Best Homelessness Grants in Rhode Island

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community quality of life in Rhode Island and other Vermont Mutual Insurance Group territories can apply for funding to support education, youth, community-based programs, and basic needs like housing, homelessness, and hunger. Vermont Mutual Insurance Group provides grants to strengthen healthy lives and build strong, vibrant communities in its marketing areas.

Rhode Island nonprofits providing human services, healthcare with a focus on homelessness, youth programs, arts and culture, or ethical journalism can access funding through Rhode Island Community Foundation. Organizations may apply once per calendar year and typically receive a funding decision within about three months of submitting their application.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations providing homelessness services and related human services can apply for McGraw Foundation support, including in Rhode Island. Grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 may fund general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs, with larger awards possible for especially promising, high-impact efforts.

The TruStage Foundation focuses on fostering economic mobility through education and housing initiatives. By supporting K-12 literacy, mentoring, and affordable housing projects, the foundation aims to uplift marginalized communities. With a commitment to addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities, TruStage seeks to empower individuals and families to build a brighter future. Their funding is directed towards impactful programs that align with their mission, while avoiding causes that do not meet their criteria for economic mobility.

Rhode Island homelessness services and related nonprofits can access funding through the O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for programs addressing homelessness, hunger, poverty, and other basic needs. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations in O’Reilly Auto Parts communities may request project, general operating, or capital support for local, community-benefit initiatives serving underserved individuals and families.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects can receive funding for programs in financial literacy, technology education, and vibrant communities, including housing insecurity and homelessness work. Affirm Cares supports scalable, measurable initiatives, so Rhode Island homelessness service providers addressing economic inclusion or community development may be eligible.

U.S. youth ages 13–23 leading homelessness, housing, or related social impact projects in Rhode Island can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship, which offers up to US $5,000 plus a 12‑month leadership program. Funding supports project expenses like supplies, events, or digital tools through a 501(c)(3) partner or youth-led nonprofit.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting homelessness services and related community programs in Rhode Island can seek funding for operating support, specific projects, or endowments. The Chapman Foundation supports efforts for homeless individuals alongside services for children and families, education, substance abuse prevention, and conservation across communities where its directors and members are active in the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations providing homelessness services and other human services in Rhode Island may be eligible for St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation’s community support grants, awarding US $500 - US $5,000. Priority goes to groups in the bank’s New Hampshire service areas, so Rhode Island homelessness programs may benefit if their work aligns with these impact and service priorities.

Nonprofit organizations providing financial independence, homelessness, housing, or human services programming in Rhode Island can access funding through St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation’s 1908 Funds. Grants of US $500 - US $5,000 support one-time, special need, or project-based activities that help individuals and families move toward economic self-sufficiency and stability.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including those in Rhode Island, can apply for Sensata Technologies Foundation’s US $5,000 - US $25,000 grants to support K–12 STEM education or community programs. Funding may benefit homelessness services, shelters, food security, economic mobility, and environmental initiatives that strengthen local communities.

Rhode Island nonprofits and 501(c)(3) educational institutions working on homelessness, basic needs, and family self-sufficiency can seek support for programs and services. Focused on food insecurity, health access, education, and life skills, Middle Run Charitable Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 grants, primarily for Delaware-based organizations but open to select U.S. programs.

Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network Grant

How the Public Exchange Network Works

No single university – even a large R1 – has enough faculty expertise available to meet the needs of every partner. The Public Exchange Network was designed to help universities work together seamlessly to build robust partnerships and generate more collective impact. Universities joining the network are independent but affiliated members, with full control over their own program and project portfolios. As a national network with local, on-the-ground capacity, Public Exchange Network members can also share approaches that work, scale solutions to common problems, and build cross-regional partnerships together. 

As an institutional partner in the Public Exchange Network, universities will build capacity to develop, test and implement solutions to the most urgent problems in their regions and beyond. Universities joining the Public Exchange Network get:

• The tools, templates and training they need to start right away;
• A shared brand they can plug into on day one;
• A network of faculty, past and potential partners and philanthropic relationships, benefitting everyone in the network. 

Public Exchange Network Expansion grants will cover 75-80% of the minimum estimated annual costs for two years to launch a new Public Exchange. To launch a Public Exchange, universities must have the following in place: (1) a staff executive director with experience launching and leading social impact partnerships, (2) a project seed fund, and (3) a modest operations budget. We also recommend some in-kind project management support from an existing university staff member. The grant includes a two-year Public Exchange Executive Director (ED) compensation subsidy of $300,000 to launch the Public Exchange on campus, and a 2-year license to use the Public Exchange brand. New Public Exchange Network members will also receive ongoing support and guidance from current Public Exchange leadership and staff at USC and WashU, including recruitment support and intensive training for hiring and onboarding an executive director, a sub-site on the Public Exchange website, incubation and project management support from current Public Exchange staff, and a suite of tools for developing and implementing Public Exchange projects.

About Father John Foundation GrantIn 1997 Monsignor John P. Hourihan established this perpetual charitable foundation for the purpose of funding care for the homeless and people with disabilities, especially the deaf and hard of hearing. The purpose of the Foundation is to financially assist churches and other non-profit organizations, that do not take more than insubstantial government funding, in administering their programs. Our giving focus is broad and considers programs that are: religious, educational, rehabilitational, social, and/or vocational. A priority is given to the deaf and homeless. All funding is given regardless of nationality, race or religion. The Foundation will continue its dedication to raising and distributing grants to be used by charities devoted to providing care and services to the homeless and disabled.

The Residential Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children program, funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services, aims to provide safe and child-centered care for unaccompanied minors. This initiative supports organizations that can offer 24/7 services and are licensed to provide necessary care, including group homes and transitional foster care, particularly in areas near the U.S. southern border, ensuring the well-being of vulnerable children.

About

Being deeply connected to the community means more than providing access to excellent healthcare. It means understanding, and investing in, the health needs of our community.

Through our Community Investment Fund (CIF), Endeavor Health has awarded more than $38.5 million to 59 local partnerships dedicated to enhancing community health and wellbeing, advancing health equity and supporting local economic growth. Together, we’re committed to helping everyone in our communities be their best.

Award categories

Through the CIF, we will make meaningful and intentional investments through impact awards and capacity builder awards. These awards are intended to meaningfully advance the health of our community over time towards three bold aspirations through investments in five areas of focus.

We aspire to a future where:

• A person’s zip code does not determine how long they will live
• Hunger and homelessness in our communities are history
• The healthcare workforce is thriving and representative of the communities we serve

To help advance these aspirations, the CIF will invest in the following areas:

• Access to healthcare
• Behavioral health
• Food insecurity
• Housing insecurity
• Workforce development for careers in healthcare

Impact awards

• Designed for 5-year initiatives where organizations come together to drive measurable impact and longer-term change in the communities we serve by improving existing systems and innovation
• Emphasize strategic cross-sector and/or intra-sector partnerships between community-based organizations
• Uplift community members of greatest need
• Directly align with CIF areas of focus and meaningfully contribute to CIF goals
• Award amount: $1 million per year, up to 5 years

The CIF Capacity Builder Awards by Endeavor Health focus on enhancing community health through strategic investments. With over $38.5 million allocated to local partnerships, these awards aim to address critical areas like healthcare access, food insecurity, and workforce development. Designed for nonprofit organizations, the awards range from $100,000 to $500,000 annually for 1-2 years, fostering long-term community impact and advancing health equity in the service areas.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Guided by this commitment, DVNF developed its Health & Comfort programs, offering emergency financial assistance, housing transition support, food assistance, comfort kits, and wellness initiatives. These programs are designed to meet veterans where they are and to provide practical solutions that restore hope and stability. Today, DVNF continues to grow as a trusted national nonprofit. Every day, our team works with a clear purpose: to change lives for the men and women who have served our country.

Homeless To Housing Program - Financial Assistance

DVNF is dedicated to assisting disabled and at-risk veterans in their transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Recognizing that securing a home is a significant milestone, DVNF understands that true stability is achieved when a house becomes a home, furnished with essential items that provide comfort and functionality. We help cover essential costs related to securing and creating comfortable housing for at-risk veterans.

The H2H Program offers comprehensive support to veterans by providing: Financial Assistance of up to $2,000 to cover essential costs related to securing permanent housing, such as security deposits and initial rent payments.

For Financial Assistance: Payments are processed through two payment cycles each month, around the 15th and 30th. If your payment is delayed beyond the expected date, a Promissory Note of Payment will be issued to the vendor, confirming our organization's responsibility and requesting that no penalties be applied to the applicant.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Guided by this commitment, DVNF developed its Health & Comfort programs, offering emergency financial assistance, housing transition support, food assistance, comfort kits, and wellness initiatives. These programs are designed to meet veterans where they are and to provide practical solutions that restore hope and stability. Today, DVNF continues to grow as a trusted national nonprofit. Every day, our team works with a clear purpose: to change lives for the men and women who have served our country.

Homeless To Housing Program - Household Comfort Support

DVNF is dedicated to assisting disabled and at-risk veterans in their transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Recognizing that securing a home is a significant milestone, DVNF understands that true stability is achieved when a house becomes a home, furnished with essential items that provide comfort and functionality. We help cover essential costs related to securing and creating comfortable housing for at-risk veterans.

The H2H Program offers comprehensive support to veterans by providing: Household Comfort Support of up to $2,000 worth of essential household items to ensure veterans have a stable, safe, and comfortable living environment.

For Financial Assistance: Payments are processed through two payment cycles each month, around the 15th and 30th. For Furniture Assistance: Once the List of Items form is completed, DVNF staff will purchase the requested items, which should arrive within 7-10 business days.

The Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP) aims to assist veterans experiencing homelessness by providing tailored employment services. This federal initiative focuses on helping veterans transition to stable employment through job training, case management, and connections to local supportive services. HVRP aligns with national priorities to enhance career outcomes for veterans, ensuring they receive the necessary tools and resources for sustainable employment and integration into the workforce.

About Us

We endeavor to help individuals reach their full potential, families to thrive and communities to flourish through grants to a range of charitable organizations. To these ends, our grantmaking is framed by two potentially contrasting convictions: that tradition is an important resource and that fundamental rethinking often is necessary to respond effectively to new challenges and circumstances. These convictions arise from the encouragement J.K. Lilly, Sr. gave to his sons to be conservatively progressive. That philosophy was evident in their leadership of their company and the establishment and administration of the Endowment.

LE Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative

Lilly Endowment is pleased to announce its Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative (Serving Neighbors). This initiative has two complementary aims: 1) to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families by encouraging stronger collaborations in local communities between Christian congregations and charitable organizations (e.g., human and social service agencies, youth-serving organizations, arts and cultural organizations, neighborhood associations, and parks and outdoor recreational organizations, among others) that utilize their respective strengths to jointly undertake efforts that address community needs and priorities and 2) to deepen the faith of individuals and enhance the vitality of congregations by providing opportunities for Christians to practice their faith through acts of love and care for their neighbors.

Through Serving Neighbors, the Endowment anticipates awarding grants of up to $5 million each to approximately 60 charitable organizations to develop and implement programs that advance the aims stated above and the following four objectives:

Helping Christian congregations identify and explore compelling human and social needs and priorities in their neighborhoods and local communities (e.g., hunger relief, after-school and educational enrichments programs, violence reduction, homelessness, outdoor recreational opportunities, community building festivals).

Assisting these congregations in building relationships with community organizations and, when appropriate, other faith-based organizations focused on those needs and priorities.

Guiding leaders from these congregations and charitable organizations in their local communities through a planning process to help them develop new and/or strengthen current collaborative joint endeavors that address the identified community needs or priorities.

Providing support and resources to help these congregations and charitable organizations in their local communities launch and, if successful, sustain these collaborations into the future.

Funding Opportunities 

Lilly Endowment will conduct Serving Neighbors through a two-stage process.

Concept Papers: In the first stage, interested charitable organizations may submit concept papers that explain their interest in the initiative and provide initial descriptions of potential Serving Neighbors programs that would advance the initiative’s aims and objectives.

The Endowment will review the concept papers and anticipates providing planning grants of up to $50,000 each to approximately 60 organizations that submit the most promising descriptions of potential collaborative programs. Selected organizations may use their planning grants to develop their concepts and prepare proposals for implementation grants.

Concept papers must be submitted through the Serving Neighbors Concept Paper Submission Form on the Endowment’s website. Concept papers are due by January 19, 2027. The Endowment anticipates notifying organizations of planning grant awards by the end of March 2027.

Implementation Grant Proposals: In the second stage, selected charitable organizations that receive planning grants may submit proposals for implementation grants of up to $5 million each that may be used for up to a four-year period to execute their plans.

Implementation grant proposals must be submitted through the Serving Neighbors Implementation Grant Proposal Submission Form on the Endowment’s website. Implementation grant proposals are due by July 19, 2027. The Endowment anticipates announcing implementation grant awards by the end of November 2027. Guidelines for preparing an implementation grant proposal will be provided with notice of approval of a planning grant.

Singing for Change Grant Program

Singing for Change empowers people to become more self-sufficient.

Singing for Change supports nonprofit organizations that inspire, empower, and equip people to become more self-sufficient.

Our grantees encourage personal growth among people who are marginalized. They care about the community as a whole, as well as promote the belief that collectively, people can bring about positive change and sustainable self-sufficiency through connected, diverse communities.

Most likely to be considered are organizations that keep their overhead low and collaborate with other groups in their community to find innovative ways of solving a common problem.

Singing for Change (aka SFC Charitable Foundation, Inc.) was created by Jimmy Buffett in 1995, and receives one dollar from each ticket Jimmy sells at his shows. We envision a world where nonprofit organizations, large and small, provide compelling opportunities for individuals to discover their power to make a difference. The foundation promotes work on the forefront of social change - helping people and communities become smarter, safer, stronger, healthier, and whole. 

Singing for Change (SFC) partners with progressive, community-based organizations addressing the root causes of social or environmental problems. We recently narrowed our focus to projects designed to promote self-sufficiency. 

Specifically, we look for groups that are: 

• Working to engage individuals in their communities 
• Helping people realize their full potential
• Creating lasting change in the communities they serve

We will fund operating expenses for those organizations that we feel are accomplishing these goals.

Areas Of Interest:

Children and families: Grants are awarded to programs fostering self-sufficiency and stability. Individual therapy is not funded, nor are therapeutic or recreational camps or wish-fulfillment programs.

Disenfranchised groups: SFC defines these groups as people who have been marginalized in society because of their low levels of skill, education or income, people with disabilities, and people who are homeless. 

Grants range in size from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Laird Norton Family Foundation, based in Seattle, prioritizes grants that reflect family values in arts education, climate change, human services, and watershed stewardship. Their approach emphasizes equitable educational opportunities, carbon sequestration, support for youth at risk of homelessness, and long-term ecological health. They focus on organizations that address social justice and community needs, particularly in King County, WA, and the West Coast. Note: No unsolicited applications are accepted.

The Father's Table Foundation Grant aims to glorify God by addressing the immediate and future needs of women and children globally. This selective grant process emphasizes building self-sufficiency and resilience among beneficiaries, focusing on proven partners capable of expanding their impact. The foundation supports a diverse range of projects, including employment assistance, education, humanitarian aid, and health care, ensuring that aid not only meets urgent needs but also fosters long-term sustainability.

The Looking Out Foundation Grant supports social justice and humanitarian initiatives, having donated nearly $6 million to various causes globally. With an average donation of $25 per campaign, it aids organizations focused on disaster relief, racial justice, and support for marginalized communities. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes diverse funding sources and encourages organizations to adapt to changing needs, with grant allocations ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

The Imagine Learning Foundation's Signature Grant Program aims to enhance the well-being of learners by supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) initiatives. By bridging classroom and community efforts, it fosters healthier environments for youth, families, and educators. The program prioritizes funding for organizations addressing critical issues like chronic absenteeism and housing insecurity. In 2024, the foundation will allocate over $400,000 to impactful projects, furthering its mission to cultivate supportive learning experiences both in and out of the classroom.