Best Grants for Preschools in Rhode Island

About 

The National Sea Grant College Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1966 and works to create and maintain a healthy coastal environment and economy. The Sea Grant network consists of a federal/university partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and 34 programs in every coastal and Great Lakes state, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium is a regional collaboration that includes 8 Sea Grant programs in 7 Northeast states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium collaborates on regional initiatives in research, education, extension, and communications—leveraging local expertise to create regional benefits and accomplishments.

American Lobster Initiative (ALI) Collaborative Research

The Sea Grant American Lobster Initiative is pleased to announce funding to support new collaborative research projects that closely align with emerging lobster industry and management needs. This request for proposals (RFP) adds to the substantial breadth of previous ALI-funded research by prioritizing projects that create “actionable science” (outputs and findings of the scientific process are useful to and usable by end-user communities) through the co-creation of information and/or products. 

To reach this goal, the ALI seeks to support collaborative research practices, the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and resources/capacities amongst the many people who comprise the American lobster industry. Projects must be developed and led by collaborative research teams that include at least one fishing industry representative, such as a commercial fisherman or a representative from a commercial fishing business, including cooperatives, dealers and processors. This call emphasizes research conducted with and for the industry, offering an exciting opportunity to support and elevate industry-research-management partnerships to address current ecological, regulatory, and socio-economic challenges faced by the American lobster fishery.

The Sea Grant American Lobster Initiative invites proposals for collaborative research projects to be funded from December 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028. Projects can be up to two years in duration, with a recommended duration of no less than 18 months. 

This opportunity is designed to support collaborative research conducted by those affiliated with the American lobster industry (including shoreside supply chain businesses), and any public or private higher education institution, municipal, state, federal, or tribal entity, research laboratory, or other community or non-profit institution. This opportunity is not open to single investigator proposals.

A total of $400,000 is available to support up to 8 two-year project awards. Project budgets cannot exceed $100,000 (including all direct and indirect costs), and must include non-federal cost share is required for this competition. See full RFP for guidance.

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program provides grants for graduate students to research sustainable agriculture under faculty supervision. Proposals should address relevant issues for Northeast farmers and agricultural professionals. Projects should align with themes of stewardship, profitability, and quality of life. The aim is to support diversified and profitable agriculture in the Northeast, enhancing community and environmental well-being through effective resource management.

Fund of The Providence Shelter Foundation Grants

The Providence Shelter Foundation established two funds at the Rhode Island Foundation: a donor advised fund in 2014 through which the Shelter's Board of Managers recommends grants for the community, and an organization endowment in 2016 from which grants are made back to the Shelter to ensure a secure funding stream for the organization.

About the Providence Shelter

The Providence Shelter was founded in 1838, when white Quaker women noticed Black families needing a place to care for their children if, for example, the mother was a live-in maid to a white family, or the father was at sea. Existing children’s homes in Providence were closed to children of color, so a building on Wickenden Street was purchased to provide accommodation for such children.

More than a century later, the Shelter, by then in a larger building on Olive Street, closed its doors. Assets from selling the property were invested in an endowment and the Providence Shelter became a grantmaking foundation in 1951, using funds generated through its endowment to support a wide variety of agencies in Greater Providence.

Providence Shelter Foundation’s Role Today

In their role as a grantmaking foundation, the Providence Shelter remains dedicated to supporting organizations serving historically marginalized children of color and their families in Rhode Island, with a focus on programs that offer well-being, mental health support, educational advancement, and leadership opportunities. Prudent financial management and the dedicated oversight of a diverse Board of Managers have enabled the Providence Shelter to navigate the 21st century effectively while continuing to support its core mission.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Green Space Grant Program in Rhode Island offers matching funds for the acquisition and development of outdoor recreational lands and facilities. It is available to municipal agencies and recognized Native American tribes, providing up to 50% matching funds, capped at $400,000. Eligible projects must enhance public access to recreational areas while ensuring proper management and maintenance by the municipality. This funding is crucial for improving community outdoor spaces and promoting environmental stewardship.

The Green Space Grant Program offers financial support for outdoor recreational development in Rhode Island. It provides matching funds to municipalities and recognized Native American tribes for acquiring and renovating recreational lands and facilities. Eligible projects include development that enhances public outdoor recreation. The program encourages local matching contributions and is funded through state bonds, ensuring community engagement and sustainability in recreational land improvements.

The Green Space Grant Program offers funding for outdoor recreation projects, land conservation, and development of recreational facilities in Rhode Island. This program supports municipalities and recognized Native American tribes with matching funds up to 80%, totaling a maximum of $400,000. Eligible projects aim to enhance public outdoor recreation, with a focus on community engagement and sustainable practices. Interested applicants should ensure compliance with program regulations and explore partnerships for funding opportunities.

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.

The RISCA Project Grants for Organizations program offers funding up to $3,000 to support arts and culture projects that benefit Rhode Island communities. This entry-level grant program is designed for non-profit organizations that demonstrate a commitment to engaging with historically marginalized groups. The initiative aims to enhance cultural vibrancy and equity in the arts, ensuring all Rhode Islanders have access to meaningful artistic experiences.

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Rhode Island College

What To Expect

• Earn paid, career-connected experience in high-demand tech fields like cybersecurity, AI, and IT
• Apply classroom learning to real-world projects through structured internships
• Build professional skills through career coaching, financial literacy, and workplace readiness training
• Connect with employers and mentors while exploring future careers in the digital economy through Rhode Island College

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Cybersecurity
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science 

Communities Served: Statewide

The Medical Research Grants program offers funding up to $25,000 for researchers in Rhode Island, with a focus on laboratory, clinical, and population-based studies. This includes Seed Grants for new investigators, Resubmission Grants to enhance NIH proposals, and Redirection Grants for projects affected by federal research priorities. The program supports various medical research areas, including infectious diseases and cancer, aiming to strengthen future grant competitiveness.

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: New England First (Rhode Island Region)

What To Expect

• Learn robotics and coding through hands-on, team-based projects
• Build STEM skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking
• Connect with industry professionals and explore future STEM careers
• Compete and collaborate as part of a robotics team in a supportive, high-energy environment

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Robotics
• Engineering
• STEM related fields

Communities Served: Statewide

About Us

We’re on a mission to help you achieve yours.

At Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, we understand that each business requires different kinds of support at different times. Our team of Business Engagement Specialists are here to assist your business in navigating any obstacles you may face. Whether you are considering launching a startup, seeking to expand your existing company or looking for assistance with red tape reduction, Rhode Island Commerce’s mission is to help you achieve your goals. We offer business assistance, access to funding and red tape reduction for companies of all sizes.

As a quasi-public agency, we serve as a government and community resource to help businesses expand in, and relocate to, Rhode Island. Our Specialists work with Rhode Island businesses in all industries and at all stages. 

Renewable Energy Fund

About REF

The Rhode Island Commerce Renewable Energy Fund (REF) supports the growth of renewable energy across Rhode Island, helping businesses and communities access cost-effective, sustainable energy solutions.

REF provides renewable energy grants for projects that generate cleaner electricity while supporting job growth in the green technology and energy sectors. Funded through the system benefit charge on electric bills and alternative compliance payments from electricity providers, REF invests in Small Scale solar, Commercial Scale, and Community Renewable energy projects throughout Rhode Island.

The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation (RI Commerce) and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) seeks to fund solar PV on Brownfield locations. All projects must be in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for the Renewable Energy Fund Development Program.

The Davis Conservation Foundation offers grants to support environmental protection, wildlife conservation, and outdoor recreation initiatives. They prioritize projects in Northern New England, particularly in the Gulf of Maine and the Northern Forest. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities. The Foundation encourages community involvement and volunteerism, while avoiding funding for individuals, multiple-year gifts, or projects previously declined within a specified timeframe.

The Sprague Charitable Contribution Program focuses on giving back to communities through charitable donations. With awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, priority is given to organizations that support children and environmental stewardship, particularly within Sprague's operational areas. The program seeks impactful contributions that can achieve significant results, reflecting Sprague's commitment to social responsibility and community improvement.

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.

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 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 Anthony F. Cordeiro Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island that enhance the lives of families and children. Established in 2017, the foundation focuses on providing essential resources such as health services, mental health support, food, and shelter. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that align with the foundation's mission, ensuring no discrimination in hiring or service provision.

The AmeriCorps State and National Rhode Island Grants, offered by ServeRI, empower organizations to tackle community needs by recruiting and training AmeriCorps members. These grants aim to enhance civic engagement and support pathways for participants to advance their careers or education. Successful proposals must demonstrate how AmeriCorps service positions address specific community challenges while providing meaningful benefits to the members. This initiative fosters collaboration among nonprofits, schools, and government agencies to improve lives and strengthen communities across Rhode Island.

The Arts in Academics Grant, endowed by Karel Greenblatt Gertsacov in 2004, supports educational projects that integrate arts into core academic subjects for Rhode Island public school children. Grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 fund collaborations between artists and educators, field trips for hands-on learning, and professional training for teachers to enhance arts literacy. This initiative fosters creativity and engagement in education, emphasizing the importance of the arts as a vital part of the learning process.

The Bayard Long Award supports students researching plant species in the Philadelphia area and surrounding regions. With a typical funding of $2000, it encourages studies that enhance understanding of local flora, including field and herbarium work. Eligible projects must include at least one native plant species, promoting both academic and practical botanical endeavors. This opportunity is available to all students enrolled in degree programs at any post-secondary institution, furthering educational and scientific exploration in botany.

The Champlin Foundation offers campership grants to support Rhode Island's tax-exempt organizations in providing financial assistance for children unable to afford summer camp. Since 1991, these grants have aimed to create equitable access to enriching camp experiences. The application portal opens on September 1st and closes on October 15th, with notifications by December and awards distributed by mid-January. This initiative continues the Foundation's long-standing commitment to community support and development.

The RIF: Joseph O'Neill Ott Fund Grants support the preservation of historical documents in Rhode Island, with grants ranging from $250 to $750. Established through a bequest in 1994, this fund focuses on conserving manuscripts and records created before 1900. Eligible applicants include historical societies from smaller cities and towns in Rhode Island. Proposals that address long-term storage and preservation efforts are particularly favored, ensuring that vital historical evidence is maintained for future generations.

The Champlin Foundation offers Challenge Grants to Rhode Island-based nonprofits to leverage funding for matching donations. These grants are limited and require organizations to discuss their plans with the Foundation before submitting formal requests. Since its inception in 1932, the Foundation has invested nearly $725 million in capital projects, enhancing various sectors such as healthcare, education, and the arts, while fostering community engagement and supporting marginalized populations.

The RI Agricultural Management Assistance program, administered by USDA's NRCS, provides financial aid to agricultural producers to manage risks through diversification and conservation practices. Eligible participants can receive up to 75% of installation costs for conservation projects, with a maximum payment of $50,000 per fiscal year. This program supports sustainable farming by allowing producers to enhance water management, improve soil health, and transition to organic practices, thereby promoting environmental stewardship in Rhode Island.