Rhode Island Community Development Grants

This funding opportunity supports small organizations in Rhode Island, particularly in South County, focusing on diverse causes like homelessness, environmental initiatives, and health services, while encouraging collaboration and matching gifts from other sources.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island for arts and culture projects that engage and benefit local communities.

This grant provides financial support to community-based nature and land conservation organizations in New England and upper New York State to advance impactful conservation projects that benefit the environment and local communities.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island that are dedicated to improving the lives of the Latino community in the state.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Rhode Island community agencies that deliver essential emergency assistance, such as food, housing, and transportation, to individuals and families in urgent need.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island that empower low- to moderate-income individuals and families through education, affordable housing, and essential human services.

This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by supporting collaborations among academic institutions, government agencies, and private industry to develop sustainable research infrastructure.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based non-profit organizations to support projects that promote Japanese arts and culture, particularly in areas with limited access to such events.

The BlueAngel Community Health Grant program at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island aims to fund organizations and programs that will result in more Rhode Islanders being able to afford safe, healthy, and stable housing. The program seeks to increase awareness about safe, affordable housing as a shared public concern and highlight solutions to support access to safe and affordable housing. The grant is open to Rhode Island nonprofit agencies that have qualified for exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code or are public instrumentalities. Funding amounts historically range from $25,000 per year to $75,000 per year. Applicants are invited to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), which will be reviewed by a BCBSRI LOI Review Subcommittee. Selected agencies will then be invited to submit full proposals for funding. Site visits will be conducted by Community Relations staff with each of the finalist organizations. The 2024 grant application cycle is closed, and funding awards begin in January 2024. For more information or questions, potential applicants can email BlueAngel.News@bcbsri.org.

The Consolidated Homeless Fund (CHFP), managed by the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) in Rhode Island, is dedicated to preventing and responding to homelessness across the state. This grant program is deeply aligned with the OHCD's mission to establish a homeless crisis response system that prioritizes prevention and, when homelessness occurs, rapidly transitions individuals to permanent housing solutions. The initiative emphasizes a person-centered approach, rooted in evidence-based best practices, and incorporates a Housing First philosophy that is trauma-informed and low-barrier, reflecting a strategic commitment to holistic and effective interventions. The target beneficiaries for this program are individuals and households experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Rhode Island. The impact goals are to prevent homelessness whenever possible and, failing that, to rapidly exit those affected into stable, permanent housing. The CHFP explicitly calls for proposals that integrate the voices of individuals with lived expertise in homelessness, alongside strategies for harm reduction, trauma-informed care, elimination of barriers, and a strong housing-focused approach. This underscores the program's commitment to creating a system that is responsive to the real-world needs and experiences of those it serves. Priorities and focuses for this RFP include a range of project types such as Emergency Shelters, Street Outreach (including CES Navigation), Rapid Re-Housing, Supportive Services Only, System-wide and systems projects (including Housing Problem Solving), Warming Centers, Temporary Seasonal Shelters, and New Permanent Emergency Shelters. The program strongly encourages agencies to leverage mainstream resources, particularly Medicaid funding, to expand services and reach more households, even while acknowledging that Medicaid cannot cover all aspects of services. This highlights a strategic priority to maximize resource utilization and create a more integrated support system. The expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around a more effective and humane homeless crisis response system. This includes an increase in successful preventions of homelessness, a reduction in the duration of homelessness, and a higher rate of successful transitions to permanent housing. The emphasis on evidence-based practices and a Housing First philosophy suggests a desire for data-driven results that demonstrate a tangible impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness. The grant also seeks innovative projects, indicating a desire to explore new approaches that can further enhance the system's effectiveness. The OHCD's strategic priorities are clearly articulated through its investment in a homeless crisis response system that is person-centered, trauma-informed, and low-barrier. Their theory of change appears to be that by funding a diverse array of projects, emphasizing collaboration, and requiring the incorporation of lived expertise and mainstream resources, they can build a more robust, equitable, and ultimately successful system for preventing and ending homelessness in Rhode Island. The allocation of approximately $4.5 million in funds, with $2.5 million earmarked for new projects, further demonstrates a commitment to both sustaining existing effective programs and fostering innovation within the homeless response sector.

This grant provides financial support to organizations that empower low-income Black Rhode Islanders and promote youth development and mentoring initiatives for Black youth.

This fund provides financial support to community organizations and individuals in Rhode Island to improve oral health through education, public service projects, and scholarships for dental auxiliary training.

The Washington Trust Charitable Foundation awards grants to 501(c)(3) organizations located within its market area, covering Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and southeastern Connecticut. The Foundation's grants support a wide array of initiatives including affordable housing, business and economic development, youth and family services, health and human service organizations, arts and cultural institutions, educational entities, environmental groups, and scholarship programs. Notably, the Foundation contributes to local education through scholarships at Providence College, Bryant University, and the University of Rhode Island, facilitating students' access to higher education. The Foundation is a strong supporter of the United Way, reflecting its commitment to community welfare through employee contributions and volunteerism. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline: October 1st. Grant awarded in January

This grant provides funding to charitable Jewish community organizations in the greater Providence area to support projects that enhance community service, cultural understanding, and essential services for all Rhode Islanders.

The Champlin Foundation offers campership grants to provide financial assistance for children in Rhode Island who might otherwise not be able to afford summer camp. Eligible applicants are tax-exempt organizations in Rhode Island, in good standing with the IRS, and camps must be accredited through the American Camping Association (ACA) or another rigorous, independent organization previously approved by Champlin. The application cycle for camperships opens on September 1st and closes on October 15th.

Grant Opportunity: RISCA Project Grants in Education (PGE) Program Funding Organization: Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) Contact Information: For grant support and assistance, reach out to RISCA staff through one-on-one meetings, grant workshops (in person and online), or drop-in hours. Pre-recorded grant workshops and helpful videos are available on RISCA's YouTube Channel. Contact the program director for the specific grant program you are interested in applying to schedule a meeting. Accommodations for disabilities or language barriers can be requested by contacting the program director at least three weeks prior to the application deadline. Award Details: Up to $10,000 for organizations and up to $3,000 for individuals. Eligibility: Pre-K-12 schools (public, public charter, private, alternative, special education schools, career and technical centers) based in Rhode Island; non-profit or fiscally sponsored organizations based in Rhode Island; arts educators and teaching artists in partnership with a school based in Rhode Island. Application Process: The application consists of a written application and an interview. Successful applicants will demonstrate experience in artistic disciplines, knowledge of arts instruction and commitment to professional learning, as well as understanding of their intended audience's learning needs and styles. Artists already listed on the Rhode Island Teaching Artist Roster can renew their listings annually by completing a background check and updating their profile on CreativeGround. Additional Information: Grants are decided through a rigorous panel process involving peers and cultural leaders from across the country. Panelists evaluate applications based on need, relevance to the community, diversity, equity, access, and inclusion. Funding recommendations are made by panelists after reviewing applications. Partial funding is common, so it is recommended to ask for the needed amount along with an accurate budget. Changes or updates to funded projects should be communicated to RISCA staff via email. Grant notifications are sent out via mail. The grant review process takes approximately six to twelve weeks. RISCA staff can provide support beyond grants and offer learning programs, events, and convenings to connect people in the arts and culture ecosystem in Rhode Island.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations addressing urgent community needs or innovative projects, with awards starting at $10,000 for initiatives that demonstrate strong potential for positive impact.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

Ocean State Charities Trust awards grants to various agencies yearly, representing the philosophies of past trustees. These awards are aimed at enhancing the quality of life of Rhode Islanders in areas such as health care, education, social services, and safety and well-being. Grants are designed to support charitable organizations within Rhode Island actively engaged in charitable endeavors and activities. The Trust emphasizes programs that enhance Rhode Islanders' quality of life, promote social welfare, or assist in areas like housing, health, and education. Grant renewed every year. Annual Spring deadline: February 1st

This grant provides $10 million to nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island to improve oral health care access for children and young adults in underserved neighborhoods of Providence.