Best Mental Health Grants in Rhode Island

Nonprofit and community organizations in Rhode Island can receive support for basic needs and community programs through Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation’s Community Donations, with typical awards around Approximately US $2,500. Funding can assist with food insecurity, rental or utility help, clothing, education initiatives, and youth clubs, which may include mental health and wellness components.

Nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island working on aging, mental health, and related equity issues can access multi-year general operating support that also covers staff wellness and leadership capacity. Grants from Point32Health Foundation help community-based groups address social and racial justice, policy, advocacy, and systems change to advance equity in aging across disinvested communities.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing critical health and wellness needs can apply for Chartercare Foundation’s Emerging Health Care Needs Grant, offering up to US $50,000 for innovative or expanded programs. Eligible projects may include mental health for older adults, substance or sexual abuse, basic health needs for underserved groups, and other life-changing initiatives.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least three years of status and $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for mental health, youth development, job readiness, and related programs. RBC Foundation USA provides support for initiatives that build in-demand skills, increase community stability and accessibility, and advance environmental sustainability in communities where it has a business presence.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering mental health, emotional support, or related services in Rhode Island and the broader Northeast can seek up to US $2,500 to support local program needs. The Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation prioritizes small, well-run groups with limited assets and government funding, including those serving youth, rehabilitation, and social-emotional development.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing counseling or structured mental health programs for children and adults can apply for Chartercare Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $50,000. Funding supports projects that identify, treat, and track participants with unmet behavioral health needs, especially new or significantly expanded services addressing critical gaps in care coordination and access.

Nonprofit organizations supporting historically marginalized children of color and their families in Rhode Island can seek funding for mental health support, well-being, educational advancement, and leadership programs. The Rhode Island Community Foundation’s Fund of the Providence Shelter Foundation supports agencies in Greater Providence whose work includes mental health and related services for children and youth.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on mental health access, health disparities, or education for adolescents through adults, including those in Rhode Island, can seek program expansion funding from the L B Research and Education Foundation. The foundation awards US $10,000 - US $75,000, favoring established, small to mid-sized organizations using innovative, research-informed approaches.

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) offers 24/7 crisis counseling to individuals in the U.S. and its territories facing emotional distress from disasters. Managed by SAMHSA, the helpline aims to enhance and strengthen access to crucial support services year-round, ensuring that those affected by natural or human-caused disasters receive the help they need to mitigate behavioral health impacts.

Students pursuing mental health-related degrees who are from the Central Carolina Community Foundation’s 11-county South Carolina service area may be eligible for this renewable scholarship, which supports accredited higher education. Grants from Central Carolina Community Foundation help mental health and psychiatric fields, including counseling, clinical social work, psychology, and sociology, through the Jeryl Salmond II Memorial Scholarship.

Students with mental health, developmental, emotional, or physical challenges, or those who have volunteered with such students, can receive higher-education support through the Patricia Schroder Memorial Scholarship. Focused on disability and mental health, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington awards US $1,000 - US $1,400 to graduates of specified WA and TX school districts who may study in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island mental health research institutions and interdisciplinary teams can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to establish ALACRITY practice-based research centers. Grants up to US $1,500,000 support high-impact studies optimizing mental health interventions, improving access and quality of care, and advancing translational research for youth and adults, including those with serious mental illness.

Rhode Island research institutions conducting mental health clinical trials can access funding through Cures Within Reach, which provides support for clinical repurposing research across the U.S. This opportunity backs proof-of-concept and early-phase trials using already approved drugs, devices, nutraceuticals, or diagnostics to address high-priority needs of veterans and active military, with awards up to US $75,000.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Madeline A. Naegle Scholarship for Mental Health Nursing

In 2018, Madeline A. Naegle, PhD, CNS-PMH, RN, BC, FAAN, a national and international nursing leader in mental health/substance abuse education, research, and practice together with NEF created this scholarship with a preference to graduate nurses specializing in mental health nursing.

The Judith G. Whitaker Scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports nurses pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in nursing. Applicants must have two semesters of study remaining and meet specific eligibility criteria, including a valid RN license and a minimum GPA of 3.6. Preference is given to doctoral students focusing on nursing research. This scholarship reflects over a century of commitment to advancing nursing education and leadership.

The Joanne V. Pontier Scholarship, established in 2022 by Mary V. Insall, honors her sister, a dedicated emergency nurse. With a generous $50,000 donation, this scholarship supports emergency nurses pursuing graduate studies. Applicants must be enrolled in accredited nursing programs and have a minimum GPA of 3.6. Preference is given to doctoral students in nursing research. This scholarship aims to foster leadership in nursing and improve emergency care, ultimately saving lives and supporting families.

The Joan L. Conroy Scholarship, established in 2024, supports Ph.D. nursing students dedicated to educating future nurses. It honors Joan L. Conroy's legacy, emphasizing her love for education and nursing. Applicants must have two semesters left in their program and demonstrate a commitment to geriatric nursing and home health care. This scholarship is funded by the Nurses Educational Funds Inc., a nonprofit organization that promotes nursing leadership through educational scholarships.

The Jane Eleanor Knox Scholarship, established by a $50,000 bequest from Dr. Knox, supports doctoral nursing students committed to leadership in the field. Applicants must possess a current RN license and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6 while enrolled in accredited nursing programs. Preference is given to those focusing on nursing research or organizational studies. This scholarship fosters the advancement of nursing education and leadership through financial support from Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.

The Isabel McIsaac Scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports master's and doctoral nursing students with a minimum GPA of 3.6. Applicants must hold a current RN license and have completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Preference is given to candidates pursuing nursing research or organizational studies. This scholarship aims to promote nursing leadership and is funded solely through donations, reflecting over a century of commitment to advancing nursing education.

The Isabel Hampton Robb Scholarship, provided by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports doctoral candidates in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must hold a current RN license and have two semesters of study remaining after the award notification. Preference is given to those majoring in nursing research or organizational study. With over a century of service, NEF is dedicated to advancing nursing leadership through scholarship assistance, fostering the next generation of nursing professionals.

The Henry B. Spencer Scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports RNs pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must have at least two semesters remaining in their program and meet specific eligibility criteria, including current RN licensure and professional nursing association membership. This scholarship prioritizes doctoral students focusing on nursing research or organizational study, continuing a legacy of leadership in nursing established by Henry Spencer.

The Georgette Viellion Scholarship, established in 2021 with a $50,000 donation, supports doctoral nursing students aiming to become full-time faculty members. Applicants must have an RN license and maintain a GPA of at least 3.6. Preference is given to those focusing on nursing research or organizational study. This scholarship is part of the Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.'s mission to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education in nursing.

The Evelyn J. Barclay Scholarship supports professional nurses pursuing advanced degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must have a current RN license and be enrolled in accredited graduate nursing programs. This scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., emphasizes the importance of nursing leadership and aims to enhance the nursing workforce. Preference is given to doctoral candidates focusing on public health, nursing education, or research, ensuring a continued commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.

The John Edelman Scholarship supports student veterans pursuing careers in mental health counseling, offering five scholarships of $10,000 each. This initiative, funded by Student Veterans of America, emphasizes the importance of mental health support for veterans. Eligible candidates must be enrolled as full-time students in the 2025-2026 academic year and maintain strong academic performance. The scholarship aims to reward exceptional achievement and encourage further study in disciplines that promote mental well-being.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on mental health, wellness, human services, or career readiness can access funding through the World Wide Technology Foundation to support eligible programs. Grants back initiatives in STEM education and workforce development, social justice and basic needs, and physical and mental health as part of its Global Community Impact pillars across the U.S.

The AE Foundation Community Grants aim to support US and Canadian non-profit organizations focused on enhancing the mental health and well-being of young people. By funding local programs, the AE Foundation empowers teens and young adults to embrace authenticity and build a brighter future. Eligible organizations must be certified 501(c)3 non-profits or registered charities, and grant funding should be utilized within 365 days of receipt. This initiative reinforces the importance of mental health in today's society.

The State Pilot Program for Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women aims to enhance the state's capacity to deliver integrated and evidence-based services for substance use disorders and maternal mental health. The initiative focuses on supporting pregnant and postpartum women and their families, ensuring they receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs. Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this program is a vital step toward improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.