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

May 11, 2026 (Full application deadline)

Typical awards range from $250 to $750; annual competition.

Supports preservation and conservation of pre-1900 historical documents in Rhode Island’s smaller cities and towns.

Only historical/preservation societies from smaller RI cities/towns are eligible; only documents created before 1900 are considered.

--- ## Description The Joseph O’Neill Ott Fund Grants, managed by the Rhode Island Foundation, provide annual support for the direct conservation and preservation of original historical manuscripts, documents, municipal records, photographs, and other two-dimensional historical evidence (excluding artwork) from the 19th century and earlier. The fund is specifically intended for historical and preservation societies in smaller cities and towns across Rhode Island. Grants may be used for restoration, preservation (such as the purchase of archival containers or housing), or to help defray the costs associated with acquiring eligible documents. Projects that demonstrate attention to long-term storage needs or planned document storage are given preference. Recommendations for funding are made by an advisory committee of conservationists. --- ## Due Dates - May 11, 2026: Full application deadline (applications must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time) --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant awards range from $250 to $750. - Grants are awarded annually. - Funding supports direct conservation, restoration, preservation supplies, and acquisition-related costs for eligible documents. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be historical or preservation societies located in the smaller cities and towns of Rhode Island. - Only original manuscripts, municipal records, and historical documents created before 1900 are eligible for support. - Artwork is not eligible. - Projects must address the preservation or long-term storage of paper-based documents, photographs, or similar two-dimensional historical evidence. --- ## Application Process - Submit a completed [online application form](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=rif) (select the Small Grant Programs application). - Applications are available approximately six weeks prior to the deadline. - Required materials include: - Completed online application - [Budget form](https://stdidrifoundationprod.blob.core.windows.net/rifoundation/documents/Proposal-Budget-Type-C.XLSX) - Project narrative - All applications must be submitted through the Rhode Island Foundation’s online grants portal by 3:00 p.m. (EST) on the deadline. --- ## Additional Information - An advisory committee of conservationists will review and recommend documents for funding. - Applicants are encouraged to review the [Rhode Island Supreme Court Historical Society Fund](https://rifoundation.org/grant/rhode-island-supreme-court-historical-society-fund) for similar preservation funding opportunities. - If you have already started an application, log in to your [account page](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=rif) to continue or edit your submission. --- ## External Links - [Joseph O’Neill Ott Fund Grant Details](https://rifoundation.org/grant/joseph-oneill-ott-fund) - [Rhode Island Foundation Grant Opportunities](https://rifoundation.org/grants-scholarships/find-a-grant-opportunity/p2) - [Online Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=rif) - [Budget Form Download (XLSX)](https://stdidrifoundationprod.blob.core.windows.net/rifoundation/documents/Proposal-Budget-Type-C.XLSX) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@rifoundation.org](mailto:info@rifoundation.org) | (401) 274-4564 | | Program Contact | [mbrown@rifoundation.org](mailto:mbrown@rifoundation.org) (Millicent Brown) | (401) 427-4016 | | Grants Operations | [iross@rifoundation.org](mailto:iross@rifoundation.org) (Ian Ross) | |

Joseph O’Neill Ott Fund Grants

Sign in to see full grant listing