Equity Action Grants

The Rhode Island Foundation's Equity Action Grants program offers project and capacity-building grants aimed at supporting the LGBTQ communities within Rhode Island. These grants are distributed annually and are intended to help organizations that either serve LGBTQ individuals directly or play a unique role in improving the lives of those within this community. The Foundation, located at One Union Station in Providence, is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to strengthening Rhode Island through community leadership, strategic partnerships, and impactful grantmaking. The Equity Action Grants provide funding between $2,500 and $10,000 per application. Applicants are limited to one grant per year under this program. The grants may be used for a wide variety of project-based and organizational capacity-building activities, such as board development, strategic planning, fundraising, program development, nonprofit business development, program evaluation, and other activities that enhance organizational effectiveness. Importantly, the grants are intended to support both established and grassroots, volunteer-run organizations, with specific encouragement extended to those lacking extensive grantwriting experience. The purpose of the program is to fund initiatives that meet the specific needs of Rhode Island’s LGBTQ communities. Examples of supported initiatives include increasing advocacy capacity on policy issues affecting LGBTQ individuals at state or local levels, improving partnerships and coalitions, and providing educational opportunities for the community. Capital support is limited and must be directly tied to equipment needs with clear programmatic benefits. Start-up funding is discouraged unless sustainability beyond the one-year period can be clearly demonstrated. Eligible applicants must be either incorporated 501(c) nonprofit organizations or be operating under a 501(c) fiscal sponsor. Units of local or state government are also eligible. All applicants must have a board-approved non-discrimination policy covering employment, governance, and service provision without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or national origin. Organizations that fail to meet these requirements or that engage in discriminatory practices, political campaigning, or fundraising events are not eligible for funding. The application process is conducted entirely online and includes a completed application form, a project narrative, a budget, and a copy of the organization’s non-discrimination policy. If consultant services are being requested, a scope of work must also be submitted. The Foundation reviews applications within a six-to-ten-week window following submission. The deadline for the 2025 application cycle is August 15, 2025. For support, applicants may contact Keith Tavares, Director of Capacity Building, at (401) 427-4054 or via email. General inquiries can be directed to the Foundation’s main line at (401) 274-4564 or emailed to info@rifoundation.org. The Equity Action program demonstrates a continued commitment to equity and inclusion by funding a diverse array of organizations seeking to make a measurable impact on the LGBTQ community in Rhode Island.

All-volunteer and grassroots organizations without grantwriting experience are encouraged to apply.