Best Plant Grants in Rhode Island

Students conducting plant science or botanical conservation research that includes at least one species from the northeastern or mid-Atlantic region, including Rhode Island, can apply for grants from Philadelphia Botanical Club. Awards of US $2,000 support field, herbarium, and lab work, plus related travel, living expenses, supplies, and minor equipment.

Graduate students conducting botanical research on New England flora, including work in Rhode Island, can apply for New England Botanical Society’s NEBC Graduate Student Research Award, with grants up to US $3,000 for field, lab, herbarium, and travel costs. Projects must address plant science, ecology, genetics, or conservation related to regional plants, algae, or fungi.

Researchers and advanced students conducting botanical field, herbarium, library, or archival studies in northeastern North America, including Rhode Island, can apply for the Les Mehrhoff Botanical Research Award, offering up to US $2,000. Grants from New England Botanical Society help support underfunded projects on plants, algae, fungi, and lichens, including travel, supplies, and modest stipends.

Rhode Island botanical conservation groups can access funding through the Oak Hill Fund to restore diminished native tree species via research, seed orchard development, or forest land preservation projects. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations across the continental U.S., with support focused on project-specific requests rather than general operating funds.

Undergraduate and graduate students conducting botany, plant ecology, or other plant-focused research within the Northern California Botanists region can receive US $1,500 scholarships to support independent study, thesis, or dissertation projects. Students in Rhode Island whose research sites fall in this geographic range may be eligible for this plant-focused funding from Northern California Botanists.

Students pursuing natural resource-related degrees, including botanical conservation, can receive scholarship support from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois; applicants must reside in specific northeastern Illinois counties. With a mission to support future conservation professionals, this scholarship may benefit Rhode Island programs guiding students into plant and environmental careers.

Students in plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture can receive scholarship support from The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. Focused on higher education and botanical conservation, this award may benefit Rhode Island students who meet the academic criteria and financial-need requirements and reside in one of the eligible New York counties.

Graduate-level plant science researchers can access funding for botanical conservation and related outreach through Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ Botany in Action Fellowship. Grants from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens help Rhode Island and other U.S.-based PhD students with US $6,000 for plant-based research and public engagement at sites in the U.S. or abroad.

Students pursuing plant-related fields can access funding for higher education through the Van Cott Family Memorial Scholarship, which supports studies like environmental science, horticulture, botany, forestry, and agriculture. Offered by Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, Rhode Island students interested in botanical conservation and related disciplines may be eligible if they meet the scholarship’s geographic and academic criteria.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study natural resources, fish and wildlife, forest management, or similar conservation fields can use this scholarship toward 2- or 4-year college programs, including those in Rhode Island. With a mission to support education and conservation careers, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation considers financial need and requires details on outdoor sports and career goals.

Undergraduate students interested in botanical conservation and plant science can receive full support to attend the 2025 Botany conference, including travel, lodging, meals, and registration. Focused on immersive mentoring and career exploration, Botanical Society of America’s PLANTS III program serves students from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, including Rhode Island.

The Bureau of Land Management's Plant Conservation and Restoration Program (PCRP) aims to enhance the native seed supply chain, crucial for restoring resilient public lands. By collaborating with various partners, PCRP seeks to improve rangeland health, restore wildlife habitats, and create job opportunities. In 2026, the focus will be on local seed collections, supporting farmers entering the native seed market, and developing innovative technologies to ensure effective restoration outcomes and ecological resilience.

Individuals studying or conserving native orchids in North America, including those in Rhode Island, can receive US $500 for their work through the Philip Keenan Award. American Orchid Society provides support for students, amateurs, and professionals whose efforts advance botanical conservation and the preservation of native orchid species.

Graduate students in biology, horticulture, or related fields conducting botanical conservation research in the U.S. can receive up to US $4,500 for work at a botanical garden. Grants from Garden Club of America help Rhode Island and other U.S.-based students study and conserve rare and endangered plants, with preference for projects on Carolinas or southeastern flora.

Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund)

TREE Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to support scientific discovery and dissemination of new knowledge and best practices in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry.

TREE Fund’s research and education programs shape industry best practices, improve workforce safety and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our communities in the following crucial ways:

• Improving the quality of nursery grown trees and overall tree survival through the development of hardier, drought- and disease-resistant species.
• Stopping diseases and pests while reducing pesticide use with the evolution of integrated pest management programs.
• Enhancing public and workforce safety with advanced tree risk assessment techniques and greater knowledge about why and how trees fail.
• Quantifying the benefits of trees which makes it easier for governments and businesses to project their return on tree care investment.
• Revolutionizing global best practices for growing strong, healthy landscape trees.
• Connecting youth with nature to promote environmental stewardship in the next generation and inspire them to consider careers in green industries.

Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund

Since 1926, John Lucas Tree Expert Co. has worked with investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, railroads, and pipeline customers throughout the United States and Canada. Innovation has always been a core value, and Lucas remains committed to innovation that makes the industry safer, greener, and more efficient. The Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund is a new endowment fund of Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund created to support research in Integrated Vegetation Management in the United States and Canada.

This fund program was created in 2026 to help celebrate Lucas Tree’s 100th anniversary. Lucas Tree’s anniversary marks a century of innovation, safety, and stewardship in utility vegetation management.

Projects are expected to be completed within one to three years. No project may receive more than one award from this program.

Application Requirements can be found here.

About The American Chestnut Foundation:

Our mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.

Our vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor.

Small Grants Program

Are you looking for funding to support your American chestnut research? External small grants offer recipients a variety of benefits such as professional development and an expanded network. Grant activities contribute to the continuous renewal and development of faculty and staff, to the education and motivation of students, and achievement of our mutual interest — restoration of the American chestnut. This is a small grants program. TACF does not ordinarily fund projects in excess of $10,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering nutrition education, food access, or culinary arts training programs can seek support from the Ann B Zekauskas Family Foundation, which funds work across the U.S., including Rhode Island. Focused on nutrition and healthy eating, the foundation invites schools and community groups to strengthen food awareness and wellness in their communities.

Nonprofits, mission-driven for-profits, and qualified housing entities with scalable affordable housing innovations can seek funding to expand their work in Rhode Island and nationwide. Enterprise Community Partners and Wells Fargo offer US $2,000,000 grants for proven solutions in housing design and construction, finance, or service delivery that increase housing choice and access for lower-income residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups working on food system transformation and farmed animal issues in Rhode Island can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000, for project or general operating support. Programs addressing sustainable agriculture, environmental policy, food justice, or related advocacy may be competitive.

AFL Community Grants aim to empower education, youth, and life advancement through targeted community support. The program is designed for non-profit organizations, focusing on STEM education, youth development, and the LEAP initiative for adult self-sufficiency. With grant applications opening in 2025, AFL Global seeks to make a lasting impact in communities by addressing their greatest needs and fostering growth through education and development initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) ministries seeking project support for evangelism, leadership development, holistic outreach, media, stewardship, or children and youth programs may be eligible, including those serving Rhode Island. Festus and Helen Stacy Foundation funds specific projects for organizations working locally, nationally, or internationally, with a preference for emerging nations and South Florida.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) organizations working on climate and clean energy policy or climate change education can access funding through Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation. Grants support efforts to decrease domestic fossil fuel demand and production and to provide scientifically accurate, action-oriented climate education for high school, college, and young adult audiences across the U.S.

Environmental and conservation nonprofits working on ecosystem and habitat restoration in Rhode Island can access funding through the Biophilia Foundation, which supports biodiversity and private land conservation across the U.S. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 may benefit projects involving restoration, water resource management, or green, plant-focused economies within its national priorities.

SITKA Ecosystem Grants support projects that enhance ecosystems and promote conservation efforts. These grants encourage both grassroots initiatives and larger organizational projects, aiming to improve habitat restoration, biodiversity, and the hunting experience. With funding ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, applicants must be 18 years or older and have relevant experience. The review process is ongoing, and projects should emphasize collaboration and measurable impacts on environmental goals, benefiting both society and ecosystems.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.

HCLTech Grant Edition II focuses on impactful climate action by investing $5 million over five years to support NGOs in the Americas. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable projects that align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a history of significant contributions in India, HCLTech is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and fostering innovative solutions to address pressing climate challenges. The grant encourages collaboration and aims to transform communities through effective climate action.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.