Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) supports small-scale research grants at institutions with limited NIH funding, enhancing undergraduate biomedical research experiences. Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million in NIH support over the past seven years. This funding opportunity encourages institutions to foster research environments that benefit undergraduate students while addressing significant NIH research interests through minimal risk clinical trials.

Help at Home Community Foundation: Support Fund

The Support Fund provides help to home care employees who experience a personal financial hardship for a variety of reasons.

What are qualifying events?

A qualifying event can be a significant event(s) or radical change of status in a person’s life that creates an immediate, unforeseen, and substantial financial requirement. Some examples include:

Natural Disaster, Medical Emergency, Death of an immediate family member. More information here.

Grant awards depend on the qualifying event and need which could range from $100.00-$500.00. The maximum amount applicants may receive in a calendar year is $500.00, unless otherwise approved by the Board.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Charles Robertson Scholarship Fund for Education

This scholarship fund is a memorial to the life of Charles Robertson, established by his wife and family. Chuck was the woodshop teacher at Grand Haven Junior High School for 36 years. During his life, Chuck's leadership and organizational qualities were always present and active. He took a broad world view and always found ways to do good things for others. This scholarship supports students who have graduated from a Tri-Cities area public high school. Chuck enjoyed working with his hands, he was a creative problem solver, and he had a curiosity about the world around him.

This scholarship keeps the memory of Chuck alive and hopefully inspires the award recipients to live a life of passion and active involvement.

The National Geographic Content Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, supports juniors and seniors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Recipients receive a $10,000 award and participate in a one-week immersion program with National Geographic, gaining valuable industry experience and mentorship. This program seeks passionate individuals interested in creative storytelling and environmental advocacy, promoting diversity and inclusion within the media field.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

The Digitizing Hidden Collections: Amplifying Unheard Voices Program, administered by CLIR, aims to digitize rare and unique content from diverse communities in the US and Canada. Launched in 2021, this initiative focuses on materials that highlight the histories of underrepresented groups, including people of color and marginalized communities. The program promotes public knowledge, broad representation, authentic partnerships, sustainable infrastructures, and community-centered access, providing funding between $50,000 and $300,000 to eligible organizations.

Florence and Jack Sims Memorial Scholarship

The Florence and Jack Sims Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at the North Georgia Community Foundation in 2014. The Sims were active participants and supporters of their communities and the Baptist Church in White, Hall, and Oglethorpe Counties. Their Christian beliefs led them to follow Christ’s teaching in Matthew 22: v37-40 – to first love God and second to love thy neighbor as thyself. The Fund was established by their three children- Jackie, Michael, and Hal- to honor their faith and memory.

Recipients must attend a high school located in Hall County or White County, GA, or be homeschooled students residing in Hall County or White County, GA, and plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and should demonstrate active involvement in extracurricular and/or community activities such as volunteering, work, and church activities. In 2026, one scholarship award of $2,000 will be offered.

The ASCAP Foundation Mariana & Paul Williams "Sunlight of the Spirit" Award supports organizations dedicated to addiction recovery through music. Established by the ASCAP Foundation and Paul Williams, the award recognizes efforts that improve lives affected by addiction. Eligible nominees must be 501(c)(3) organizations with a commitment to music-based recovery. The award includes a $5,000 prize to further their impactful work in the community, fostering healing through the therapeutic power of music.

The Junior Hamilton Memorial Mariachi Scholarship is designed to support graduating seniors from Wenatchee, Eastmont, or Westside High School who have shown dedication to the Mariachi Program. This scholarship honors Junior Hamilton's vibrant spirit and enables students to pursue higher education. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.85 and demonstrate continued involvement in the mariachi program. Renewal is possible through reapplication, ensuring ongoing support for deserving students in North Central Washington.

Scholarships and Awards

The National Federation of the Blind offers several scholarships and awards that honor blind individuals as well as teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations whose work benefits the blind community.

Blind Educator of the Year Award

Recognize a blind educator who strives to guide, uplift, and advocate for their blind students and the needs of blind people.

The Blind Educator of the Year Award was established by the National Organization of Blind Educators, a division of the National Federation of the Blind, in 1991 to recognize outstanding blind teachers.

Every year, the award pays tribute to a blind teacher whose exceptional classroom performance, notable community service, and uncommon commitment to the NFB merit national recognition. A teacher not only provides information but also guidance, advocacy, and love. The recipient of the Blind Educator of the Year Award must exhibit all of these traits and must advance the cause of blind people in the spirit and philosophy of the NFB.

The Award

The Blind Educator of the Year Award is presented at the NFB National Convention.

The AAOMR Annual Meeting Poster Awards support graduate students in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology by recognizing outstanding research and clinical posters. Two awards are available annually: one for research and another for clinical topics. Applicants must present their posters to judges, with winners chosen by majority vote. Each awardee receives a $1000 prize and a certificate, announced during the AAOMR Annual Session, encouraging excellence and innovation in the field.

The Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) invites applications for the Emerging Investigator Research Grants (EIRG) program, aimed at supporting medical students and pediatric residents with a 12-week mentored research experience in pediatric dermatology. Awardees receive funding of up to $4,000 for in-person projects and $1,500 for remote projects, plus $1,000 for travel to the PeDRA Annual Conference. This initiative promotes diversity and supports projects addressing crucial patient-centered research questions.

The PeDRA Research Fellowships Program offers support for one year of mentored research in pediatric dermatology, targeting post-graduate trainees and medical students. With a maximum funding of $25,000, the program aims to foster the next generation of physician scientists while addressing high-priority patient-centered research questions. PeDRA emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion in its initiatives, ensuring a comprehensive approach to research in childhood skin diseases.

Patrick Michael Kelley Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the community in memory of Patrick Kelley, an outstanding student at GHS. Patrick was known for his academic ability, musical talent & service. He was a member of the GHS Band, played in two orchestras, was an Eagle Scout, attended the Governor’s Honors Program & was active in youth group. In 2026, this $3,000 scholarship is available to seniors at Hall County/Gainesville City public high schools planning to attend an accredited U.S. college/university.

Robert Couche Scholarship

The scholarship was established in 1988 by Robert Couche to give scholarships to deserving Black high school graduates living in the Gainesville-Hall County area seeking higher education.

To complete this scholarship, applicants must answer the following essay question: Please describe what you believe are the three most important qualities of a good leader. How have you displayed these qualities in your own life?

In 2026, one scholarship award of $1,500 will be offered.

Dean and Vay Lousberg Scholarship

The Dean and Vay Lousberg Scholarship Fund was established to help aid in the financing of continuing education for graduating students from Northeastern Colorado high schools.

Scholarship amount:

• $2,000

Number of awards:

• 3

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

Logan County Nurses Scholarship

The Logan County Nurses Scholarship is available to nursing students who reside in Logan County and have been accepted into a nursing program working towards a ADN, BSN, or MSN.

Scholarship amount:

• $2,000

Number of awards:

• 3

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

The Allied Scientist Grant, offered by the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation, supports graduate-level trainees in non-clinical disciplines crucial to interventional radiology. With funding up to $40,000 over two years, this grant fosters collaboration between established scientists and IR professionals to innovate and enhance patient care. Eligible applicants include trainees and post-doctoral fellows, with a focus on multidisciplinary research. The program aims to advance groundbreaking studies that bridge scientific knowledge and clinical application.

The Generation III Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a one-time award of $1,000 to Delaware residents graduating from high school or current post-secondary students. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and intend to study a Construction or Skilled Trade at an accredited institution, which may be located outside Delaware. This scholarship supports the Foundation's mission to enhance community equity and opportunity through education.

The Georgetown-Millsboro Rotary Scholarship, administered by the Delaware Community Foundation, offers a one-time award of $500 to graduating high school seniors residing in specific Delaware zip codes. Applicants must demonstrate good academic performance and financial need. This scholarship is part of a broader initiative where DCF awarded $850,000 to 245 students for the 2024-2025 school year, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and equity within the community.

Drew Bilinski Memorial Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $500.

Delaware Fine Arts Scholarship

Awards:

• One time award of $5,000. Students may reapply each year. 

The Preserving Black Churches Grant Program, managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to support the preservation of historic Black churches. Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000 and fund various projects, including restoration, capacity building, and community engagement. The program encourages applications from active and non-active congregations, nonprofits, and public agencies, emphasizing the importance of these churches in their communities. This initiative seeks to strengthen heritage and foster cultural connections.

The Wilmington Country Club Centennial Scholarship, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, offers a one-time award of $2,000. This scholarship is aimed at current or former employees of SoDel Concepts in Sussex County who are pursuing a degree at an accredited institution. In 2024-2025, the DCF awarded a record $850,000 in scholarships to support students' educational pursuits, promoting equity and opportunity in Delaware.

Keisha M. Michael Memorial Scholarship

Essay: Topic:

• “How a college education will help me make an impact on the community and affect my life.”

Award:

• One time award of $1,500. Awardees can re-apply.

Ken Cicerale Memorial Music Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $1,000. 

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Barbara Jean Dyer Scholarship

Applicant must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours, major in art and maintain a 2.0 GPA.