Browse Scholarships
Scholarship Opportunities
Guided by donor intent, scholarship funds may support general educational assistance or target specific areas such as certain fields of study, trade and technical schools, residents of particular cities or towns, student interests or backgrounds, and other special circumstances.
All Rhode Island students are welcome to apply for scholarship funding.
To make the process as accessible as possible, the Foundation offers scholarships through three application pathways.
Universal Application
By completing the Universal Application, students can be matched with multiple funding opportunities through a single set of questions. These scholarships are marked “Universal Application” in the directory below. For some opportunities, applicants may need to answer additional essay prompts or provide further information, but our convenient online scholarship platform will help guide students through these steps.
Stand-Alone Application
Some scholarship and fellowship funds require a stand-alone application and are not part of the Universal Application. These include funds with very specific criteria or rolling deadlines, scholarships for K–12 students, and fellowships supporting activities beyond essential educational costs. These opportunities are labeled “Stand-Alone Application” in the directory below.
Nursing Application
The Foundation awards scholarships from several funds that support students pursuing nursing programs. A single application may be used to apply to all nursing scholarship opportunities. These opportunities are marked “Nursing Application” in the directory below.
For additional information, contact Monica Benson at (401) 427-4017 or email scholarships@rifoundation.org. Si necesita asistencia en Español, por favor de comunicarse con Zaida Hernandez al (401) 427-4039 o zhernandez@rifoundation.org.
Michael P. Metcalf Memorial Fund and Christine T. Grinavic Adventurer's Fund
Application Closed- To encourage personal growth through travel, study, and public service programs for college freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students
- Rhode Island resident
- For educational enrichment outside the classroom, not tuition
MJSA Education Foundation Jewelry Scholarship
May 11, 2026- National scholarship program for students pursuing jewelry-related curriculum
- Need not be Rhode Island resident
- Award: $500 - $2,500; past recipients may reapply
Major Jeremiah P. Murphy Scholarship
April 13, 2026- Children of active, retired, or deceased Providence police officers
- Attending post-secondary institutions offering two-year associate or four-year college degree
- Award: $1,000 - $2,500; past recipients may reapply
Newport Yacht Club Endowment Fund Scholarship
April 13, 2026- GPA of 2.7 or higher
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in a marine-related program that is academic or trade related, enabling student to begin or further their career
- Preference for applicants who are residents of or attending school in Newport County
Important: review full requirements
Newport Yacht Club Endowment Fund Scholarship
- GPA of 2.7 or higher
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in a marine-related program that is academic or trade related, enabling student to begin or further their career
- Preference for applicants who are residents of or attending school in Newport County
- Preference for renewals; past recipients may reapply
Albert E. and Florence W. Newton Nursing Scholarship
April 13, 2026- Rhode Island residents studying nursing in or out of state
- Non-Rhode Island residents studying nursing in Rhode Island
John J. O'Connor Jr. Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund
April 13, 2026- RI resident attending a RI school
- Must be in pursuit of a CNA, Associates, or Bachelors Nursing Degree
Bernard and Henrietta O'Rourke Scholarship
April 13, 2026- Lincoln, Rhode Island resident
- Financial need
- Award: $500 - $4,000 annually; past recipients may reapply
Ocean State Media Scholarship
April 13, 2026- Resident of Rhode Island or Bristol County, Massachusetts
- A graduating high school senior planning to attend an accredited 4-year post-secondary school, or a student currently enrolled in an accredited 4-year post-secondary institution
- Exhibit merit toward a successful career in journalism and/or media
Frances L. Macartney Porter Fund
April 13, 2026- Single parent
- Rhode Island resident or attending a Rhode Island institution of higher learning
- Does not need to be a degree conferring program; certificate programs encouraged
Important: review full requirements
Frances L. Macartney Porter Fund
- Single parent
- Rhode Island resident or attending a Rhode Island institution of higher learning
- Does not need to be a degree conferring program; certificate programs encouraged
- Preference given to individuals enrolled in trade schools
- Award: $1,000 - $4,000; past recipients may reapply
Providence Fire Fighters Local 799 Scholarship Fund
April 13, 2026- Must be dependent child of active member, in good standing, of the Providence (RI) Fire Department and of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 799
- Enrolled and in good standing at an accredited 2 or 4-year university/college, junior college, or post-secondary technical or vocational school
RDW Group Communications Scholarship
April 13, 2026- Rhode Island resident
- Studying communications at the undergraduate or graduate level (see application for areas of study)
- Award: $500 - $3,500; past recipients may reapply
Rhode Island Association of Former Legislators Scholarship
April 13, 2026- Graduating high school senior
- Rhode Island resident
- Outstanding community service
Important: review full requirements
Rhode Island Association of Former Legislators Scholarship
- Graduating high school senior
- Rhode Island resident
- Outstanding community service
- Award: $1,000 - $1,500
