Basic Human Needs Grants
Forecasted
Basic Human Needs Grants support community agencies providing food, housing, transportation, and other direct emergency assistance to meet the basic needs of Rhode Islanders most in need.
This grant was recently updated
Applications are now closed; the page previously listed a deadline of October 8, 2026.
Funder: Rhode Island Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Round One) | October 2027 (Round Two)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000; one Basic Human Needs grant per organization per year
Summary: Supports community agencies providing direct emergency assistance to Rhode Islanders most in need.
Key Information: Priority goes to volunteer-based organizations with minimal operational budgets.
Description
The Rhode Island Foundation’s Basic Human Needs Grants support community-based agencies providing emergency assistance directly to Rhode Islanders most in need. The program prioritizes volunteer-based organizations with minimal operational budgets and supports both new programs and established services. Its focus on meeting basic needs addresses social determinants of health within the Foundation’s Healthy and Strong Communities community priority.
Supported assistance includes food pantries and soup kitchens, clothing, housing and rental assistance, prescriptions, utilities, and toiletries. Transportation assistance can cover bus passes or auto repairs for travel to work or appointments. The program also supports child care assistance for homeless families. Funding is intended for direct assistance to people, rather than distributing products or services to other nonprofit organizations.
