• 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.
• Program for Animal Welfare awards do not fund individuals, scholarships, or endowment efforts, fundraising events, or campaigns to elect candidates to public office.
• For this program, the Foundation will consider capital projects.
• Grants may support faith-based organizations for secular programs or projects. 

The Program for Animal Welfare funds organizations in Rhode Island working to promote and/or provide humane treatment of animals. The program also supports organizations working more generally on the welfare of animals.

Grants are for projects or programs that have a positive impact statewide or in individual communities regarding the care, shelter, and maintenance of animals, education about the humane treatment of animals, and/or animal welfare in general.

The average grant size for this program is $20,000. In 2025, grant awards ranged from $2,500 to $70,000, depending on availability of funds and scope of work.

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)