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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can seek project or program support through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. Focused on respecting people, life, and the environment, this private foundation welcomes charitable organizations aiming to create positive change locally and beyond.

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.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help Rhode Island nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations fund one-year projects in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural programs, and environmental initiatives, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000. U.S.-based applicants are prioritized, and only one application per organization is accepted each grant year.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $1 million can access funding for children, education, animals, environment, humanitarian aid, and arts and culture projects. Through the Hansen Family Foundation, eligible U.S.-based organizations worldwide may receive US $1,000 - US $10,000 in support, including groups serving Rhode Island communities that reflect its mission and cost guidelines.

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 and across the U.S. can seek the J.W. Couch Foundation Storytelling Grant to fund projects that communicate their community impact. Focused on preservation, education, and wellness programs, this opportunity supports professional-quality storytelling efforts, with awards of more than US $50,000 available for eligible applicants.

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.

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.

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.

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.