Rhode Island Foundation grantees seeking technical legal assistance in responding to recent federal actions may access resources through the Nonprofit Legal Protection Project (NLPP).

Our Capacity Building team members are available to meet with nonprofit leaders and/or attend a board meeting to facilitate challenging conversations, offer advice, or provide board education based on individual requests. Priority will be given to nonprofit organizations that align with the Community Priorities as identified in the Rhode Island Foundation’s Five-Year Action Plan. Requests for board of director consultations and/or training must be made by the organization’s board chair. 

ELI+ is a 10-month leadership development program for mid-level career professionals and/or managers working in the social impact sector in Rhode Island and seeking a capacity building experience that focuses on social impact management and leadership skill building through an equity lens. Interested applicants may learn more and apply here by March 30, 2026.

INP’s Core Certificate Program equips nonprofit, public, and social impact leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks they need to make strategic, mission-driven decisions that center equity and effect meaningful change in their organizations and beyond. Interested applicants may learn more and apply here by March 30, 2026.

INP’s RISE Program brings together the next generation of highly motivated, mission-driven, early career social sector and community leaders (with approximately five or fewer years of work experience), who are passionate about social change and advancing equity. Interested applicants may learn more and apply here by March 30, 2026.

This is a virtual learning program designed to clarify and deepen the partnership between an organization’s executive director and board chair. Each session covers an area critical to successful governance, including board fundraising, board recruitment, and board financial oversight. Participating organizations will receive a free membership to BoardSource (including a board self-assessment) and a grant of $2500 for governance support. An organizational applicant must include both the executive director and board chair in each session.

Presented by Keith Tavares, Director of Capacity Building, Rhode Island Foundation, participants will learn concrete steps to make every board member a fundraiser. This virtual workshop is geared specifically for board members with passion for mission and limited experience around fund development.

Presented by Keith Tavares, Director of Capacity Building, Rhode Island Foundation, this virtual workshop will tackle the numerous ways in which nonprofit organizations can position their fundraising plan and strategies. The workshop will share best practices for soliciting gifts through social media, letters of appeal, corporate sponsorship, fundraising events, and of course, prospective individual donors.

Presented by Jill Pfitzenmayer, Nonprofit Consultant, this is a virtual and informational workshop on organizational succession planning designed for nonprofit executive directors. We’ll cover the basic elements of an emergency succession plan as well as guidance for the board’s role in planning an executive director's departure.

Presented by Jill Pfitzenmayer, Nonprofit Consultant, participants will learn best practices when it comes to serving on a nonprofit board of directors. This virtual workshop will tackle topics pertaining to board service, and will touch on the basic responsibilities every nonprofit board member should know.