Best Preservation Grants in Rhode Island

Early-stage, independent nonprofit and impact-first for-profit organizations with scalable social or environmental solutions can apply for up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation; awards support capacity, capital, and community-building over three years. Rhode Island groups working on historic preservation within broader sustainability, environment, or cultural initiatives may be eligible if they serve underserved communities and plan to scale.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Rhode Island educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Projects may include disaster preparedness, neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, financial literacy, or K–12 and higher education programs that strengthen local communities and infrastructure you work to preserve.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Charitable organizations running community, cultural, educational, environmental, or humanitarian projects in Rhode Island and worldwide can seek funding to support programmatic activities. Focused on community development, science education, environment, and arts and culture, Roche invites accredited charities to propose innovative, high-quality projects that promote sustainable development and can actively involve Roche expertise and employees.

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 Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Nonprofits, public agencies, and volunteer-led groups in Rhode Island can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 to run resident-led projects that build social connections and strengthen neighborhoods. With a mission to mobilize generosity, Rhode Island Community Foundation supports efforts that enhance public spaces, celebrate cultural traditions, and foster community engagement, which may benefit local preservation-focused initiatives.

Land trusts, tribal entities, and state or local governments in Rhode Island can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service easement support to protect working agricultural land. This program funds agricultural land easements that preserve farmland and grassland, safeguard conservation values, and contribute to long-term land preservation goals that may include historic and open space resources.

Rhode Island tax-exempt organizations operating accredited camps can receive funding to provide camperships for children who could not otherwise afford summer camp. The Champlin Foundation supports these youth-serving programs, with applications accepted online from September 1 to October 15 and awards announced by late December for mid-January distribution.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 in unrestricted operating or program support for environmental, human services, or related work, including in Rhode Island. With a mission to support environmental and human services causes, Lawrence Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit organizations with preservation-related initiatives.

Small Rhode Island cultural heritage organizations and local historical or preservation societies can receive up to US $5,000 in general operating support, including for preservation-related work. Focused on historic and cultural heritage, Rhode Island Council for the Humanities invites eligible nonprofits with incomes under $150,000 to apply for THRIVE grants supporting day-to-day organizational expenses.

Local and state government units, public educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) or other tax-exempt organizations in Rhode Island can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 to plan and manage urban and community forests. Grants from the State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Natural Resources Bureau may benefit preservation efforts that protect community tree cover and related resources.

Focused on economic empowerment and youth development, eligible Rhode Island community-based organizations can apply for the Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund, awarding up to US $15,000 for programs serving Black Rhode Islanders. Organizations working on financial stability, structural inequities, cultural preservation, or mentoring and youth development for Black youth may benefit.

Nonprofit organizations focused on environmental conservation and climate resilience in Rhode Island can seek funding for general operations or specific projects. With a mission to strengthen coastal communities, Island Foundation provides support for marine and coastal resource protection, working landscapes, environmental justice, and capacity-building for local conservation groups in coastal areas of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) organizations that own or hold long-term leases on historic properties can apply for 1:1 matching grants up to US $10,000 for exterior preservation work. The 1772 Foundation supports projects such as painting, porch, roof and window repairs, structural foundation and sill work, and chimney or masonry repointing.

Rhode Island historic preservation nonprofits and related cultural institutions can access capital project funding for buildings, equipment, and tangible property through The Champlin Foundation’s challenge grants. These highly limited awards support organizations whose missions align with Champlin’s focus areas and may benefit preservation projects that improve infrastructure, conserve heritage sites, or enhance museums and libraries.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning capital projects like facility construction, renovation, or equipment purchases can apply for historic preservation and related funding through the Champlin Foundation. Focused on capital needs across sectors including historic preservation, libraries, and parks, this program supports organizations with a solid track record, strong leadership, and feasible, well-planned projects.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island preserving the history, records, and artifacts of the state’s Supreme Court and judicial system can apply for the Rhode Island Supreme Court Historical Society Fund Grant. Administered by the Rhode Island Community Foundation, this funding may support programs, publications, and public forums on Rhode Island legal and constitutional history, with matching resources expected.

Historical and preservation societies in smaller Rhode Island cities and towns can apply for Rhode Island Community Foundation’s Joseph O’Neill Ott Fund, awarding US $250 - US $750 for document preservation. Funding supports conservation, restoration, storage, or acquisition of pre-1900 paper-based records, photographs, and other two-dimensional historical materials (excluding artwork).

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations planning battlefield or historic preservation projects in Rhode Island and other eligible states can seek funding for planning, education, and outreach activities. National Trust for Historic Preservation supports efforts such as preservation planning, feasibility studies, capacity building, and innovative public programs with awards of US $2,500 - US $10,000.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.