Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Rhode Island that support children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary program support. Grants from Costco Foundation help community-focused nonprofits demonstrate measurable outcomes, address unmet local needs, and collaborate broadly, with applications reviewed in 4–6 weeks and funding rarely exceeding 10% of a program’s budget.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human and social services, health, environment, arts, or community issues can seek funding from Creag Foundation. Focused on new solutions to existing or previously unaddressed social problems, this private funder invites letters of inquiry, with full applications by invitation only.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology to tackle crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in Rhode Island and worldwide can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, up to US $100,000, for innovative programs serving mostly economically underserved communities. Cisco Systems Foundation accepts year-round LOIs to identify early-stage solutions with strong impact potential.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other eligible organizations in Rhode Island working with urban low-income children and youth can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 to support or scale projects. Programs in education, children’s health, and family economic stability may be competitive if they meet the foundation’s criteria.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities worldwide, including the U.S. Semnani Family Foundation provides Rhode Island nonprofits and others with funding for healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, women and girls’ services, and related human and social services initiatives.

With a mission to support charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides Rhode Island 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for programs that advance the general welfare. Eligible nonprofits must use awarded funds within the U.S. and be tax-exempt under federal and, when applicable, California law.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Rhode Island seeking support for community-focused programs can apply for sponsorship funding that advances economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Foundation supports efforts in housing, workforce development, basic needs like food and shelter, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, and diversity and inclusion through its regional U.S. sponsorships.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $1 million can access funding for programs serving children, education, animals, the environment, humanitarian needs, arts, and basic human services. Hansen Family Foundation offers US $1,000 - US $10,000 to U.S.-based organizations that fit its mission, including those working locally in Rhode Island.

Nonprofits and community partners working on farming and food systems in Rhode Island and the broader Northeast can apply for Northeast SARE’s Farming Community Grant, awarding US $50,000 - US $250,000 for social science research and education projects. Funding supports community-based, farmer-informed initiatives that improve the health and sustainability of agricultural communities.

Nonprofit organizations, including Rhode Island 501(c)(3)s, can seek the Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their preservation, education, or wellness work through powerful storytelling. Focused on these three pillars, the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation offers awards of more than US $50,000 to help amplify real-world community change across the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations and local governments in Rhode Island can seek funding to prepare for or recover from emergencies that threaten safe, reliable drinking water, with awards up to US $1,000,000. USDA Rural Development supports projects in eligible rural areas, including waterline repairs, extensions, and new water source or treatment facilities.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Rhode Island can seek funding for water and waste infrastructure projects, including drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater systems. USDA Rural Development also supports related costs such as legal and engineering fees, land and water rights, start-up operations, and necessary equipment.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Rhode Island can seek unrestricted funding for environmental, human services, disaster relief, or related programs. With a mission to support environmental and human services causes, Lawrence Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $10,000 program or operating grants, with no geographic restrictions and reasonable indirect costs allowed.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Rhode Island nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000 for museums, cultural and performing arts, education, health facilities, environmental and wildlife protection, and community services. IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) organizations whose work benefits youth, seniors, people with disabilities, or local communities may be eligible to apply.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Cox’s Rhode Island service area offering youth STEAM education programs can seek US $5,000 - US $12,000 to support innovative projects. Grants from Cox Communications help fund youth-focused Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math initiatives, as well as conservation, sustainability, and inclusion efforts in eligible communities.

Pre-K–12 schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Rhode Island can receive up to US $7,000 to deliver experiential arts education projects in dedicated learning environments. Grants from Rhode Island State Council on the Arts help Rhode Island nonprofits and schools fund sequential, participatory art learning with teaching artists, including project production, marketing, accessibility, and fair artist compensation.

Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help Rhode Island nonprofits provide community-focused programs in economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations may request project, general operating, or capital support if they serve underserved residents and meet the foundation’s nondiscrimination requirements.

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.

Rural public entities and nonprofit corporations in Rhode Island can use these grants to support small rural businesses through technical assistance, training, and community economic development projects. Focused on rural development, USDA Rural Development invites applicants to fund activities like business counseling, facility improvements, revolving loan funds, incubators, and strategic planning, with awards from US $10,000 - US $500,000.

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.

Nonprofit organizations working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000. With a mission to support human and social services, poverty alleviation, disability care, and disaster relief, the foundation funds smaller 501(c)(3)s and qualifying foreign entities, including those serving Rhode Island communities.