Capacity Building Grant

The Rhode Island Foundation’s Capacity Building Grant program is one of three core funding mechanisms aimed at strengthening nonprofit infrastructure and operational effectiveness throughout the state. Designed to respond to the Foundation’s Five-Year Action Plan, the program targets organizations that align with the community priorities and focus areas articulated therein. The emphasis is on fostering inclusiveness, accessibility, compassion, mutual respect, and humility, ensuring equity in how services are delivered and communities are supported. By focusing on these values, the Foundation aims to build thriving communities through more capable, resilient, and strategically aligned nonprofit partners. This grant program prioritizes a range of activities designed to enhance organizational capacity. Funding may be applied toward board development and governance, strategic and business planning, fund development, succession planning, technology upgrades including software acquisition or leasing, and communications or marketing strategies. The scope of eligible projects is intentionally broad, accommodating varied needs related to data systems, evaluation frameworks, and financial planning. Ultimately, applicants are expected to articulate a clear need, demonstrate readiness to execute their project, and outline anticipated outcomes that contribute to organizational strength and long-term sustainability. Eligibility is generally limited to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations based in Rhode Island. However, recognizing that some impactful community efforts operate without such designations, the Foundation also welcomes applications from groups utilizing a fiscal sponsor that holds 501(c)(3) status. Fiscal agents serving other organizations may be eligible for separate funding opportunities under the Community Priorities Grant program. While the program is focused on Rhode Island, applications from out-of-state organizations providing unique services to Rhode Islanders will be reviewed through the pre-application process to determine fit. Individuals, for-profit entities, capital projects, and event sponsorships are categorically excluded from eligibility. The application process is structured in two stages to ensure equity and accessibility. It begins with a brief pre-application that identifies the type of capacity-building work being proposed. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. The full application includes a narrative detailing the scope of the work, budget information, and clearly defined outcomes. This two-stage process enables the Foundation to assess initial alignment before requesting more detailed submissions. Evaluation of proposals is based on how well the project addresses community priorities, the clarity of the organization's need and outcomes, and its readiness to begin and complete the work. The Capacity Building Grant operates on a biannual cycle in alignment with the Foundation’s Community Priorities Grant timeline. For 2026, the first pre-application window runs from January 5 to January 29, and the second cycle opens on June 22 and closes on July 16. Notifications for grant awards are issued in June and December. Grantees are required to report on their project's progress and outcomes through a final report. Additionally, the Foundation may organize grantee convenings to encourage shared learning and improve future processes. Questions and support requests should be directed to Keith Tavares, Director of Capacity Building, who can be reached at (401) 427-4054. General inquiries may also be sent to [email protected] or addressed in person at One Union Station, Providence, RI 02903. Interested applicants can preview the pre-application or begin the submission process through the Foundation’s grant portal.

Proposals are evaluated on alignment with community priorities, clarity of need, project readiness, and clarity of expected outcomes.