Catalyst Grants
The Catalyst Grant funds collaborative, innovative projects in Rhode Island that advance community priorities like sustainability, education, and equity through research-driven, multi-organization partnerships.
Funder: Rhode Island Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2026: Pre-application deadline (projected) | June 2026: Full application deadline (projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $250,000 per year; up to 3 years of funding per award (max $750,000 total).
Summary: Supports innovative, collaborative initiatives that drive lasting community change in Rhode Island, emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability.
Key Information: Requires at least one partner organization; lead applicant must be a Rhode Island-based nonprofit or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.
Description
The Catalyst Grant program is one of the Rhode Island Foundation’s core grantmaking initiatives, designed to support innovative, collaborative projects that catalyze change and create lasting progress within Rhode Island. Grants are intended for multi-organization collaborations addressing one or more of the Foundation’s community priorities, as outlined in its Five-Year Action Plan. These priorities include civic and cultural life, climate action and sustainability, education and student success, housing and economic mobility, and healthy and strong communities. A strong emphasis is placed on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA), and funded initiatives must demonstrate a commitment to addressing systemic inequities and supporting thriving communities.
Projects should involve robust collaboration, clear community impact, and sustainable approaches to Rhode Island’s most pressing challenges. The program will not fund individuals, for-profit entities, event sponsorships, or capital projects.
