75,000 for conservation projects and $20,000 to $50,000 for blindness initiatives. Priority is given to endangered species and innovative research efforts. Organizations must be IRS-designated public charities. The Trust does not fund individuals or matching gifts, ensuring support goes directly to impactful projects.

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.

The RI Regional Conservation Partnership Grant Program enhances collaboration between NRCS and various partners to provide conservation support to producers and landowners. This initiative integrates four previous conservation programs and prioritizes energy efficiency, fish and wildlife habitat, plant health, soil health, and water quality and quantity. Eligible participants include agricultural producers and landowners who can access assistance through partnership agreements or in designated conservation areas.

The Rhode Island Foundation's Specialized Health Funds program, starting in 2025, will consolidate several funds to support nonprofit organizations addressing health needs in Rhode Island. Key focus areas include care for individuals with renal disease, cancer, and disabilities, as well as support for children with low-vision and blindness. Applications for summer camps are due by April 25, 2025, while other projects must be submitted by August 18, 2025.

The Rhode Island Community Foundation offers grants through its Program for Animal Welfare, focusing on organizations dedicated to the humane treatment and welfare of animals. With thirteen special funds, the program supports initiatives such as humane education and low-cost spay/neuter services. Grants are intended for projects that positively impact animal care and welfare across the state, encouraging community involvement and addressing critical challenges related to animal protection.

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 New England Food Vision Prize aims to enhance local food supply chains in New England's educational institutions by awarding up to $1.5 million. The program supports innovative projects that increase the amount of regionally produced food served to K-12 and college students. By fostering collaboration among schools, farmers, and community organizations, the Prize strengthens food systems while prioritizing access for students and communities with limited fresh food options.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Rhode Island support eligible communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that compromise safe drinking water availability. Events such as droughts, floods, and chemical spills qualify for assistance. Grants can fund projects like waterline extensions or treatment facilities, with amounts reaching up to $1 million. This initiative aims to restore access to clean water and promote environmental sustainability in rural areas.

The Eastern Bank Foundation provides Impact Grants aimed at enhancing Economic Inclusion and Mobility for Low to Moderate Income (LMI) individuals and families. With a focus on advancing equity in small businesses, enriching early childhood development, ensuring affordable housing, and promoting workforce development, the foundation invested over $16 million in local organizations last year. Grants typically range from $50,000 to $100,000, supporting critical community needs across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) offers General Operating Support for Organizations (GOS-O) to arts and culture nonprofits in Rhode Island. This program provides multi-year unrestricted funding to organizations that significantly engage their communities through arts programming. GOS-O aims to promote equity, support diverse cultural representation, and foster economic vitality across the state. Eligible organizations must have a clear arts mission, be in continuous operation, and demonstrate strong community impact.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

 What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.

• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

The Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant supports dairy farmers in enhancing their operations for sustainable success. This funding aids in modernizing outdated systems and implementing innovative solutions that improve farm viability, milk quality, and worker conditions while addressing climate impacts. Eligible applicants include dairy farmers, cooperatives, and service providers across Northeast states. Awards range from $15,000 to $100,000, requiring a 25% match contribution.

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused Collaborations Program (RII-FEC) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by fostering partnerships among government, higher education, and industry. This program supports interdisciplinary teams of researchers to tackle significant challenges in STEM fields, promoting diversity and broadening participation. By integrating Minority-Serving Institutions and early-career faculty from underrepresented backgrounds, RII-FEC seeks to build sustainable STEM capacity and drive impactful discoveries across regions.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Tree Equity RI Grant Program offers funding of up to $25,000 for tree planting projects in Rhode Island, focusing on communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. Funded by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the program encourages local governments, educational institutions, and non-profits to enhance urban greenery. A total of $120,000 is available, requiring a 75/25 match of non-federal funds. This initiative aims to improve tree equity and mitigate extreme heat impacts.

The RIF Community Priority Grants, initiated by the Rhode Island Foundation, aim to enhance community well-being through targeted support to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. These grants focus on addressing six identified community priorities, promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. By fostering collaboration and understanding community needs, the program seeks to empower local organizations to effectively respond to systemic inequities and support thriving communities for a better Rhode Island.

The RIC Foundation's Catalyst Grants program aims to support innovative initiatives that catalyze change in Rhode Island. By prioritizing collaborations among organizations, the program addresses essential community priorities while emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Grants are available to state and local governments, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations, focusing on systemic inequities. Applications are accepted annually, with a single grant awarded per cycle, fostering impactful partnerships for lasting progress.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The Chartercare Emerging Health Care Needs Grant, offered by the Chartercare Foundation, supports innovative health and wellness programs in Rhode Island. With funding up to $50,000, the grant aims to address unmet health care needs, focusing on underserved populations and critical issues such as substance abuse and mental health. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing. This initiative seeks to catalyze impactful solutions that enhance community health and well-being.

The Chartercare Behavioral & Mental Health Grant offers up to $50,000 for proposals aimed at improving mental health services for children and adults in Rhode Island. The grant seeks innovative programs that address critical gaps in care, ensuring timely access to mental health professionals and effective treatment for issues like anxiety and depression. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing, with a preference for new initiatives or enhancements to existing programs.

The One Hive Foundation Grant focuses on promoting pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture through funding research and nonprofit initiatives. Launched in 2022, the grant supports diverse projects aimed at enhancing environmental data, public education, and scientific collaboration. Targeting verified 501c3 organizations, the foundation emphasizes ecological practices and community engagement in Vermont and beyond, with grants of up to $75,000 available to eligible applicants.

The TD Charitable Foundation's Capacity Building Fund empowers nonprofit organizations by providing grants aimed at enhancing their operational capabilities. Established in 2002, this initiative focuses on funding projects that promote job training, arts, and housing assistance, particularly for historically underserved communities. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the foundation seeks to support organizations that align with its TD Ready Commitment drivers, ensuring impactful and sustainable community development.

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 Food Access Infrastructure Initiative Grant, offered by Farm Credit East, provides funding up to $50,000 to organizations aimed at enhancing food security in the Northeast. Eligible projects include improving produce handling, expanding storage capacity, and enhancing distribution capabilities. Non-profit organizations within Farm Credit East's territory are encouraged to apply for support in capital projects that improve food distribution infrastructure.