The health of a community’s civic and cultural life is vital to its success. Strong connections among neighbors, meaningful relationships between people and public institutions, and vibrant interactions with the places we call home are closely tied to a range of positive outcomes—from improved physical and mental health to economic resilience and adaptability in times of crisis.

As Rhode Island’s only community foundation, we are dedicated to strengthening these bonds and creating equitable, thriving communities. The Neighborhood Grants program provides between $1,000 to $10,000 to support projects that bring Rhode Islanders together.

Purpose

The Neighborhood Grants program supports resident-led, community-making efforts that:

• Foster social networks, enhance collaboration, and increase community engagement within a neighborhood, city, or town;
• Strengthen lasting relationships that endure over time and across experiences;
• Elevate shared public spaces as vital community anchors;
• Help identify goals, solve problems, or make group decisions; or
• Celebrate and share traditions that connect neighbors and communities, engage in volunteerism, and arts and cultural activities.

Projects may include a variety of community-building activities, from creating accessible public spaces and hosting neighborhood gatherings to improving urban green spaces and preserving cultural traditions.

This program is supported in part by the generosity of donors who have established charitable funds at the Foundation. Some of those funds are geographically focused or tailored to specific fields of interest, which will be taken into account during the grantmaking process.

Notifications are scheduled to be announced in December 2025.

Eligibility

The Neighborhood Grants program is open to nonprofit organizations, public agencies (such as libraries), and volunteer-led groups (like neighborhood or resident associations).

We recognize there are entities and efforts without a 501 (c)3 IRS designation that align with our funding priorities.  In these cases, we may consider grant applications from groups using a fiscal sponsor that have a 501 (c) (3) IRS designation.

To be eligible, proposals must:

• Be feasible—delivering visible results within 12 months
• Have lasting impact—creating meaningful, enduring outcomes
• Be accessible to the broader community
• Be relevant and beneficial to the specific neighborhood or community
• Leverage community resources such as cash matches, volunteer time, donated space, or other in-kind contributions

While projects may include new initiatives or enhancements to existing programs, funding is intended to support one-time costs. Proposals that have received prior funding through Community Grants will not be prioritized.

The program does not support:

• Capital campaigns
• Endowment funds
• For-profit entities
• Fundraising events
• Individuals
• Ongoing operational support
• Lobbying or political efforts
• Religious organizations for religious purposes

Application deadline

Applications must be submitted by 3:00 pm (EST) on September 26, 2025

To apply

Complete the online application here.