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Nonprofits working on food insecurity, housing instability and homelessness prevention, and the behavioral health needs of Rhode Islanders can apply for a new $20 million grant program in partnership with the state.

“While Rhode Island is doing very well in terms of our economic recovery, we know that there are still organizations that are recovering and need our support,” said Gov. Dan McKee. “These grant dollars will serve nonprofits that are in our communities across the state and are doing crucial work each and every day. I thank the Rhode Island Foundation for this generous grant program – the largest in its history – and I encourage nonprofits to apply today.”

The Rhode Island ARPA Support Grants Program targets organizations that that experienced negative economic impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our nonprofits are the first line of defense in addressing issues of inequity and economic insecurity; they move quickly to distribute immediate aid while government works to create long-term solutions,” said Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos. “This funding recognizes their importance and empowers them to provide even more services to Rhode Islanders. We're fortunate to be able to collaborate with the Rhode Island Foundation in order to distribute these grants where they will have the greatest impact.”

The program was created in the Governor’s FY 2023 budget and approved by the General Assembly using funding from the state’s $1.1 billion share of the federal American Rescue Plan Act allocation.

“The state’s nonprofits are a lifeline for Rhode Islanders most in need. This federal funding gives these organizations the resources to provide the crucial assistance necessary to keep people housed and healthy as they bounce back from the pandemic,” said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.

“A priority for the Senate in the state budget was to provide relief for Rhode Islanders struggling with inflation after more than two years of the pandemic. These grants address services that often overlap for the impacted Rhode Islanders: hunger, housing, and behavioral health; and the Rhode Island Foundation is a valuable partner in the effort to get these funds where they are needed efficiently and effectively,” said Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio.

The Foundation is accepting applications on a rolling basis until the funding is gone. Grants are expected to range from $50,000 to $150,000. This is the single largest grant program in the Foundation’s 106-year history.

“We will begin immediately to get this funding into the hands of the organizations that are doing the boots-on-the-ground work. We appreciate state leaders having confidence in our ability to provide this funding as these grants will give nonprofits across Rhode Island the resources to help their communities recover from COVID-19's continuing impact on their daily lives," said Neil D. Steinberg, the Foundation’s President and CEO.

The Foundation will give priority to community-based nonprofits that are located in federally designated low-income neighborhoods.

Applicants must have a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and must submit a copy of their most recent IRS Form 990, 990EZ or 990N; and their 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter with their application if it is not already on file at the Foundation.

The Foundation plans to schedule an information session for nonprofits that are interested in applying. For more information about applying for a grant or registering for the info session, visit rifoundation.org.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised $98 million and awarded $76 million in grants last year. Through leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential.