Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Rhode Island

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

The Boulé Foundation Scholarship

The Boule' Foundation in conjunction with the United Negro College Fund, will provide annual merit-based scholarships to entering college freshmen students (Fall 2026) attending four-year, accredited non-profit degree-granting colleges and universities of their choice.

The Miller Trust Grants, managed by EveryCat Health Foundation, support innovative feline health research. With a focus on projects that enhance knowledge of feline diseases and treatments, the grants offer up to $50,000 for 1-2 year projects. Eligible applicants include principal investigators from specific partner institutions. EveryCat has a rich history of funding over $11 million in research, promoting the health and well-being of cats globally. Proposals are welcomed in Spring and Fall grant cycles.

The Society of American Archivists Foundation Catalyst Grant provides funding ranging from $500 to $5,000 to support complex archival projects that advance the strategic goals of the SAA. This program prioritizes projects that foster best practices, such as processing and digitization of archives, and is open to non-profit archival repositories and individual archivists affiliated with member organizations. It aims to benefit the archival profession as a whole.

The Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize, established in 1975, awards $25,000 to the best book of poetry published in the U.S. the previous year. It includes a ten-day residency at Glen Hollow, New York, and distribution to Academy of American Poets members. Eligible poets must be U.S. citizens or residents and submit original works published in the prior year. Self-published books and translations are ineligible, promoting excellence in contemporary American poetry.

The Design-Your-Own Fellowship by Equal Justice Works allows lawyers to create personalized projects addressing critical legal needs in underserved communities. Participants collaborate with preferred organizations to develop innovative solutions while receiving substantial financial support, health benefits, and professional training. This program not only enhances access to justice but also promotes diversity within public interest careers, empowering candidates to make meaningful impacts in their chosen fields.

The UNCF Travis Foundation Scholarship

The UNCF Travis Foundation Scholarship offers one-time, need-based financial support to help students continue their academic journey at a UNCF member institution. Recipients of this award will be recognized as “Travis Scholars,” joining a community of students dedicated to academic achievement, leadership, and service.

This opportunity is designed to support full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to their educational and career goals.

The Travis Foundation Scholarship is a meaningful opportunity for students to receive financial support while being recognized for their hard work, dedication, and potential.

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin gives everyone the opportunity to make significant and lasting gifts to their community. We manage over 320 funds that enhance Portage and Waushara counties. Together with our generous donors, we create a strong culture of philanthropy in Central Wisconsin.

We are a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and grants to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in Portage and Waushara counties.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

Whether you're a student seeking financial support or a donor looking to grow a scholarship fund, we invite you to explore available opportunities and learn how you can be involved.

Joey Trzebiatowski Memorial Scholarship

Qualifications: Graduating senior from Central Wisconsin, or UWSP or UW-Madison student planning to study business.

The Regional Public Interest Awards recognize eight outstanding law students annually for their dedication to public interest law. Selected by the Equal Justice Works National Advisory Committee, each recipient demonstrates exceptional commitment through volunteer work, internships, and clinics. Awardees receive a $250 cash prize and a commemorative plaque, celebrating their significant contributions to their communities and the legal profession.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to an individual who is a resident of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and who intends to pursue a degree from a college or university.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a Lackawanna County High School.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

Arden & Dorothy Baie Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Arden and Dorothy Baie. The Baie Scholarship is available to college sophomores, juniors and seniors pursuing any field of study. One, $2,400 will be awarded to a deserving student.

The Rural Summer Legal Corps (RSLC) addresses the legal service gap in rural U.S. communities by placing law students in civil legal aid organizations. This initiative, in partnership with Equal Justice Works and the Legal Services Corporation, allows 50 Student Fellows to engage in impactful projects, such as disaster response and housing issues, while gaining practical experience over eight to ten weeks. Participants receive a stipend of $7,000, enhancing their skills and supporting underserved populations.

Incyte Corporation offers an Independent Medical Education Grant to support innovative educational initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes. This funding is available to organizations committed to delivering evidence-based education to healthcare professionals. Eligible activities may include live symposia, grand rounds, fellowships, and web-based programs. Organizations must enter into a written agreement with Incyte to receive funding. Note that new request submissions will be temporarily unavailable from November 21, 2025, to January 2026.

The Dog Field Trips/Short-Term Fostering Grant from the Petfinder Foundation aims to support organizations in purchasing essential supplies for short-term foster and dog field-trip programs. Grants ranging from $500 to $1000 are awarded monthly until funds are depleted. Eligible organizations must be Petfinder members in good standing, provide contact information, and submit a grant report post-funding. This initiative helps ensure that adoptable pets do not face euthanasia due to a lack of resources.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company Scholarship Award

The Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company Scholarship Award consists of ten $1,000 scholarships awarded annually to graduating high school seniors who are customers of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company, or who have a parent or guardian who is a customer, and who plan to pursue postsecondary education.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

NEPA Invitational Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to assist with educational expenses for graduating seniors from Northeastern Pennsylvania who play golf and intend to pursue a post-secondary education. This is a manual application, available in the Spring.

The 2027 Global Program by Eisenhower Fellowships aims to gather a diverse group of visionaries from around the world in the United States for an enriching six-week experience. Participants will engage in both in-person and virtual activities, fostering professional relationships and launching collaborations with American counterparts. Candidates must demonstrate regional impact and proficiency in English, while priority is given to those aged 32-45. This program seeks to inspire leaders to effect positive change globally.

Community Foundation of Wabash County

Since its creation in 1954, the Community Foundation has grown and continually adapted its priorities to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Through these changes, challenges, and opportunities to grow as both a leader and provider, the Community Foundation has remained true to its mission and commitment to Wabash County citizens.

Our Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.  

William B. Hensley, III Scholarship Fund

Bill Hensley was a CPA, a businessman and an entrepreneur. He worked in banking after college, and when he came to Wabash County, he worked for the Shirt Shed. Mr. Hensley was involved for 28 years in owning, creating, developing, financing, and managing several nationally licensed sportswear companies. And when he wasn’t involved in his businesses, he was pursuing his passion of work with youth and coaching sports, He was an important force in coaching and managing the fields of Wabash Little League. Later he co-founded Gym Rats, Inc. and he organized and coached Spiece Gym Rat basketball teams, giving many players secure scholarships to further their education through basketball. Bill passed away at the young age of 58. His wife Cindy and sons J. R. and Todd, along with family and friends, created this scholarship to remember Bill’s love of athletics.

Bucks County Foundation

Since our founding in 1979, the staff at BCF have been working closely with donors, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Bucks County. Our work with local charitable organizations helps to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across the county.

Scholarships

The Bucks County Foundation is proud to support students throughout Bucks County in their pursuit of higher education and attainment of academic, trade and life skills that translate into economic self-sufficiency. Through the generosity of donors in our region, we manage over 100 scholarship distributions for a wide variety of students with diverse educational journeys.

Dennis E. Warg Scholarship (NCF)

Provides scholarships for students at Council Rock North and South High Schools who are athletes, representing their school, community and families with integrity and character, preference given to education majors.

Bucks County Foundation

Since our founding in 1979, the staff at BCF have been working closely with donors, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Bucks County. Our work with local charitable organizations helps to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across the county.

Scholarships

The Bucks County Foundation is proud to support students throughout Bucks County in their pursuit of higher education and attainment of academic, trade and life skills that translate into economic self-sufficiency. Through the generosity of donors in our region, we manage over 100 scholarship distributions for a wide variety of students with diverse educational journeys.

Bob Schultz Memorial Scholarship

Provides scholarships to Level 9/10 USAG registered gymnasts in Pennsylvania.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

CFSNM Student Success Scholarship

To award outstanding academic students from Doña Ana County in Southern New Mexico

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Shasta Health Rock Stars Scholarship Fund

The Shasta Health Rock Stars Scholarship Fund benefits and supports students who are actively pursuing a career in health and are currently enrolled in college or graduate programs. Health is broadly interpreted as the fields of medical, dental, behavioral health, addiction treatment services or public health. An ideal applicant will have an interest in staying in or returning to Shasta County after program completion to work in a health career supporting the medically underserved.

Mission and Vision

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Scholarships

The CBCF scholarship is open each year. Scholarships awarded will be for the following academic year. Scholarships are available only to students who graduated from a high school in one of the counties in the CBCF Service Area: Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio. Thanks to our generous donors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation (CBCF) offers scholarships to students from over 100 funds.

Cox - Justin Forrest Cox "Beat the Odds" Memorial Scholarship

Purpose

Established in memory of Justin Forrest Cox, who died at age 16. Justin was well-respected and had the ability to become friends with anyone. Destined to become great, he died before his time. Justin greatly admired those who persisted against daunting odds to achieve their goals. This scholarship is meant for those who have "Beaten the Odds."

Scholarships are to be used for books and tuition only and can be carried over to later years.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Clarence H. Fielder Memorial Scholarship

To support African American students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

Mission: The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Scholarships

CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys.

Applicants must be pursuing any avenue of higher education and/or professional certifications. This includes undergraduate, post-grad, vocational and more! Applicants must be actively enrolled as a student. Applicants in high school must be a graduating senior.

Dr. Robert Palmer Scholarship Fund

To make awards for one or more students from Luna county.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Adam E. Huelskamp Scholarship

A college student who resides in school districts in Shelby, Auglaize or Mercer County, Ohio.

Selection based upon:

Demonstrated community and school service, financial need, employment history, and an additional essay of no less than 100 words and no more than 200 words on a designated topic.

Awards

• One $1,000 scholarship

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Top of the State Scholarship Endowment Fund

Two different application opportunities available to 1) college or university bound Shasta & Tehama county high school students who have played golf in high school or junior golf programs and 2) previous award recipients from this fund.

The mission of the Top of the State Board of Directors is to provide educational scholarships for Shasta & Tehama county high school students who have played golf in high school or junior golf programs, and are planning to pursue degrees at two or four year universities and colleges. The Top of the State Scholarship Endowment Fund is made possible primarily from the proceeds of the SJ Denham Scholarship Golf Classic in August of each year.