Neighborhood Grants

The Rhode Island Foundation is the state’s only community foundation, dedicated to strengthening the civic, cultural, and social bonds that foster equitable, thriving communities. Through a combination of philanthropic funds established by donors and strategic grantmaking, the Foundation directs resources toward projects that build resilient neighborhoods, strengthen connections among residents, and enhance the shared spaces where communities come together. The Neighborhood Grants program is one of its targeted efforts to support resident-led initiatives that have meaningful, long-lasting impact across Rhode Island. The purpose of the Neighborhood Grants program is to fund community-driven projects that bring Rhode Islanders together and foster greater social cohesion. Grants are intended to support initiatives that enhance collaboration, increase civic participation, and strengthen relationships between neighbors and public institutions. The program also prioritizes projects that elevate shared spaces as community anchors, help groups solve problems or make collective decisions, and celebrate traditions and cultural practices that connect people. Activities may include neighborhood gatherings, creation of accessible public spaces, improvements to urban green areas, preservation of cultural traditions, or volunteer-driven events. Funding ranges from $1,000 to $10,000 per project. These funds are designed to cover one-time costs rather than ongoing operational support. Projects may be new initiatives or enhancements to existing activities, but the Foundation emphasizes the importance of measurable outcomes within a 12-month period and lasting community benefits beyond the grant period. Proposals that previously received funding under the Foundation’s Community Grants program will not be prioritized for this cycle. Donor-established charitable funds help support the program, with some funds geographically or thematically restricted; such conditions will be taken into consideration during the review process. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public agencies such as libraries, and volunteer-led groups such as neighborhood associations. The Foundation also recognizes that some groups do not have their own 501(c)(3) status; in such cases, applications may be submitted using a fiscal sponsor that holds IRS-recognized nonprofit designation. To qualify, projects must demonstrate feasibility with visible results achievable within one year, provide lasting impact, be accessible to the broader community, be directly relevant and beneficial to the targeted neighborhood, and leverage community resources such as volunteer labor, cash contributions, donated space, or in-kind support. The Foundation explicitly excludes certain types of projects from funding consideration. Ineligible proposals include capital campaigns, endowment funds, for-profit ventures, fundraising events, individuals, religious activities, lobbying or political efforts, and general operating support. These exclusions are intended to ensure that limited funds are directed toward community-building initiatives that align with the Foundation’s mission. The program’s focus remains on strengthening civic life, cultural engagement, and neighborhood vitality rather than supporting organizational infrastructure or ongoing costs. Applications must be submitted online by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on September 26, 2025. Notifications of funding decisions will be shared in December 2025, giving applicants clarity before year-end. Interested applicants can find the application portal on the Foundation’s website. The primary contact for inquiries is Donna Sowden, Grants and Community Investments Officer, who can be reached by phone at (401) 427-4029 or via email. General questions may also be directed to the Foundation’s main office at One Union Station, Providence, Rhode Island, by phone at (401) 274-4564 or via info@rifoundation.org. Applicants are encouraged to reach out with any questions to ensure alignment with the program’s purpose and requirements.