Best Public Policy Grants in Rhode Island

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Point32Health Foundation Grant focuses on advancing equity in aging by providing multi-year, general operating grants to nonprofits in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with community organizations to address systemic inequities and improve health outcomes for older adults. Grant applications are accepted at various times, with specific deadlines for advocacy and social justice projects. The foundation seeks to honor the voices of those most affected by inequities.

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Blackstone Valley Community Action Program

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: Work 16 hours per week for the first 5 weeks of the program 
• Real Work Experience: Get hands-on experience at a real job with a partner employer 
• Choose Your Placement: Pick an internship based on your interests and goals 
• Skill Building: Learn communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and what it means to work in a professional setting 
• Mentorship: Work alongside professionals and learn what it’s like to be in the workplace 
• Career Ready: Build work experience that helps you prepare for future jobs, college, or training

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Government and public service
• Education and youth development
• Social justice and community advocacy
• Business and corporate services
• Recreation and community wellness
• Historical preservation and facilities management.

Communities Served: Central Falls, Pawtucket, Cumberland, Lincoln, Woonsocket

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Newport Community School

What To Expect

• Train for a career in healthcare through a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program
• Learn hands-on skills like patient care, safety, and infection control, plus workplace skills employers expect
• Complete training during the school year, with the option to gain paid experience in the summer
• Earn certifications, high school credit, and real-world experience to prepare for licensure and next steps

Upon completion, participants will earn a Certificate of Program Completion, Northstar Digital Learning Certification(s), and academic high school credit.

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Healthcare
• Public Safety
• Human Services

Communities Served: Newport (Thompson Middle School and Rogers High School)

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Rhode Island Office of the Post Secondary Commissioner

What To Expect

• Explore healthcare careers you may not know about;
• Hands-on activities that show what healthcare jobs are really like
• Learn from professionals who work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings
• Discover different career paths and what education or training they require
• Build knowledge and confidence about your future in healthcare
• Get inspired to see how you could be part of Rhode Island’s healthcare workforce

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Healthcare Field: Nursing, Pharmacists, Surgical Tech, Medical Assistant, and more.
• Experiential Learning
• Prepare next generation of the Healthcare Workforce

Youth Participants will be participating in a series of career exploration activities: professional spotlights, career skills development days, disaster simulations, career and education fair, research symposiums, and a final career exhibition.

Communities Served: Providence and North Providence Public Schools, Central Falls School District, East Providence School District

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Wildlife Clinic Of Rhode Island

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: You’ll earn paid internship experience by completing a 120-hour internship.
• Choose Your Placement: You’ll explore a career pathway in a life science that matches your interests.
• Skill Building: WCRI interns will gain hands-on, career-relevant skills through direct participation in daily clinical and field activities at the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island and with employer partners. Interns will build technical competencies in emergency veterinary medicine, wildlife biology, and public health disease tracking.
• Mentorship: Interns will work closely alongside experienced wildlife professionals, veterinarians, biologists, and public health partners who provide ongoing guidance, supervision, and real-time feedback.

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Life Sciences
• Emergency Veterinary Medicine
• Wildlife Biology
• Public Health
• Pollinator Science

Communities Served: Statewide

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Young Voices

What To Expect

• Paid Internship: Youth will work in teams on a hands-on, industry-connected capstone project. Through this experience, they will build real-world skills like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and basic technical skills that prepare them for college, training programs, and future careers.
• Skill Building: Through hands-on career experiences, students will build important workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, resume and cover letter writing, and professional behavior. This program helps students gain confidence, build strong professional relationships, and develop the skills they need to succeed in the world of work.
• Mentorship: Each career track will have one or two mentors who check in with students at least once a week during scheduled team time to support progress and growth.

Career Pathways to Choose From

• Industrial Engineering
• Banking & Finance
• Biological and Environmental Science
• Pharmacy
• Public Health, and Pre-Engineering

Students enrolled in the Making Money Moves industry track will have the opportunity to earn 0.5 high school credits through the All-Course Network (ACN).

Communities Served: Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Cranston, Warwick

Rockland Trust Event Sponsorships aim to enhance community engagement by providing funding for specific events organized by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Priorities include support for galas, cultural performances, and community events within designated areas. Eligible organizations must demonstrate compliance with IRS requirements and submit necessary documentation. This program underscores Rockland Trust's commitment to fostering opportunities and improving the quality of life for individuals and families in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

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 Town Fair Tire Foundation Grant supports local organizations in New England, focusing on social, health, and educational services. Established in 2000, the foundation emphasizes 'paying it forward' by encouraging grant recipients to assist others in need. TFTF aims to promote self-reliance and community advancement, funding initiatives that create positive change in the lives of individuals and families affected by poverty. Although primarily focused in New England, grants may be considered for aligned programs elsewhere.

The OSCT: Helen A. Marandola Award, provided by the Ocean State Charities Trust, aims to enhance the quality of life for Rhode Islanders by supporting charitable organizations. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities operating in Rhode Island for at least two years. The Trust focuses on promoting social welfare, particularly in health, education, and housing. Grants are awarded semi-annually, with a maximum of $20,000 per application, and a strict policy on funding histories and operational costs.

The OSCT: Edward Ricci Award, offered by the Ocean State Charities Trust, aims to support 501(c)(3) organizations enhancing the quality of life for Rhode Islanders. Grantees must be incorporated in Rhode Island, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate social welfare initiatives in areas like housing and education. Applications are accepted semi-annually, with deadlines on February 1 and August 1 each year, promoting a structured approach to funding community-focused programs.

The Harry Kizirian Award, administered by the Ocean State Charities Trust, aims to enhance the quality of life for Rhode Islanders by supporting charitable organizations. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities, incorporated in Rhode Island, and operational for at least two years. Grants are awarded semi-annually, with a maximum of $20,000 per application. The Trust prioritizes social welfare initiatives in housing, health, and education, ensuring a direct impact within the state.

The OSCT: Roger Schonning Award, provided by the Ocean State Charities Trust, aims to enhance the quality of life for Rhode Islanders by supporting charitable organizations that operate within the state. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities, operating for at least two years, and focused on social welfare, health, housing, and education. Grants are capped at $20,000 and are awarded semi-annually, with specific guidelines to ensure accountability and effectiveness in funding.

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) offers General Operating Support for Organizations (GOS-O) to arts and culture nonprofits in Rhode Island. This program provides multi-year unrestricted funding to organizations that significantly engage their communities through arts programming. GOS-O aims to promote equity, support diverse cultural representation, and foster economic vitality across the state. Eligible organizations must have a clear arts mission, be in continuous operation, and demonstrate strong community impact.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

The J. Warren Nystrom Award, established by the former AAG Executive Director, honors outstanding papers based on recent geography dissertations. Eligible candidates must be AAG members who obtained their PhD after April 1, 2021, and participated in AAG from 2021-2023. The Review Committee evaluates submissions by early December, with finalists invited to present at the AAG Annual Meeting. Selected papers may also be considered for publication in The Professional Geographer, with one or two cash awards granted.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The John Clarke Trust Grant, established in 1676 by Dr. John Clarke, aims to support the relief of the poor and the education of children in Rhode Island. The trust prioritizes requests from 501(c)(3) organizations located on Aquidneck Island, reflecting its commitment to serving the local community. With a focus on education, human services, and religion-related programs, this grant continues Dr. Clarke's legacy of charitable giving and community support.

The Arts and Health Grant, previously known as Project Grants in Healthcare, supports non-clinical art programs aimed at enhancing individual and community health. Funded by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, this initiative recognizes the transformative power of arts and culture in promoting well-being. By addressing social determinants of health, the grant fosters resilience and social cohesion through creative engagement, ensuring that arts play a vital role in public health and community prosperity.

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts offers Project Grants in Education to foster artistic engagement in schools and communities. These grants support schools, arts educators, and nonprofits in delivering high-quality arts education experiences. Aiming to enhance students' learning through art, the program encourages collaboration and creativity while ensuring equitable access for diverse communities. With funding up to $10,000 for organizations and $3,000 for individuals, these grants empower teaching artists and enrich Rhode Island's cultural landscape.

The RISCA Project Grants for Organizations program offers funding up to $3,000 to support arts and culture projects that benefit Rhode Island communities. This entry-level grant program is designed for non-profit organizations that demonstrate a commitment to engaging with historically marginalized groups. The initiative aims to enhance cultural vibrancy and equity in the arts, ensuring all Rhode Islanders have access to meaningful artistic experiences.

The Asthma-Related Health Disparities Short Term Project Funding Opportunity, offered by the Rhode Island Department of Health, provides funding up to $4,999 for three eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. The program focuses on community engagement to implement CDC’s EXHALE strategies, aiming to improve asthma management and reduce healthcare costs. Projects must be completed by August 31, 2025, with a final report due 30 days later. This initiative supports diverse partnerships to enhance asthma awareness and management services.

Rhode Island Natural Resources Conservation Service

NRCS works hand-in-hand with the people of Rhode Island and the Ocean State's three conservation districts to improve and protect their soil, water, air, plants, animals and energy. We employ conservation experts who help farmers, forest landowners, oyster growers, ranchers and urban growers develop conservation plans for sustainable and resilient operations, create and restore wetlands, restore and manage other natural ecosystems, and advise on flood protection, nutrient and animal waste management and watershed planning.

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) - Rhode Island

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners, land trusts, tribes, and other entities to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands, grasslands, and working farms and ranches through conservation easements.

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) protects the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses which negatively affect agricultural uses and conservation values, protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring or conserving eligible grazing land, and protecting and restoring and enhancing wetlands on eligible land.

ACEP has two components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE).

Agricultural Land Easements

 (See page 19 of attached PDF document)

Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) help private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities such as state and local governments protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches by limiting non-agricultural uses of the land through conservation easements.

Benefits

The Agricultural Land Easements component of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program protects the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply by preventing conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses. Land protected by agricultural land easements provides additional public benefits, including environmental quality, historic preservation, wildlife habitat and protection of open space. Additionally, Agricultural Land Easements leverage local partnerships to match NRCS funding and local partners are responsible for the long-term stewardship of the easement.

What land is eligible?

Land eligible for agricultural easements includes private or Tribal land that is agricultural land, cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forest land. NRCS will prioritize applications that protect agricultural uses and related conservation values of the land and those that maximize the protection of contiguous acres devoted to agricultural use, including land on a farm or ranch.

Eligible Land Types must also meet one of the four following land eligibility criteria:

• Parcels enrolled to protect Prime, Unique, or Other productive soil.
• Parcels enrolled to provide protection of grazing uses and related conservation values.
• Parcels containing historical or archeological resources.
• Land that furthers a state or local policy consistent with the purposes of ACEP-ALE.

How does it work?

NRCS provides financial assistance to eligible partners for purchasing Agricultural Land Easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of eligible land.

For working farms, the program helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture. Under the Agricultural Land Easement component, NRCS may contribute up to 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement.

The program also protects grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving grassland, including rangeland, pastureland and shrubland. Where NRCS determines that grasslands of special environmental significance will be protected, NRCS may contribute up to 75 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement.

Agricultural Land Easements are permanent or for the maximum term allowed by law.

How do I find an eligible partner to hold my Agricultural Land Easement?

Visit the following websites to learn how to find an eligible partner to hold conservation easements.

• American Farmland Trust's Farmland Protection Directory
• https://www.findalandtrust.org/Land Trust Alliance 

How to get started?

• Landowners - To learn more about ALE, contact your local NRCS office. An NRCS conservationist will visit you and evaluate your land to help you determine eligibility for the various components of ACEP. Another resource to learn about the program is the ACEP-ALE Toolkit for Landowners developed in partnership with American Farmland Trust and hosted on its Farmland Information Center website. 
• Eligible Entities - To learn more about ALE, please contact your NRCS state office programs staff to inquire about how you can partner with NRCS to enroll conservation easements on eligible land. Additional resources include AFT’s ACEP-ALE Toolkit for Entities and the Land Trust Alliance’s Agricultural Land Easement Program Toolkit and Heirs' Property Toolkit

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.

The Rhode Island Public Safety Grant Administration Office (PSGAO), formerly the Rhode Island Justice Commission, is the agency within the Central Management of the Department of Public Safety charged with planning, coordination, data collection, statistical analysis and grant administration and distribution for the adult criminal and juvenile justice systems. Through these efforts the PSGAO develops comprehensive programming for the purpose of improving the state's overall response to crime issues.

RI Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program

The RI Department of Public Safety Grant Administration Office is pleased to announce the availability of a total of $1,091,901.00 of the BJA FY 2022-2023 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program Formula Grant. With funding provided by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety Grants Administration Office seeks applications to fund projects under the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (Byrne SCIP). The State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) in Rhode Island represents a critical initiative to address gun violence and suicide prevention in the nation's smallest state. Despite its size, Rhode Island faces unique challenges related to firearms, mental health, and public safety across its 5 counties and 39 municipalities.

Proposals should focus on developing a comprehensive training program for law enforcement officers (LEOs), local solicitors, prosecutors, advocates, and other community group/members on ERPO implementation. This program will include:

• Develop and help with the implementation of a model ERPO policy
• Detailed instructions on the ERPO process, from petition filing to firearm retrieval
• Guidance on identifying high-risk individuals and gathering credible evidence
• Role-playing exercises to practice ERPO-related interactions
• Legal updates and case studies to enhance understanding