• Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations located or delivering services in the state of Rhode Island.
• We also recognize there are entities and efforts without a 501(c)(3) IRS designation that align with this funding opportunity. Given that, we will also consider grant applications from groups using a fiscal sponsor with a 501(c)(3) IRS designation.
• Equity Action awards do not fund individuals, scholarships, or endowment efforts, fundraising events, or campaigns to elect candidates to public office.
• Support for capital projects is largely excluded as well, unless it is limited to equipment needs where there is a demonstrated programmatic benefit.
• Grants may support faith-based organizations for secular programs or projects.
• Have a board-approved policy regarding staff (volunteer or paid) employment, the election of a governing board, and provision of services that mandates non-discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or national origin. Please read the Equity Action Grant Applicant Non-Discrimination Policy Requirement, FAQ. 

All agencies and associations proposing to serve the needs of Rhode Island’s LGBTQ+ communities are encouraged to apply, whether or not the agency is LGBTQ+-focused. We strongly encourage applications from all-volunteer and grassroots organizations.

Equity Action funds a variety of initiatives including, but not limited to:

• Increasing advocacy capacity to address policy issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community (statewide or at the local level).
• Developing skills and processes to build effective partnerships, coalitions, and alliances to increase program operation and effectiveness.
• Providing community education.

In 2025, grant awards ranged from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on availability of funds and scope of work.

Organizations can receive one project or capacity building grant award from this program per year. 

Please submit a completed application, together with the following, via our online grants portal:

• Proposal budget.
• Most recent Board-approved organizational budget .
• A list of the current board of directors for the applicant organization.
• IRS 501(c)(3) Tax Determination Letter (not a tax-exempt certificate)   
  Required only if your organization has never applied to the Rhode Island Foundation for funding. If an organization is serving as the fiscal agent for this project, please submit the IRS 501(c) tax determination letter for the fiscal agent.
• A scope of work (this applies only to organizations requesting funding for consultant services).