Grants & Scholarships

Browse Scholarships

Thanks to the generosity of many Rhode Islanders, the Foundation is able to offer scholarships and fellowships to students from middle school to post-graduate level, from communities throughout the state, and in many different fields of study.

Please note that we have migrated to a new scholarship application system. Both new and returning scholarship applicants must create a new account in the Foundation's scholarship portal.

Most of our scholarships now require the completion of a universal application, while others require completion of a unique eligibility quiz. As you browse scholarship opportunities, those scholarships that require completion of the universal application are noted. In addition, once you create your account in the Foundation's scholarship portal, you will find a listing of the scholarships which require a universal application.

We strongly encourage you to complete the universal application and any of the eligibility quizzes for the program(s) you may be interested in. Completion of the universal application allows our system to present additional scholarship opportunities to you for which you may be qualified, based on the information you provide.

Returning students who are renewing scholarships will need to create a new account in our portal and should complete the application that aligns with the scholarship(s) you intend to renew. Once you've completed your application, if it seems you are no longer eligible or if the scholarship you hope to renew does not appear in your listing of recommended scholarships, please contact Monica Benson, Scholarship and Special Funds Administrator, at (401) 427-4017 for assistance.

For additional information, contact Monica Benson at (401) 427-4017 or email mbenson@rifoundation.org.

College-level Certificate-level

Rhode Island Commission on Women/Freda H. Goldman Education Award

Application Closed
  • Completion of Universal Scholarship Application
  • To assist Rhode Island women with transportation, child-care, tutoring, educational materials, and/or other support services
  • Pursuing education or job training beyond high school

Important: review full requirements

Rhode Island Commission on Women/Freda H. Goldman Education Award

  • Completion of Universal Scholarship Application
  • To assist Rhode Island women with transportation, child-care, tutoring, educational materials, and/or other support services
  • Pursuing education or job training beyond high school
  • Preference given to highly motivated, self-supporting, low-income women completing first undergraduate degree or certificate program
  • Award: $500 - $2,000; renewable
More Information
College-level

Rhode Island PBS Scholarship

Application Closed
  • Completion of Universal Scholarship Application
  • 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
More Information
College-level Certificate-level

Paula M. Rivard Memorial Scholarship

Application Closed
  • Completion of Universal Scholarship Application
  • Single Rhode Island women
  • Pursuing a two or four-year degree or certificate

Important: review full requirements

Paula M. Rivard Memorial Scholarship

  • Completion of Universal Scholarship Application
  • Single Rhode Island women
  • Pursuing a two or four-year degree or certificate
  • Award: $500-$1,500; renewable
More Information
College-level Graduate-level

Edward J. and Virginia M. Routhier Nursing Scholarship

Application Closed
  • Completion of Universal Nursing Scholarship Application
  • Students enrolled in a baccalaureate or graduate nursing program in Rhode Island
  • Financial need
More Information
College-level Graduate-level

Willard and Marjorie Scheibe Nursing Scholarship

Application Closed
  • Completion of Universal Nursing Scholarship Application
  • Rhode Island resident pursuing LPN, RN, or advanced nursing degree
  • Financial need
More Information
College-level

Lily and Catello Sorrentino Memorial Scholarship

Application Closed
  • Completion of Universal Scholarship Application
  • Student 25 years of age or older
  • Pursuing an undergraduate degree in degree-conferring non-parochial institution in Rhode Island

Important: review full requirements

Lily and Catello Sorrentino Memorial Scholarship

  • Completion of Universal Scholarship Application
  • Student 25 years of age or older
  • Pursuing an undergraduate degree in degree-conferring non-parochial institution in Rhode Island
  • Financial need
  • Preference given to students attending Rhode Island College, Community College of Rhode Island, or University of Rhode Island
  • Preference given to first-time applicants
  • Award: $1,000 - $1,500; renewable
More Information
College-level

Lillian Sparfven & Ethel Ferrara Fund Nursing Scholarship

Application Closed
  • Completion of Universal Nursing Scholarship Application
  • Rhode Island residents
  • Demonstrated financial need
More Information
College-level

Station Nightclub Fire Children’s Scholarship

Ongoing
  • Provides financial assistance to dependent children of Station Nightclub victims or survivors who are enrolled or enrolling in post-secondary education and training
  • Applications are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis
  • Contact the Rhode Island Foundation at (401) 427-4010
College-level Certificate-level

Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship

Application Closed
  • Completion of Universal Scholarship Application
  • Single parent, Rhode Island resident (men and women)
  • Preference given to parents currently or previously receiving state aid or those who have been previously incarcerated

Important: review full requirements

Bruce and Marjorie Sundlun Scholarship

  • Completion of Universal Scholarship Application
  • Single parent, Rhode Island resident (men and women)
  • Preference given to parents currently or previously receiving state aid or those who have been previously incarcerated
  • Award: $500 - $2,000; renewable
More Information
College-level

Surti Family Scholarship Fund

Application Closed
  • Completion of Universal Nursing Scholarship Application
  • Minority nursing students who are currently working in Rhode Island as Certified Nursing Assistants
  • Preference for CNAs at Butler Hospital, then Care New England or its successor
More Information
College-level Certificate-level

Miss Swinburne Scholarship

Application Closed
  • Completion of Universal Scholarship Application
  • Women living in Newport County
  • Direct support of course fees/tuition assistance and/or assistance with support services directly linked to achievement of student’s educational goals

Important: review full requirements

Miss Swinburne Scholarship

  • Completion of Universal Scholarship Application
  • Women living in Newport County
  • Direct support of course fees/tuition assistance and/or assistance with support services directly linked to achievement of student’s educational goals
  • Preference given to highly motivated women seeking further education or training to become self-supporting
  • Graduate students ineligible
  • Award: $1,000 - $2,000; renewable
More Information
College-level

David L. Taton Family Vocational/Technical Scholarship Fund

Application Closed
  • Rhode Island residents with financial need
  • Attending trade or technical schools in preparation for employment
  • Renewable
More Information