Community Priority Grants

The Rhode Island Foundation’s Community Priority Grant program is a core funding opportunity that supports nonprofit organizations primarily through programmatic and general operating support. These grants aim to advance the Foundation’s Five-Year Action Plan by investing in organizations that align with key community priorities and related focus areas. The Foundation is deeply rooted in a commitment to inclusiveness, accessibility, compassion, mutual respect, and humility, and it seeks to promote thriving communities by addressing inequities through its funding. Eligible applicants for the Community Priority Grants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in Rhode Island. Additionally, groups without official 501(c)(3) status can apply if they work through a fiscal sponsor that meets IRS requirements. Fiscal sponsors serving as grant recipients for other entities may also apply separately for their own programs. The Foundation remains open to considering organizations located outside of Rhode Island if they offer services that directly benefit Rhode Islanders in unique and meaningful ways. However, individuals, for-profit entities, capital projects, and event sponsorships are not eligible for funding. Grant awards are flexible and can be used for either general operations or specific programs. In 2025, the average grant size was $60,000, though the Foundation provides detailed guidance based on an organization’s annual operating budget. For example, smaller nonprofits with budgets under $150,000 may receive up to $40,000, while those with budgets between $2.5 million and $5 million may be eligible for up to $150,000. General operating grants are not prioritized for organizations with annual budgets exceeding $5 million. The application process follows a two-stage model intended to enhance accessibility and equity. It begins with a simple pre-application, which opens twice annually and is reviewed on a rolling basis. If a pre-application aligns with the Foundation’s priorities, applicants are invited to complete a full application. This includes a narrative, expected outcomes, and a detailed budget. Pre-application deadlines for 2026 are January 29 (Round 1) and July 16 (Round 2). Grant decisions are made biannually in June and December. Applications are evaluated by the Grants and Community Investments team using a structured rubric. The rubric assesses alignment with community priorities, clarity of goals, budget feasibility, and organizational health, among other factors. Reviewers use both quantitative scores and qualitative insights to make funding decisions, and the process includes opportunities for follow-up with applicants when necessary. For questions, applicants can contact Helen Morales, the Foundation’s Grants and Community Investments Senior Associate, via phone at (401) 427-4013 or by email. The Foundation's main contact information is also available at (401) 274-4564 or [email protected]. The Foundation may also invite grantees to share their experiences in learning sessions to improve future grantmaking strategies and relationships.

Demonstrate alignment with Foundation priorities, organizational health, realistic plans, and sustainability.