Best Transportation Grants in Rhode Island

Rhode Island transportation and climate-focused 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and public agencies can seek support to advance low-carbon mobility and climate resilience projects. Focused on equitable clean energy, transportation, and resilient communities in the Northeast, Barr Foundation prioritizes community-driven, equity-centered efforts, especially POC-led groups and those serving communities most impacted by the fossil fuel economy.

Rhode Island public agencies planning surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact can access funding through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. Administered by the US Department of Transportation, this program offers up to US $25,000,000 for multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects, including public transportation and other eligible public infrastructure across the U.S. territories and states.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits in U.S. cities of 50,000–500,000 residents can access Smart Growth America’s Community Connectors support to plan and test temporary street safety pilot projects. This yearlong cohort offers up to US $25,000 plus training to address dangerous arterial roads and reconnect divided neighborhoods, which may benefit Rhode Island transportation initiatives.

Emergency and medical workers in Rhode Island needing help affording behavioral health prescriptions, counseling, psychotherapy, or related transportation can receive up to US $2,000 in copay assistance. Focused on behavioral health support, the HealthWell Foundation invites eligible workers treated in the U.S. to apply; this may also benefit those facing transportation costs.

Organizations planning highly visible community events or projects that align with Tyson Foods’ core values and benefit local residents can seek sponsorship support, including in Rhode Island. Tyson Foods welcomes proposals that clearly state community benefits, outline event visibility, and show how funding advances the organization’s mission and any tax-deductible portion.

Individuals being treated in the U.S. for cancer-related behavioral health conditions can receive up to US $2,000 to offset prescription copays, counseling, psychotherapy, and transportation costs. HealthWell Foundation bases eligibility on diagnosis, insurance coverage, and income; Rhode Island patients needing help with treatment-related travel may benefit.

Elderly professional blues musicians needing emergency help with medical, transportation, or basic living expenses can receive US $500 in assistance, including support for rides to appointments and essential errands. The Pinetop Perkins Foundation’s Pinetop Assistance League pays creditors directly and may benefit artists in Rhode Island facing urgent transportation or health-related costs.

Rhode Island transportation and history organizations can access funding through the William G Pomeroy Foundation to install historic transportation markers at publicly accessible sites. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, academic institutions, and government entities across the U.S. may commemorate pre-1945 canals, bridges, tunnels, railroads, or aircraft, with inscriptions backed by primary source documentation and clear historical significance.

Public transportation and mobility-focused nonprofits in Rhode Island can seek funding to improve transit access, reduce congestion and traffic-related accidents, and enhance transportation safety. Grants from Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund also support related environmental conservation and community health efforts within the U.S., including projects that strengthen safer, more accessible mobility systems.

Rhode Island students pursuing transportation technology degrees can access funding for higher education through the Eugene Frank Sommerlatte Endowment Fund, which awards US $3,000. Administered by Austin Community Foundation, this scholarship supports those with financial need, strong academics, leadership, and community involvement who are enrolling in the following semester.

Research institutions and public agencies in Rhode Island working on transportation policy, infrastructure, or public transit can seek funding for U.S.-focused studies and reforms from Arnold Ventures, with awards up to US $200,000. Projects may include policy research, expanded data sets, or implementation models addressing costs, permitting, governance, or access in transportation systems.

State, local, and regional entities planning road safety projects in Rhode Island and nationwide can seek funding to improve transportation safety infrastructure and planning. Oregon Department of Forestry highlights the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program, offering US $100,000 - US $5,000,000 for planning, demonstration, and implementation projects that reduce deaths and serious injuries for all roadway users.

Government entities and other eligible organizations implementing roadway safety projects in the U.S., including Rhode Island, can seek Implementation Grants to carry out Action Plan strategies that prevent deaths and serious injuries for all road users. The Oregon Department of Forestry notes this U.S. Department of Transportation SS4A program, which also supports supplemental planning, demonstration, and project-level design activities; awards range from US $2,500,000 - US $25,000,000.

The FY25-FY26 Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) grant program aims to enhance transportation through the deployment of innovative technologies. It focuses on improving safety, mobility, and efficiency while fostering economic competitiveness. Projects funded will prioritize core infrastructure improvements and address roadway congestion, aligning with the Trump Administration's goals. The program emphasizes economic opportunities and community benefits, ensuring that selected projects contribute positively to families and communities, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

The FY26 Bus Safety, Accessibility, and Innovation Notice of Funding Opportunity offers up to $10 million for innovative projects aimed at enhancing bus safety and accessibility. Administered by the Federal Transit Administration, this competitive grant invites applications for the development of concepts that improve safety for operators and vulnerable road users, ensuring that public transportation is safer and more accessible for all passengers.

The PROTECT Competitive Grant Program aims to enhance the resilience of surface transportation systems, including highways and public transit, through innovative projects. With up to $787 million available from FYs 2024-2026, the program focuses on protecting transportation assets and communities, ensuring they can withstand challenges and recover quickly. This initiative also emphasizes the importance of coastal and natural infrastructure in safeguarding transportation networks. More details can be found in the full NOFO on Grants.gov.

AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation strengthens financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems.

AARP empowers people to choose how they live as they age. There are 125 million Americans who are 50 or older, and people want their money, health and happiness to last as long as they do. We are a wise friend and fierce defender, focusing on the priorities of older Americans.

Purpose Prize® from AARP

Honoring extraordinary people 50-plus who put their purpose into action.

Purpose is a powerful force for good. The Purpose Prize from AARP honors extraordinary older Americans who put their purpose into action to support AARP’s mission of empowering people to choose how they live as they age. Winners receive $75,000 and a year of organizational support from AARP to grow the impact of their nonprofits. Examples of organizational support include data and evaluation, governance and succession planning, fundraising strategy, and prospectus development.

The Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Mini-Grant supports events that honor civil rights activist Ruby Bridges by encouraging students to walk to school and engage in discussions about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying. Grants of $500 or $1000 are available based on the number of students reached. This initiative aims to inspire positive changes within communities and promote meaningful dialogue among young people about social justice issues.

SITKA Ecosystem Grants support projects that enhance ecosystems and promote conservation efforts. These grants encourage both grassroots initiatives and larger organizational projects, aiming to improve habitat restoration, biodiversity, and the hunting experience. With funding ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, applicants must be 18 years or older and have relevant experience. The review process is ongoing, and projects should emphasize collaboration and measurable impacts on environmental goals, benefiting both society and ecosystems.

The Banfield Foundation's Disaster Relief Grants support nonprofit animal welfare organizations and government agencies affected by natural disasters. Since 2015, the foundation has provided resources to help pets in crisis, including medical supplies, food, and temporary shelter. Grants are also available for organizations assisting those impacted by disasters. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and directly help animals and their owners in the U.S., ensuring that pets receive the care they need during emergencies.

The PEDIGREE Foundation offers Program Development Grants aimed at enhancing dog adoption rates by supporting shelters and rescues across the U.S. Established in 2008, the foundation prioritizes initiatives such as transport, matching, and foster programs. Funding is available to 501(c)(3) designated organizations committed to improving the quality of care for dogs and ultimately increasing their chances of adoption, ensuring that every dog finds a loving home.

The Petco Foundation offers grants aimed at animal welfare organizations, focusing on enhancing adoption and medical care initiatives. With a commitment to lifesaving programs, they invest in organizations that demonstrate accountability and significant impact in their communities. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, municipal agencies, and SPCA/humane societies that provide sheltering services. The grant cycle allows for one proposal submission per year, ensuring support for those dedicated to improving the welfare of companion animals.

The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to animal welfare in the U.S. It aims to maximize the benefit to animals through education, spay and neuter initiatives, and positive advocacy. The foundation focuses on impactful programs, encouraging grants that align with their mission to end animal overpopulation and cruelty. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while individuals and political lobbying efforts are excluded from funding.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services offers financial support for various community projects through its Company Giving program. Focused on four key areas—Health Care, Veterans' Support, Education, and Crisis Management—this initiative aims to enhance the well-being of local communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and civic groups, while organizations that primarily benefit their members or have high management overhead may be excluded. The program underscores J.B. Hunt's commitment to corporate social responsibility.

The STEM Innovation Grant by Colocation America supports innovative STEM programs for K-12 students, offering up to $7,500 in funding. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and schools with STEM-specific programming. The grant aims to inspire youth through unique learning approaches and real-world applications of STEM knowledge. Interested parties must attend a mandatory informational call, with funding available for tools, curriculum development, and professional training.