Basic Human Needs Grants

Basic Human Needs Grants are designed to support Rhode Island community agencies providing emergency assistance to those in greatest need. The grants, which can go up to $5,000, are aimed at community-based programs offering direct assistance in various forms, including food (through food pantries and soup kitchens), clothing, housing/rental assistance, prescription assistance, utilities, transportation (including bus passes, Riptiks, and auto repairs), child care assistance for homeless families, and toiletries. Programs seeking funding for capital investments, capacity-building activities, or other uses not listed are encouraged to contact Donna Sowden, the grant programs administrator. The grant supports both the launch of new programs and the sustenance of established ones, with the condition that the Basic Human Needs Grant should not be the sole source of funding for established programs. Priority is given to organizations not already funded through the Food & Housing Security program.