Basic Human Needs Grants

The Basic Human Needs Grants program is administered by the Rhode Island Foundation, a prominent private philanthropic organization based in Providence, Rhode Island. This foundation is dedicated to supporting the well-being and resilience of Rhode Island’s communities through targeted funding initiatives that address critical needs. With a long-standing commitment to fostering equity and community-based support, the Foundation provides financial resources to nonprofit organizations that serve the most vulnerable populations in the state. The purpose of the Basic Human Needs Grants is to provide immediate support to community-based organizations that deliver direct emergency assistance. These grants aim to mitigate the impacts of poverty, housing instability, and food insecurity by funding programs that offer tangible aid, including food, clothing, housing and rental assistance, prescription medications, utility payments, transportation services, and basic hygiene products. The initiative is rooted in the understanding that meeting these essential needs is a prerequisite for addressing broader determinants of health and well-being in under-resourced communities. The program specifically targets smaller, volunteer-based organizations with limited operational budgets. However, it also allows some flexibility for larger agencies that offer wraparound services incorporating basic needs as a component of their broader programming. It is important to note that established programs may apply for funding, but the Basic Human Needs grant cannot be their sole source of support. Additionally, while faith-based organizations are eligible, funding is restricted to secular programs or projects. The program excludes support for individuals, scholarships, capital campaigns, endowments, fundraising events, or political activities. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and must be located within the state of Rhode Island. Applications are submitted through the Rhode Island Foundation's online grants portal. Required documents include a proposal budget and, if the organization is new to the Foundation or using a fiscal agent, a copy of the IRS tax determination letter. Organizations are only eligible to receive one Basic Human Needs Grant per calendar year. The grant operates on a biannual cycle. Round One opens on January 5, 2026, and closes on April 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Award notifications for this cycle are issued in June 2026. Round Two opens on June 22, 2026, and closes on October 8, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., with decisions released in December 2026. Each round offers grants of up to $5,000, and funding is competitive. The program does not support redistribution of goods or services to other nonprofits. For assistance, applicants may contact Donna Sowden, the Grants & Community Investments Officer, by phone at (401) 427-4029 or via email at [email protected]. General inquiries may also be directed to the Foundation at [email protected] or by calling (401) 274-4564. The Foundation’s office is located at One Union Station, Providence, RI 02903. Interested organizations are encouraged to contact the Foundation early to discuss program fit and clarify any uncertainties about funding uses.