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

January 29, 2026 (Round 1 pre-application) | April 23, 2026 (Round 1 full application) | July 16, 2026 (Round 2 pre-application) | October 8, 2026 (Round 2 full application)

Up to $15,000 per grant; one grant per organization per 12-month period.

Supports Rhode Island nonprofits with infrastructure and technical assistance funding to advance community priorities.

--- ## Description The Capacity Building Grant program, offered by the Rhode Island Foundation, provides targeted support for the infrastructure and technical assistance needs of nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups addressing key community priorities in Rhode Island. The program aims to promote inclusiveness, accessibility, equity, and thriving communities by funding projects such as board and staff development, strategic and business planning, communications, evaluation, technology upgrades, and more. Proposals must align with the Foundation's Five-Year Action Plan and demonstrate clear need, readiness, and anticipated outcomes. --- ## Due Dates - January 29, 2026: Round 1 pre-application deadline - April 23, 2026: Round 1 full application deadline - July 16, 2026: Round 2 pre-application deadline - October 8, 2026: Round 2 full application deadline Applicants must first submit a pre-application; if invited, a full application follows. There are two cycles per year. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: $15,000 per grant - Organizations may receive one Capacity Building Grant within a 12-month period --- ## Eligibility - Primarily for Rhode Island-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations - Groups without 501(c)(3) status may apply with a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) - Organizations located outside Rhode Island may be considered if serving Rhode Islanders in unique ways (pre-application required) - Not eligible: individuals, for-profit entities, event sponsorships, or capital projects --- ## Application Process - **Two-stage process**: 1. **Pre-application**: Submit a brief pre-application describing your organization, project, and alignment with community priorities. Reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline. - [Preview pre-application form (PDF)](https://stdidrifoundationprod.blob.core.windows.net/rifoundation/documents/Capacity-Building-Grants-Pre-Application-2026-for-website.pdf) 2. **Full application**: If selected, submit a detailed narrative and budget. - [Full application portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=rif) - Notifications for each round are sent in June (Round 1) and December (Round 2) - Grantees must submit a final report on project outcomes --- ## Additional Information - Supported activities include (but are not limited to): board development, planning, communications, evaluation, fund development, succession planning, and technology upgrades. - Proposals are assessed on alignment with community priorities, clarity of need, readiness, and expected impact. - Organizations may only receive one grant per 12 months, but fiscal sponsors can support their own separate applications. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Instructions](https://rifoundation.org/grant/capacity-building-grants-2) - [2026 Program Timeline (PDF)](https://stdidrifoundationprod.blob.core.windows.net/rifoundation/images/2026-Capacity-Building-Grant-Program-Timeline.pdf) - [Pre-Application Form (PDF)](https://stdidrifoundationprod.blob.core.windows.net/rifoundation/documents/Capacity-Building-Grants-Pre-Application-2026-for-website.pdf) - [Full Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=rif) - [Community Priorities](https://rifoundation.org/investing-in-a-thriving-rhode-island/community-priorities) - [Five-Year Action Plan](https://rifoundation.org/news/only-together-our-five-year-action-plan) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |--------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Email | [info@rifoundation.org](mailto:info@rifoundation.org) | | Phone | (401) 274-4564 | | Mailing | One Union Station, Providence, RI 02903 | | Contact Form | [Foundation Contact Page](https://rifoundation.org/about/your-community-foundation/contact) |

Capacity Building Grants

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