Basic Human Needs Grants
Supports Rhode Island volunteer-based nonprofits in delivering direct emergency assistance for basic needs like food, housing, utilities, and more to individuals most in need.
Funder: Rhode Island Foundation
Due Dates: April 23, 2026 | October 8, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per grant; one grant per organization per year
Summary: Supports Rhode Island community agencies providing direct emergency assistance for basic needs such as food, housing, and utilities.
Key Information: For volunteer-based nonprofits with minimal operational budgets; established programs cannot rely solely on this funding.
Description
This grant supports nonprofit, community-based agencies in Rhode Island that provide direct emergency assistance to individuals most in need. It is designed to help volunteer-driven organizations with limited operational budgets address basic necessities, including food, clothing, housing or rental assistance, prescription and utilities assistance, transportation, child care for homeless families, and toiletries. Both new and established programs are eligible, but established programs must have additional sources of funding. The grant is intended to address social determinants of health and does not support the distribution of products or services to other nonprofits.
