[Rhode Island Foundation](https://rifoundation.org)

April 23, 2026 (Round One) | October 8, 2026 (Round Two)

Up to $5,000 per grant; one grant per organization per year.

Supports Rhode Island nonprofits providing emergency assistance (food, housing, utilities, etc.) to those most in need.

Focus on volunteer-based, small-budget organizations; larger groups may be eligible via other Foundation programs.

--- ## Description This program funds Rhode Island-based nonprofit organizations delivering direct emergency assistance to residents facing critical needs such as food insecurity, homelessness, utility shutoffs, lack of prescription medication, and other urgent hardships. The grants aim to strengthen community-based agencies—especially those that are volunteer-driven and have limited operational budgets—by supporting both new and established programs that provide essential services. The initiative also addresses social determinants of health, contributing to the Foundation's broader goal of fostering healthy and strong communities. --- ## Due Dates - April 23, 2026: Round One full application deadline (applications due by 3:00 p.m.) - October 8, 2026: Round Two full application deadline (applications due by 3:00 p.m.) Organizations may only receive one Basic Human Needs grant per year. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: **Up to $5,000 per grant** - Organizations may only receive one grant per year. - Grants cannot be the sole source of funding for established programs. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in Rhode Island. - Volunteer-based organizations with minimal operational budgets are prioritized. - Faith-based organizations may apply, but funding is restricted to secular programs. - Larger organizations with a "basic needs" component may be eligible for support through the Foundation’s Community Priority grant program. - Fiscal sponsorship is allowed if the sponsoring organization holds 501(c)(3) status. - **Ineligible applicants/uses:** - Individuals - Scholarships - Capital or endowment efforts - Fundraising events - Campaigns to elect candidates to public office - Distribution of products/services to other nonprofits --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare your materials:** - Completed application form (via the [online grants portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=rif)) - [Proposal budget](https://stdidrifoundationprod.blob.core.windows.net/rifoundation/documents/Proposal-Budget-BHN_2026-2.xlsx) - IRS 501(c)(3) Tax Determination Letter (required only if your organization has never applied to the Rhode Island Foundation, or if using a fiscal sponsor) 2. **Submit your application:** - Applications must be submitted online by 3:00 p.m. on the due date for the relevant round. - Only one application per organization per year is allowed. 3. **Notification:** - Round One applicants will be notified of awards/denials in June 2026. - Round Two applicants will be notified in December 2026. 4. **Questions about use of funds or eligibility:** - Email Donna Sowden, Grants & Community Investments Officer, at [dsowden@rifoundation.org](mailto:dsowden@rifoundation.org). --- ## Additional Information - Grants are intended to supplement, not replace, existing funding for established programs. - Funded activities must provide direct assistance (e.g., food pantries, soup kitchens, rental assistance, utilities, transportation, child care for homeless families, toiletries). - The Foundation encourages applicants to describe administrative costs in their proposal budgets. - Organizations denied in the first round may reapply in the second round. --- ## External Links - [Program page: Basic Human Needs Grants](https://rifoundation.org/grant/basic-human-needs-grants-2) - [Online grants portal (application submission)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=rif) - [Proposal budget template (XLSX)](https://stdidrifoundationprod.blob.core.windows.net/rifoundation/documents/Proposal-Budget-BHN_2026-2.xlsx) - [Grant Program FAQs](https://rifoundation.org/grants-scholarships/find-a-grant-opportunity/grant-program-faqs) - [Community Priorities grant program](https://rifoundation.org/grant/community-priorities-grants-2026) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Donna Sowden, Grants & Community Investments Officer | [dsowden@rifoundation.org](mailto:dsowden@rifoundation.org) | | | General Grants Inquiries | [grants@rifoundation.org](mailto:grants@rifoundation.org) | (401) 427-4041 | | Technical Assistance (Grants Portal) | [iross@rifoundation.org](mailto:iross@rifoundation.org) | (401) 427-4012 | | Rhode Island Foundation Main Line | [info@rifoundation.org](mailto:info@rifoundation.org) | (401) 274-4564 |

Basic Human Needs Grants

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