Best Health Care Grants in Rhode Island

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CPF_Community Library Municipal Grant (CMLG) SFY26-27

Summary:

One million dollars of administrative funds from the ARPA Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund program have been reallocated to the Community Learning Center (CLC) Municipal Grant Program, with U.S. Treasury’s approval, to enable investment in those municipalities that were not part of the initial CLC Municipal Grant Program subawards. This $1 million is designated for use by public libraries located in the 17 Learn365RI municipalities that do not have community learning center projects underway. PRO is administering this round of grants, known as the Community Library Municipal Grant (CLMG) program.

Grant Amount: $1 MILLION (increased to $2.79M in Sep 2026).

The Garden Club of America Award in Coastal Wetlands Studies supports graduate students engaged in coastal wetlands research. Established through the Rockefeller Environmental Education Fund, this scholarship promotes conservation by funding field work in tidal and nontidal wetlands across coastal states, including the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program and can propose their own wetlands study. The award aims to foster environmental education and scientific inquiry in this vital ecosystem.

The Alan Edgar Wurdeman Scholarship Fund provides nursing scholarships to Rhode Island residents pursuing LPN or RN degrees at approved institutions. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, with preference for those committed to staying in Rhode Island post-graduation. The program supports both new and past recipients, with award amounts ranging from $500 to $10,000. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Rhode Island Community Foundation to enhance nursing education in the state.

The JFNY Grant for Arts & Cultural Exchange supports U.S. non-profit organizations aiming to enhance understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Eligible projects include performances, workshops, and exhibitions, with priority given to those with additional funding and in areas with limited access to cultural events. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior for online projects and three months for others. The grant covers expenses like travel, publicity, and artist fees, and is reimbursed upon project completion.

The Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation focuses on granting funds to small, dedicated animal welfare organizations in the Northeast US. Established in 2007, the foundation supports various initiatives, including humane societies, rescue organizations, and wildlife rehabilitation services. With a commitment to making a difference, they aim to empower groups with limited assets and fundraising capabilities to enhance animal welfare through essential services and educational programs.

The Surti Family Scholarship, part of the RFI Nursing Scholarships, supports minority nursing students in Rhode Island who are Certified Nursing Assistants. This scholarship allows applicants to use one application for multiple nursing funds. Award amounts range from $500 to $10,000, with a preference for candidates at Butler Hospital and Care New England. All renewals require a new application. Eligible students can benefit from substantial financial support for their nursing education.

The Lillian Sparfven & Ethel Ferrara Fund Scholarship, offered by the Rhode Island Community Foundation, provides financial support for Rhode Island residents pursuing nursing degrees. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled in accredited programs for LPN, RN, or advanced nursing degrees. The scholarship amounts range from $500 to $10,000, with a preference for those planning to practice in Rhode Island after graduation. Past recipients can reapply.

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 Rhode Island Community Foundation's Neighborhood Grants program fosters community engagement by providing funding of $1,000 to $10,000 for resident-led projects. It aims to strengthen social networks, enhance collaboration, and celebrate local traditions, ultimately creating vibrant neighborhoods. Open to nonprofits, public agencies, and volunteer-led groups, the program encourages initiatives that deliver visible results within 12 months while leveraging community resources for lasting impact.

The George A. Ramlose Foundation, established in 1956, focuses on supporting smaller qualified organizations with specific projects or equipment needs. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $6,000, prioritizing those making identifiable positive impacts. Preference is given to organizations with valid 501c3 status, particularly those in Georgia and New England. The foundation avoids funding large entities or general operational costs, ensuring that contributions lead to sustainable, meaningful change in the community.

The Willard and Marjorie Scheibe Nursing Scholarship, offered by the Rhode Island Community Foundation, supports Rhode Island residents pursuing LPN, RN, or advanced nursing degrees. This scholarship considers financial need and allows past recipients to reapply. Award amounts range between $500 to $10,000, and applicants can use a single application for multiple nursing funds, streamlining the process for qualifying individuals.

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 Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The New England Dance Fund Grant supports choreographers in New England by offering $500 to $1,000 for opportunities that advance their careers. This grant prioritizes diversity in artistic expression across various backgrounds and disciplines. Eligible applicants must maintain a Creative Ground profile and reside in one of the six New England states. The fund aims to empower artists through diverse opportunities such as residencies, workshops, and mentorships, fostering growth in the regional dance landscape.

The New England States Touring (NEST) Grant supports nonprofit organizations in New England to present performances, readings, and screenings by regional and international artists. With three funding tiers—NEST 1, NEST 2, and NEST 3—this initiative aims to enhance community engagement, foster collaborations, and promote diversity in the arts. Eligible organizations can receive up to $10,000 to fund projects that occur between June 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

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.

Haymarket People's Fund offers Sustaining Grants to grassroots organizations focused on community organizing and social change. Grants up to $20,000 are available for both emerging and established groups that align with Haymarket's anti-racist mission. The fund prioritizes work that addresses root causes of injustice, fosters leadership, and builds accountability within the community. Organizations not primarily providing direct services or advocacy are encouraged to apply, ensuring a focus on transformative social change.

Bob's Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation supports non-profit organizations with resources rather than individual sponsorships. They require requests to be submitted on the letterhead of a qualified 501(c)(3) organization. This ensures that assistance reaches those in need through established channels. Interested parties should provide specific details regarding their requests to facilitate the application process. With a commitment to fairness, Bob's Cares aims to effectively support community initiatives across the country.

The Haymarket People's Fund offers Urgent Response Grants of up to $5,000 for grassroots organizations in New England to address unforeseen crises or opportunities. These grants support both urban and rural social justice efforts and do not require 501(c)3 status. Priority is given to organizations led by people of color that incorporate anti-racism values. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis after a preliminary conversation with Haymarket staff.

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 Big Yellow School Bus Grant, offered by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, provides funding to support in-person field trips for Rhode Island schools. Grants of up to $500 are available to facilitate arts and cultural experiences. Schools can apply starting September 1 for the 2025-26 school year. Eligible organizations include schools and affiliated non-profits, with a maximum of two grants awarded per school each year.

Nonprofit and community-based arts projects in Rhode Island that actively engage the public can seek up to US $5,000 for community-focused cultural programming. With a mission to foster meaningful cultural life, Rhode Island State Council on the Arts provides support for artist-instigated projects outside institutional structures, which may benefit organizations integrating arts into health and wellness initiatives.

The Make Art Grant, offered by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, provides funding for artists and groups to create or enhance artwork across various disciplines. This grant supports projects driven by artists, allowing for experimentation and creativity without the necessity for institutional backing or public showcases. Eligible expenses include materials, space rental, and stipends for collaborators, making it accessible to artists at all levels.

The Rhode Island Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Funds grant program, administered by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, aims to enhance the quality of life for nursing facility residents through reinvestment of civil money penalties. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to support quality improvement initiatives that are outside normal operations. Projects must be evidence-based and comply with CMS requirements, with a focus on resident care and community involvement.

The General Operating Support for Artists program offers unrestricted grants of $6,000 annually for three years to three artists in Rhode Island, allowing them to pursue significant self-identified artistic goals. This initiative fosters a supportive community with learning opportunities tailored to grantees' needs. Eligibility includes being 18 or older, a practicing artist, and a legal resident of the U.S. with a tax ID. Importantly, capital projects and fundraising expenses are not covered.

The Folk and Traditional Arts Fellowships, offered by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, support exceptional folk artists demonstrating outstanding skill in their craft. Each year, two fellowships are awarded: one for $7,000 and another for $3,000. These fellowships recognize artistic practices that are community or family-based, showcasing the aesthetic heritage and traditions of their respective communities, thus promoting cultural preservation.