Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The Providence Shelter Grant aims to support programs that address educational disparities and mental health issues among children of African descent in Rhode Island. With a focus on healing from pandemic-related trauma, this grant prioritizes organizations led by people of color and those serving urban youth. Funding is directed towards impactful services rather than equipment, emphasizing the need for cultural, educational, and social opportunities for children up to 18 years old.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation's College Scholarship Program offers financial support to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. Scholarships cover significant educational expenses, including tuition and living costs, potentially providing up to $55,000 annually. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher and plan to enroll in an accredited four-year institution. This competitive program not only alleviates financial burdens but also connects students to a network of over 3,400 Cooke Scholars.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship to outstanding community college students with financial need, providing up to $55,000 per year for two to three years to cover educational expenses. This selective scholarship supports students in completing their bachelor's degrees at accredited institutions. Recipients benefit from personalized advising and a robust network of Cooke Scholars. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and demonstrate unmet financial need, ensuring accessibility to higher education.

The Simeon J. Fortin Charitable Foundation, founded in 1986, champions cancer research initiatives aimed at finding a cure. It supports relevant projects and fellowships within medical and research institutions, ensuring a significant impact on health-related research. The grant review process is conducted by The Medical Foundation, in coordination with the King Trust Postdoctoral Fellowships, enhancing collaboration and funding opportunities for innovative research in oncology.

The Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-Grants program, offered by the IBMA Foundation, supports K-12 educational initiatives by funding live bluegrass music performances in schools. Grants of up to $500 are available for programs that provide a comprehensive understanding of bluegrass music, including its history, instruments, and vocal harmonies. This initiative aims to enhance student engagement with bluegrass while preserving its cultural heritage, enriching the educational landscape through live demonstrations.

The Fordney Foundation Grant supports talented individuals in dance, aiming to foster professional careers and enhance community engagement in dance sports. Established in 2002, the foundation offers financial assistance to young dancers (ages 6-25) and promotes ballroom dancing across diverse ethnic backgrounds. Its DanceStart Program aids families in supporting their children's dance education at competitive levels, emphasizing the importance of physical conditioning and personal expression through this art form.

The USTA Player Development Excellence Grant supports aspiring U.S. tennis players by providing financial assistance based on performance and potential. Grants of up to $12,000 are awarded to players who meet specific criteria, encouraging their development into top 100 professionals. By utilizing USTA facilities and coaching, players can maximize their growth. The program aims to nurture young talent and ensure they have the resources necessary to succeed in competitive tennis.

The New Music Creator Fund provides financial support to individual music creators across all genres, helping them advance their creative practice. This initiative covers costs associated with developing new work and collaborative projects. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have three years of professional music experience. The fund aims to empower diverse music creators in the U.S. by facilitating the development of innovative musical ideas and fostering artistic collaboration.

The Special Excellence Annual Scholarship, offered by the CIRI Foundation, supports full-time students in 4-year undergraduate or graduate programs who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and community service. With awards up to $20,000 for one academic year, this merit-based scholarship emphasizes the importance of maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.7 and encourages contributions to the Alaska Native community. This initiative fosters educational success and economic self-sufficiency among Alaska Natives and their descendants.

The Raven Fund Scholarships, offered by the CIRI Foundation, support educational aspirations for CIRI voting shareholders who are not original shareholders or descendants. Award amounts include $200 per credit for full-time students, up to $3,000 per term, and similar support for part-time students. Funds cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and housing. Applicants must have a high school diploma, be enrolled in an accredited program, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify.

The Affiliate Grants - Guest Speaker Fund, provided by the American Musicological Society, offers financial assistance to AMS committees and study groups inviting external speakers to the Annual Meeting. Grants up to $1,500 cover travel expenses and honoraria for invited guests, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration within musicology. Applications must be submitted by group representatives, and the deadline precedes the standard proposal deadlines for committee activities. This program encourages enriching discussions by including diverse voices from outside the field.

The Dr. Patricia L. Austin Family Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship offers $10,000 in tuition assistance to medical students entering their final year. Sponsored by the AMA Foundation, this program supports a diverse group of students, including those of Eastern European descent and first-generation students. All applicants must be enrolled in accredited U.S. medical schools, ensuring equitable opportunities in pursuing their medical careers, while fostering representation in the field.

The Forecast for Clinical Trial Readiness for Rare Diseases (R21) aims to enhance the development and testing of diagnostics and therapeutics for rare diseases. This funding opportunity invites researchers to facilitate clinical trial readiness by developing rigorous biomarkers and clinical outcome measures. Through collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, NCATS seeks to improve the efficiency of moving candidate therapeutics towards clinical trials, ultimately increasing the likelihood of successful treatments for rare diseases.

The Shared Decision Making in Hemophilia Patient Care grant program, funded by Pfizer, aims to enhance patient outcomes through Quality Improvement projects that integrate shared decision-making tools into hemophilia care. This initiative encourages multidisciplinary collaboration to address healthcare disparities and empower patients in their disease management. Eligible organizations include healthcare institutions and professional schools, fostering innovative approaches to improve care for individuals living with hemophilia.

The AAFP Foundation's Center for the History of Family Medicine Oral History Grant offers up to $3,000 annually for oral history interviews in family medicine. Aimed at researchers, physicians, and students, it encourages the documentation of family medicine's history in the U.S. The grant supports travel and research expenses to enhance the oral history collection, ensuring a diverse representation of experiences and perspectives in the field.

The AMVETS Veteran, Active Duty & Guard/Reserve Scholarship provides financial assistance up to $12,000 for qualified U.S. Veterans and active military members pursuing undergraduate degrees. This scholarship is designed to bridge the financial gap after all other federal and state aid has been utilized. Eligibility includes being an honorably discharged veteran or active service member, enrolled in an accredited institution, and demonstrating financial need. AMVETS is dedicated to serving those who have served our country.

The AMVETS Spouse Scholarship offers financial support to the spouses of honorably discharged veterans and active military personnel, including National Guard and Reserves. This scholarship aims to bridge financial gaps after other federal and state resources have been exhausted. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programs, demonstrate financial need, and not be in default on federal student loans. AMVETS stands committed to empowering military families through education.

The AMVETS Children/Grandchildren Scholarship supports the educational aspirations of children and grandchildren of honorably discharged U.S. veterans and active military. This scholarship aims to bridge financial gaps after all federal and state assistance has been utilized. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, high school seniors, and demonstrate financial need while enrolled in accredited four-year universities. Incomplete applications will be disqualified, ensuring that the award goes to deserving candidates committed to their education.

The James Paul Sutton Medical Research Fund Grant supports non-profit organizations engaged in cancer and medical research, established through a trust by the Sutton family. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. Preference is given to cancer research initiatives, while grants are not available for individuals, political groups, or for-profit entities. This fund aims to sustain medical research efforts for the long term, continuing the legacy of the Sutton family.

The James McKeen Cattell Sabbatical Grant, provided by the James McKeen Cattell Fund, offers supplementary financial support for psychologists' sabbaticals. This grant is designed for faculty members at U.S. and Canadian institutions who meet specific eligibility criteria, including tenure status and recent leave history. The maximum award is capped at $40,000 or half the recipient's salary, ensuring that recipients can extend their research time effectively.

The Moses Kimball Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations providing job opportunities for minorities and disadvantaged individuals in Greater Boston, or facilitating connections between educational institutions and community members in need. Applications are accepted annually from June 1st to March 1st. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. This grant aims to empower underserved populations and promote educational outreach.

The AOFAS Resident Scholarship Program provides orthopaedic residents from the US and Canada the opportunity to attend the AOFAS Annual Meeting 2025 in Savannah, Georgia. Covering registration fees, lodging, and transportation, this program supports residents interested in foot and ankle surgery. Eligible applicants are PGY1, PGY2, or PGY3 residents who can attend the full program on September 10-11. This unique experience allows networking with leading surgeons and gaining insights into foot and ankle procedures.

The Kathryn Cramer Early Career Research Development Award provides essential start-up funding for orthopedic trauma surgeons in the U.S. and Canada, who have completed their fellowship within the last five years. This award aims to support innovative research projects that can be accomplished within two years, fostering professional development and collaboration among surgeons. Applicants must be members of AO Trauma and demonstrate early success in their research endeavors.

The Henry Hanff Fellowship Award offers a unique opportunity for practicing North American trauma surgeons to enhance their skills through a short-term fellowship at a trauma clinic in North America or Europe. Sponsored by AO North America, the fellowship lasts four to eight weeks and covers airfare and a stipend for living expenses, with a total award not exceeding $5,900. Participants must submit a report on their experience for publication, enhancing professional development and collaboration.

The MCSF- Undergraduate & Associate Degree Scholarship is designed to support the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen pursuing undergraduate education. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00. This scholarship can cover various educational expenses such as tuition, books, and transportation. It is an excellent opportunity for those who meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to furthering their education, while honoring the legacy of service in the Marine Corps.

The Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards Implementation Development and Maintenance initiative aims to enhance the national animal food safety system. This funding opportunity supports state regulatory programs in achieving and sustaining the Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS) within five years. By fostering collaboration with the FDA and standardizing regulatory processes, this initiative seeks to improve food safety, promote compliance, and mitigate foodborne illnesses, ultimately creating a more integrated food safety framework.

The Knights Templar Eye Foundation Career-Starter Research Grant provides up to $90,000 to support the early careers of researchers focused on preventing and curing blinding diseases in children. Eligible candidates must hold an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree. Research areas include amblyopia, congenital cataract, glaucoma, and other hereditary eye diseases. This funding aims to foster innovative solutions in pediatric ophthalmology, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for infants and children.