The Rhode Island Foundation stewards a collection of funds of various sizes that generous donors have established to serve the Newport County community. Grants are awarded where a relatively small amount of money can be of strategic assistance to eligible organizations.
Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations and municipal departments located or delivering services in Newport County, though organizations that provide services or programs in Newport County, but are located outside of the County, are also eligible.
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.
Newport County Fund awards do not fund individuals, scholarships, capital or endowment efforts, fundraising events, or campaigns to elect candidates to public office
Grants may support faith-based organizations for secular programs or projects.
The following are among the priorities for this program:
Project development support for new programs
Strengthening and/or expanding established community programs and services
Community or municipal planning and/or leadership
Policy or advocacy efforts on behalf of community concerns
Additionally, successful applications will demonstrate the following:
Alignment with the intent of the Newport County Fund grant program to serve one or more of the communities in Newport County
Focus on a significant problem or opportunity in the county
Strategic partnerships or collaboration
Proven or innovative in approach
Capacity and leadership to complete the proposed work
Measurable results
A plan for long-term sustainability of the program or project
Grants from the Newport County Fund range from $1,000 to $10,000.
Successful projects may reapply for additional funding, but the Newport County Fund does not make multi-year commitments.
Please submit a completed application, together with the following, via our online grants portal:
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)
Application deadline
The deadline to apply for this grant program is March 26, 2026 at 3pm.
Grant deadline: March 26, 2026