Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The Harry Shwachman Clinical Investigator Award, offered by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, supports clinically trained physicians transitioning to independent researchers in cystic fibrosis. It provides up to $133,000 per year for three years to facilitate research tailored to individual interests. The funding covers personnel costs and supplies, promoting a strong mentorship during this critical stage of their academic careers.

The Path to a Cure (PTAC) - Postdoc-to-Faculty Transition Award by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation supports postdoctoral fellows in advancing their research careers in cystic fibrosis. This program offers up to five years of funding, including 3 years for research training and 2 years for transitioning to an independent faculty position, with a maximum support of $110,000 per year. It aims to foster innovative research that develops new therapies for cystic fibrosis.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation offers the Path to a Cure (PTAC) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Award to support innovative research training in cystic fibrosis (CF). Aimed at enhancing scientific knowledge and facilitating the transition to independent careers, this program funds projects targeting the development of new therapies for CFTR variants. Awards can reach up to $75,000 in the first year and $76,000 in the second year, fostering foundational research that could lead to breakthroughs in CF treatment.

Rapid Cancer Grants

Fast Funding for Home Cancer Care Research

We fund healthcare researchers to rapidly explore the feasibility of home infusion as a solution to the ongoing challenges of capacity shortage, site of care management, and financial toxicity in cancer care.

Traditional funding pathways for new care models are too slow to impact patients, so we’ve streamlined the process. By providing funding approvals within 14 days, we enable healthcare teams to quickly launch and evaluate home-based cancer care programs that improve access and affordability.  

What can a Rapid Cancer Grant be used for?

Projects must comprise of research investigating the feasibility, safety, or economic benefit of cancer care at home and must include delivering care to patients via an IRB approved study. IRB approval may be obtained after grant approval. Projects may include assessing suitability of home infusion, enabling access to lab draws at home, or remote care co-ordination to reduce time toxicity for patients.

If you’re a healthcare worker at an oncology practice, hospital or academic institution in the United States and are interested in continuing or launching a new home cancer care initiative, we invite you to apply for a Rapid Cancer Grant.

The Kidney Precision Medicine Project Central Hub, funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK), aims to enhance our understanding of Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKDs) and Acute Kidney Injuries (AKIs). This initiative, which began in FY2017, focuses on ethically collecting and analyzing kidney biopsy tissues to uncover molecular pathways. The project was expanded in FY2022 to improve participant recruitment and tissue analysis, driving forward research in kidney health.

The Frederic C. Collin Trust Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in promoting polo and tennis, especially among youth. Established under Frederic C. Collin's will, it offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $3,800, with an annual total giving of approximately $9,000. Applications are accepted year-round for consideration during the annual grant meeting. This initiative aims to enhance participation in these sports, fostering talent and interest among young players.

The Conservation Service Corps Grants, funded by Great Outdoors Colorado, support outdoor recreation and natural resource projects by hiring youth and veterans through conservation service corps. Annually, $1.5 million is allocated for these initiatives, enabling crews to tackle various projects like trail maintenance, invasive species mitigation, and wildlife habitat improvement. This program not only enhances natural resources but also provides job training and leadership skills to over 1,700 young participants each year.

The Anna Fuller Fund Grant provides year-round support for organizations dedicated to alleviating suffering caused by cancer. Established in memory of Egbert C. Fuller’s wife, the fund prioritizes applications that focus on cancer research and education initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or equivalent charities outside the U.S. Grant funds cannot be used for direct treatment, ensuring that resources are allocated to research and public education.

The FY26 Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Breakthrough Award Level 4 supports innovative research with the potential for significant breakthroughs in breast cancer. Applications must address key BCRP challenges or justify exceptions, focusing on impactful solutions. This program mandates clinical trials and requires participation from breast cancer consumer advocates. The funding supports single or partnered Principal Investigators, ensuring comprehensive submission processes to avoid administrative withdrawal.

The DoW Ovarian Cancer Academy Early-Career Investigator Award supports junior faculty in conducting innovative ovarian cancer research. Established in FY09, this unique virtual academy fosters mentorship, collaboration, and networking among Early-Career Investigators (ECIs) and their mentors. Participants engage in monthly webinars and annual workshops, enhancing their research skills while contributing to impactful studies in ovarian cancer. The program aims to cultivate a new generation of highly productive researchers in this critical field.

The Anna Lalor Burdick Program supports initiatives that enhance women's access to reproductive health care, contraception, and pregnancy termination. It prioritizes funding programs that provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, particularly for disadvantaged women. The program seeks innovative approaches, clear goals, and sustainable models, while emphasizing advocacy efforts. Organizations dedicated to reproductive rights in restrictive environments are encouraged to apply, as the foundation aims to empower women through informed choices.

The AWS Welding Workforce Grants aim to enhance welding programs by providing up to $50,000 for essential resources such as new equipment and training. This initiative addresses the growing demand for skilled welders while supporting educational institutions. Eligible applicants include secondary schools, community colleges, and post-secondary programs. Preference is given to proposals that significantly increase welding graduates and address geographic areas with high needs. Note: Applications are currently closed and will reopen in January 2026.

The Nellie Mae Event Sponsorship Fund supports one-time events that promote education justice and racial equity in New England. Organizations targeting local communities, with annual budgets under $2 million, can apply for funding for events scheduled in 2025 or early 2026. The foundation prioritizes public entities and 501(c)3 educational organizations, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities for all students. Note that operational costs and online fundraising are not eligible for funding.

The AHA Quest for Quality Prize recognizes hospitals and health systems that demonstrate exceptional leadership in improving care quality and advancing health. Applicants should showcase innovative models of care and effective partnerships with community organizations. One winner and two finalists will be honored at the 2026 AHA Leadership Summit in Denver. This award aims to inspire hospitals to commit to patient-centered care and address healthcare disparities, ultimately enhancing community health outcomes.

Idaho Community Foundation

The Idaho Community Foundation distributes millions annually in grants and scholarships across the state. These awards are made possible by individuals, families, businesses, affiliates, giving circles, and everyday Idahoans who care for their community.Robert C. Weaver Memorial Scholarship FundEstablished by Neola Weaver in memory of her late husband, residents or former residents of Buhl are eligible for scholarship support as either traditional or nontraditional students. For part-time or full-time traditional or nontraditional students pursuing post high school vocational or academic training. 

The Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Academy (OCCTA) supports Early-Career Investigators (ECIs) in clinical trial research aimed at effective ovarian cancer treatments. It provides essential mentoring, networking, and skill development needed for executing clinical trials. The FY26 funding will specifically support translational research and early-phase trials, requiring preliminary data and a commitment of at least 25% effort from the ECI. Mentorship is vital, with a focus on experienced clinical trialists guiding ECIs.

The DoW Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Award, funded by the U.S. Army Medical Command, aims to accelerate the implementation of clinical trials that significantly impact ovarian cancer treatment. This award supports diverse trial designs, from early proof-of-concept studies to large-scale efficacy trials, evaluating innovative drugs, biologics, and technologies. By fostering research in this critical area, the program seeks to enhance patient outcomes and advance the understanding of ovarian cancer management.

The Biocodex Microbiota Foundation invites early career researchers in the microbiome field from U.S. institutions to apply for the 2024 grant. This initiative focuses on groundbreaking research into gut microbiota's role in human health and disease, particularly in areas like circadian rhythms and metabolic disorders. The grant supports operational costs, allowing for innovative projects aimed at fostering independent research careers in microbiota studies.

The FY26 Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Breakthrough Award Level 3 supports transformative research aimed at significant advancements in breast cancer treatment. Applicants must address key challenges outlined by the program, ensuring their proposals demonstrate potential for impactful breakthroughs. This funding mechanism, which permits small-scale clinical trials, emphasizes collaboration by requiring research teams to include two breast cancer consumer advocates and allows for a single Principal Investigator or two partnering PIs.

The Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award aims to support impactful research addressing critical needs in ovarian cancer and patient care. It requires a robust research plan with preliminary data and allows for studies across all research phases, excluding clinical trials. A unique Partnering Principal Investigator option encourages collaboration between two PIs to enhance research outcomes beyond individual efforts, promoting innovation in the field of ovarian cancer.

The DoW Ovarian Cancer Pilot Award fosters innovative research that challenges existing paradigms in ovarian cancer. It aims to propel groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in the field. Notably, the award prioritizes originality over scientific merit alone, ensuring that innovative ideas are at the forefront. The application process includes a blinded pre-application screening to maintain confidentiality and integrity, encouraging fresh perspectives in ovarian cancer research.

The FY26 Breast Cancer Research Program's Transformative Breast Cancer Consortium Award fosters significant collaborations that aim to revolutionize care for individuals affected by breast cancer. This award supports a multidisciplinary consortium of leading scientists, clinicians, and advocates to tackle major challenges in breast cancer research. Proposals must address at least one of the program's overarching challenges and demonstrate a transformative impact that cannot be achieved by individual investigators alone.

Geological Society of America 

The Geological Society of America (GSA), founded in 1888, is a global scientific society with members from academia, government, and industry in more than 100 countries. Through its meetings, publications, and programs, GSA enhances the professional growth of geoscientists at all career levels, encourages cooperative research among earth, life, planetary, and social scientists, fosters public dialogue on geoscience issues, and promotes the geosciences in the service of humankind. GSA is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, USA.

Jack Kleinman Memorial Award for Volcano Research

The Jack Kleinman Memorial Award for Volcano Research represents a partnership between GSA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to recognize early-career scientists conducting high-impact research in volcanology. The award was created in memory of Jack Kleinman—a USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory scientist known for his commitment to collecting high-quality field data and who relished a challenge, inspired enthusiasm in others, and delighted in the natural world. The award honors students who demonstrate these same qualities in their scientific explorations.

Up to US$5,000 may be awarded to undergraduate, graduate, and aspiring graduate students, regardless of current enrollment status. Successful proposals typically focus on geologic, geochemical, geophysical, or hazards investigations with an emphasis on fieldwork. Cooperation with a staff member from the USGS Volcano Science Center is encouraged and given considerable weight in the selection process.

Funding is intended to defray the costs of field-focused studies, such as travel to field sites, living expenses during fieldwork, field supplies, and analytical costs. Awardees are invited to present their results in the USGS Kleinman Seminar Series and attend the Awards Ceremony at the GSA annual meeting.

The MBF Small Grants Program supports conservation projects for monarch butterflies and their habitats, primarily in Mexico. It aims to fund initiatives focusing on habitat conservation, scientific research, education, and sustainable development. Grants are primarily awarded to Mexican organizations and individuals, with a preference for those with relevant experience. Projects should enhance local livelihoods and promote environmental awareness within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.

The Mae Casali Bonvicini Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports Torrington High School graduating seniors aiming for higher education. With awards ranging from $400 to $1,500, this scholarship is designed to ease financial burdens for students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the NCCF’s service area. For over 50 years, NCCF has dedicated itself to enhancing the quality of life in Northwest Connecticut through grants and scholarships.

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 Solidaire Network's Janisha R. Gabriel Movement Protection Fund supports frontline organizers facing security threats while fostering long-term safety. With $7.9 million allocated, the fund aids groups working towards racial, climate, gender, and reproductive justice. Despite a pause on new applications due to high demand, the fund remains committed to resourcing movement partners and addressing the disproportionate targeting of marginalized leaders amidst rising aggression from right-wing forces.