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Rhode Island

Grants, foundations, and funding data for Rhode Island (RI).

Foundations

480

Total Assets

$3.0B

Total Giving

$1.2B

Active Grants

186

National Rank

#47

Rhode Island Grants: Innovation Vouchers, Ocean Economy & Small Business Growth Funding

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Key State Programs

Innovation Voucher Program

Provides grants of up to $75,000 for Rhode Island businesses with 500 or fewer employees to collaborate with local universities, medical centers, and research institutions on R&D for new products, processes, or services. Applications accepted on a rolling basis through Rhode Island Commerce.

Renewable Energy Fund

Administered by Rhode Island Commerce to grow renewable energy use statewide, offering grants for small-scale solar installations, commercial renewable projects, community renewables, and clean energy internship programs connecting businesses with qualified students.

Innovation Network Matching Grant

Awards up to $50,000 to Rhode Island small businesses investing in innovation and growth within targeted industries including clean technology, energy efficiency, and other sectors identified as strategic priorities for the state economy.

Blue Youth Innovation Grant

A collaboration between Rhode Island Commerce, the Department of Labor and Training, and CCRI, this program increases student interest and skills in careers supporting Ocean Tech Hub industries, building the workforce pipeline for Rhode Island's maritime economy.

Rhode Island Foundation Community Grants

Competitive grants for nonprofit organizations across focus areas including arts and culture, historic preservation, environment, recreation, animal welfare, and health and wellness, with dedicated programs supporting Rhode Island's Black community through the Black Philanthropy Initiative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rhode Island's Innovation Voucher Program?

The Innovation Voucher Program provides grants of up to $75,000 to Rhode Island businesses with 500 or fewer employees to collaborate with local knowledge providers including universities, medical centers, and research institutions. The funding supports R&D necessary to develop and commercialize new products, processes, or services. Applications are accepted through Rhode Island Commerce on a rolling basis.

How does Rhode Island support clean energy through grants?

Rhode Island Commerce's Renewable Energy Fund supports small-scale solar, commercial, and community renewables projects. Clean energy internship grants help businesses hire students with career interests in renewable energy. The Innovation Network Matching Grant also targets clean technology and energy efficiency businesses with up to $50,000 in funding.

What nonprofit grants are available in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Foundation offers competitive grants across arts and culture, historic preservation, environment, recreation, animal welfare, and health and wellness. The Black Philanthropy Initiative provides dedicated funding for the Black community. Additional opportunities include community development grants for municipalities and CDBG-funded projects supporting low- and moderate-income communities.

Are there Rhode Island grants for small businesses?

Yes, several programs support Rhode Island small businesses. The Innovation Voucher Program offers up to $75,000 for R&D collaborations, the Innovation Network Matching Grant provides up to $50,000 for targeted industry innovation, patent filing assistance covers up to $5,000 in intellectual property costs, and the RI Rebounds Technical Assistance Program offers up to $10,000 in personalized business support.

How does Rhode Island invest in its ocean economy?

The Blue Youth Innovation Grant program, a collaboration between Rhode Island Commerce, the Department of Labor and Training, and CCRI, builds the workforce pipeline for Ocean Tech Hub industries. Rhode Island Commerce also supports ocean technology businesses through innovation grants and the broader suite of economic development incentives targeting strategic industries.

Top Foundations

Largest Foundations in Rhode Island

#FoundationAssets
1Warren Alpert Foundation$397.3M
2Van Beuren Charitable Foundation Inc.$378.2M
3Charles & Agnes Kazarian Eternal Foundation$211.5M
4Cvs Foundation$194.3M
5Jonathan M Nelson Family Foundation$179.5M

Active Grants

Open Grants in Rhode Island

EPA Region 1 via Restore America’s Estuaries
VerifiedDeadline Passed

2026 SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants (SWIG26)

2026 SNEP Watershed Implementation Grants (SWIG26) is a grant from EPA Region 1 administered by Restore America's Estuaries that funds on-the-ground watershed restoration and conservation projects in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. The program supports work aligned with the EPA Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Strategic Plan, targeting coastal resilience, water quality, and community access to healthy waterways. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and other qualifying entities working in the SNEP region. Grants of up to $250,000 are available. Letters of Intent are due by 4:00 p.m. on April 3, 2026.

Up to $250,000Deadline: Apr 3, 2026 (passed)
Rhode Island Community Foundation
VerifiedActive

1829 Legacy Fund Grants

1829 Legacy Fund Grants is sponsored by Rhode Island Community Foundation. These grants support nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island, focusing on human services, education, arts, and journalism. The fund continues a legacy of philanthropy and aims to mobilize community generosity and drive impactful change across the state.

UnspecifiedDeadline: Apr 9, 2026
Rhode Island Foundation
VerifiedActive

Basic Human Needs Grants (Rhode Island Foundation)

Basic Human Needs Grants (Rhode Island Foundation) is sponsored by Rhode Island Foundation. Aims to help community-based agencies provide emergency assistance to Rhode Islanders in need.

See official noticeDeadline: Apr 23, 2026

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