Community Priority Grants
The Rhode Island Foundation's Community Priority Grants fund nonprofits advancing equity and community impact in areas like health, education, and climate, aligned with their Five-Year Action Plan.
Funder: Rhode Island Foundation
Due Dates: 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)
Funding Amounts: Typical grants average $60,000; awards range from up to $40,000 for small organizations to $150,000 for mid-sized, with general operating grants not prioritized for budgets over $5M.
Summary: Supports Rhode Island nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups advancing equity, community impact, and sustainability in alignment with the Foundation’s Five-Year Action Plan.
Key Information: Two-stage application: pre-application required before full application invitation.
Description
The Community Priority Grants program is a central initiative of the Rhode Island Foundation, designed to support nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups that address the Foundation’s community priorities as outlined in its Five-Year Action Plan. The program funds both programmatic and general operating support for work that advances equity, addresses community needs, and demonstrates potential for lasting impact and sustainability. Applicants must align their proposals with specific focus areas (such as civic and cultural life, climate action, education, health, and economic mobility) and show strong organizational health, community engagement, and a clear implementation plan. The review process is rigorous and equity-focused, incorporating multiple reviewers and a detailed rubric.
