Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public institutions in Rhode Island can apply for Amgen Foundation grants to support STEM education and community-strengthening programs. Local initiatives using educational technology, hands-on science experiences, teacher professional development, or civic engagement in areas where Amgen operates may be considered; most awards are by invitation, with limited unsolicited reviews twice yearly.

Nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island that are 501(c)(3)s and run programs for children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for monetary support. Grants from Costco Foundation help small nonprofits address community needs where Costco operates. Applicants should demonstrate measurable outcomes, community collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

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 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.

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.

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.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits and equivalent charities can seek funding for health, education, or community initiatives through the Labcorp Charitable Foundation. This U.S.-based program supports food pantries, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle efforts, and may benefit smaller organizations advancing community well-being in the state.

Nonprofits and social enterprises working on education, health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 to support projects or scaling efforts. Organizations in Rhode Island may be eligible if their U.S. programs meet these focus areas and location criteria.

Charitable organizations running humanitarian, education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects in Rhode Island may be eligible for philanthropic support via Roche. Focused on impactful, sustainable initiatives managed by accredited charities, Roche invites high-quality projects that can engage its expertise, logistics, and employees alongside local partners and authorities.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits and community organizations can access funding through Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation to support basic needs and community programs, including food pantries, rental or utility assistance, clothing, and education-related activities. Grants of approximately US $2,500 are available to organizations providing vital services and community support in the state.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions supporting rural microentrepreneurs in Rhode Island can access grants and loans up to US $500,000 to capitalize revolving loan funds and provide training. Grants from USDA help eligible Microenterprise Development Organizations serve rural areas under 50,000 residents with working capital, equipment, real estate improvements, and technical assistance.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on basic needs, community development, or cultural enrichment in Rhode Island may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial Community Grants. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, adult self-sufficiency, neighborhood revitalization, small business support, arts education, and access to arts and culture, with priority for strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement.

Nonprofits and other entities operating food processing, aggregation, or distribution in Rhode Island can use this program to expand and modernize middle-of-the-supply-chain infrastructure. The State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, partnering with USDA, funds projects improving capacity, safety, technology, facilities, and climate-friendly equipment for locally and regionally produced food products.

Nonprofit 501(c) organizations and municipal departments in Rhode Island’s Newport County can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 to develop new programs, expand services, or support community planning and advocacy. Grants from Rhode Island Community Foundation help Rhode Island small nonprofits with strategic, short-term project support in the six cities and towns of Newport County.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Rhode Island working on economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S.-based community-focused charities in O’Reilly Auto Parts service areas strengthen quality of life for underserved individuals and families.

Rhode Island nonprofits supporting youth education, basic needs, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards program. Eligible 501(c)()(3) organizations and equivalent charities may receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs serving underserved young people and their families, including leadership development, hunger relief, community services, and community gardens.

IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 for programs such as museums, cultural and performing arts, education, health facilities, community services, and environmental or wildlife protection. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation favors projects where modest grants create significant impact for youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and local communities.

Educational organizations and eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Rhode Island and across New England can seek support for programs that prepare underserved students to access and complete 2- or 4-year college. The Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation funds college readiness, access, and success initiatives, including research and some scholarships embedded in broader support services.

Nonprofit corporations, rural public entities, higher education institutions, tribes, and rural cooperatives in Rhode Island can use these grants for rural business development, including training, technical assistance, and community economic development projects. Focused on rural development, USDA Rural Development invites eligible applicants to request US $10,000 - US $500,000 for projects benefiting small rural businesses.

Nonprofit organizations addressing poverty, disability, social exclusion, or disaster relief in Rhode Island and other eligible countries can seek support to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. With a mission to empower disadvantaged individuals, Gupta Family Foundation provides small to large grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000 for focused, non-sectarian human and social services work.

Rhode Island nonprofits providing basic human needs like food, shelter, and healthcare can access funding through Uw Urania C Sherburne for general operating, program support, and small program-related capital expenses. Organizations serving underserved populations, including those improving access to primary care and community health education, may be especially competitive for this small-grant opportunity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near Rhode Island working on basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety can seek program funding that is not for general operations or capital costs. The TJX Foundation supports groups within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office that align with its mission to help vulnerable families and children.

Small Rhode Island cultural heritage nonprofits and local historical or preservation societies can receive up to US $5,000 in general operating support to cover organizational expenses. Focused on community heritage and historic preservation, the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities’ THRIVE Program supports organizations with annual income of $150,000 or less whose leadership reflects the communities they serve.