This is a core Foundation grant program providing larger and multi-year grants to innovative initiatives focused on catalyzing change and lasting progress both within and across community priorities.

The primary goal of the program is to support collaborations that can implement innovative approaches by breaking down barriers that have prevented progress in the past.  Funding can be used to develop new innovative partnerships or support existing collaborations that seek to expand and include additional partners.

Applicants can apply once a year and are only eligible for one Catalyst Grant award per grant cycle. You can access a timeline of the 2025 Catalyst grant cycle and important dates here. 

Catalyst Grants will prioritize collaborations across community priorities.  Collaborations should include a Rhode Island-based organization as lead that has consistently demonstrated impact within or across priorities and focus areas. 

Collaborations can take on many forms including: multiple organizations working together to achieve common goals or objectives under a formalized structure like a coalition or collective or a lead organization supported by one or more organizations to problem solve or create something new.  Examples of partner organizations can include state and local government, and/or academic institutions in addition to nonprofit organizations. 

Additional priority will be given to applications from collaborations led by and/or serving members of historically marginalized communities.

This program will not fund individuals, for-profit entities, event sponsorships, or capital projects. 

We anticipate the maximum grant award will be $250,000 per year, and up to three years of funding may be requested.  

• Collaboration strength: Your partnership should have the infrastructure and capacity to implement the initiative, and a clear demonstration of how partners will be accountable to each other, develop shared goals and outcomes, and demonstrate collective impact.  
• Lead applicant capacity: The application lead should be a Rhode Island based 501(c)(3)-nonprofit with project management and leadership skills, including experience coordinating and managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.  Additionally, the organization should have strong board and staff leadership, sound financial health, and evidence of connection with the community served.  
• Potential for community impact: Your proposal aligns with one or more of the priorities, and related focus areas, identified by the community and included in the Foundation's Five-Year Action Plan, includes a well-defined opportunity to catalyze change and lasting progress, and a clear explanation of why this new initiative is well- positioned to address that opportunity (particularly where previous efforts have not been successful).
• Initiatives that empower community: Your proposal demonstrates that there is trust and engagement with the population served through the proposed initiative, and that the initiative will respond to the needs and priorities of residents impacted by the work by ensuring resident voice is part of the planning process.  
• Sound implementation plan: You have provided a feasible and aligned project budget, demonstrate adequate capacity, and have a plan to track progress and outcomes, including a commitment to measurement and data sharing between partners. You have defined how your organization is positioned to serve as the lead and described the roles and level of funding of partner organizations in the collaborative.  
• Sustainability plan: You have an identified path towards sustainability, with the understanding that sustainability can come in many different forms and timelines.