The Rhode Island Community Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $86-87 million (2024)
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: 6-10 weeks (varies by program)
Grant Range: $5,000 - $150,000 (varies by program)
Geographic Focus: Rhode Island (statewide)
Total Assets: Approximately $1.5 billion (2024)

Contact Details

Website: https://rifoundation.org
Phone: (401) 427-4041
Email: grants@rifoundation.org
Address: Providence, RI

Overview

The Rhode Island Community Foundation, incorporated in 1916, is Rhode Island's only statewide community foundation and one of the oldest in the United States. With approximately $1.5 billion in total assets as of 2024, the Foundation awarded $86 million in grants to approximately 2,500 nonprofit organizations in 2024. About two-thirds of these grants were donor-directed, with one-third directed through the Foundation's community investment programs. The Foundation operates on a mission to mobilize generosity and motivate change that makes a difference. In 2024, the Foundation launched a new Five-Year Action Plan informed by input from more than 2,000 community members, focusing on six community priorities essential for a thriving Rhode Island. Under the leadership of President and CEO David Cicilline (who joined in June 2023), the Foundation emphasizes strategic partnerships and a deepened commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA).

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Priority Grants
Programmatic and general operating support for organizations responding to one or more community priorities in the Foundation's Five-Year Action Plan. Grant amounts range from $15,000 to $150,000, with an average of approximately $65,000. Applications accepted through a two-stage process with two annual cycles (notifications in June and December).

Basic Human Needs Grants
Emergency assistance grants of up to $5,000 for community agencies providing support to Rhode Islanders in urgent need, including food, housing, and healthcare services.

Capacity Building Grants
Funding and/or technical assistance to support organizational development needs for organizations aligned with the Foundation's community priorities.

Catalyst Grants
Larger, multi-year grants supporting innovative initiatives focused on catalyzing change and creating lasting progress in alignment with community priorities.

Equity Action Grants
Grants supporting equity-focused initiatives, with a typical decision timeframe of 6-10 weeks from submission to funding decision.

Grants from Specialized Health Funds
Various health-related grant programs, including medical research grants for Rhode Island academic and hospital institutions.

Newport County Fund Grants
Geography-specific grants awarded annually; successful projects may reapply for additional funding.

Community Partner Resilience Grants
Support for nonprofits directly impacted by federal funding cuts, including scenario planning, financial planning, and crisis communications services.

Priority Areas

The Foundation's Five-Year Action Plan identifies six community priorities:

Civic and Cultural Life - Supporting arts, culture, and civic engagement
Climate Action and Sustainability - Environmental initiatives and sustainability efforts
Education and Student Success - Educational programs and student achievement
Healthy and Strong Communities - Health initiatives and community wellbeing
Housing and Economic Mobility - Affordable housing and economic security programs
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) - Cross-cutting priority embedded in all work

Additional areas supported include children and families, arts and culture, and environment.

What They Don't Fund

Individuals
For-profit entities
Event sponsorships
Capital projects (for most grant programs)
Organizations with discriminatory policies that are unlawful or inconsistent with the Foundation's mission or values

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

David N. Cicilline - President and CEO (since June 2023)
Former U.S. Representative for Rhode Island's first congressional district, Cicilline brought a vision for "opportunity, equity, and improving the wellbeing of our state and its people." He has stated: "It is only through strong partnerships and connections, building on the work that's come before, that we can create progress that lasts."

On the Foundation's approach to philanthropy, Cicilline emphasized: "We're working to prove that generosity is more than just a donation—it's a strategic investment in our collective future."

Neil D. Steinberg - Former President and CEO (2008-2023)
Under Steinberg's nearly 15-year tenure, the Foundation raised more than $600 million, awarded more than $700 million in grants, and grew its endowment threefold to $1.3 billion.

Board Leadership

Ann-Marie Harrington - Board Chair (elected December 2024)
Founder of digital communications firm Embolden and a Portsmouth resident, Harrington has served on the Board since 2015. She succeeded Dr. G. Alan Kurose, who completed his three-year term as chair in December 2024.

Board Composition: The 15-member Board of Directors is responsible for setting policy at the Foundation.

Recent Board Additions: Sally Lapides and Silvermoon Mars LaRose were named to the Board in 2024.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Foundation uses a two-stage application process for most grant programs:

Stage 1: Pre-Application
Interested organizations complete a brief pre-application through the Foundation's online grants portal. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis. After review by the officer assigned to your Community Priority—which may include an in-person conversation—applicants are notified by email if they advance to the full application stage.

Stage 2: Full Application
Organizations advancing from the pre-application stage complete and submit a full application through the online portal.

Application Portal: Applications are submitted through the Foundation's online system, accessible at rifoundation.org/applicant-login

Support Available: Questions before applying can be directed to grants@rifoundation.org or (401) 427-4041.

Decision Timeline

Community Priority Grants: Two grant cycles per calendar year with notifications made in June and December

Equity Action Grants: 6-10 weeks from submission to funding decision

General Process: Pre-applications reviewed on a rolling basis; applicants notified of denials in a timely manner

Notification Method: Email notification to applicants

Success Rates

Specific success rates and application statistics are not publicly disclosed. The Foundation awarded $86 million to approximately 2,500 nonprofit organizations in 2024, representing both donor-directed and Foundation-directed grants.

Reapplication Policy

Newport County Fund: Successful projects may reapply for additional funding on an annual basis

1829 Legacy Fund: Applicants may apply once per calendar year

General Policy: Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants vary by program; contact grants@rifoundation.org for program-specific guidance.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Community Priorities

The Foundation emphasizes that successful applications demonstrate clear alignment with one or more of the six community priorities outlined in the Five-Year Action Plan. The plan was informed by more than 2,000 community members and represents the Foundation's strategic direction.

Emphasis on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access

DEIA is a cross-cutting priority embedded in all funding decisions. The Foundation states it "does not fund any applicant or program with a discriminatory policy that is unlawful or inconsistent with either our mission or values." Applications should demonstrate how they address systemic inequities and support thriving communities.

Welcome to Grassroots Organizations

The Foundation explicitly states: "We strongly encourage applications from all-volunteer and grassroots organizations, and acknowledge that many may not have grantwriting experience." Organizations without extensive grantwriting experience should not be deterred from applying.

Service to Diverse Communities

The Foundation believes "Rhode Islanders can best be helped by organizations that both reflect and serve the diverse community." Applications should demonstrate cultural competency and community representation.

Out-of-State Organizations Serving Rhode Island

While Community Priority Grants primarily support Rhode Island-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, the Foundation states: "If your organization is located outside of Rhode Island yet serving Rhode Island in unique ways, we recommend completing the pre-application, and we'll evaluate if your organization's work might be a fit."

Non-501(c)(3) Organizations

The Foundation recognizes "there are entities and efforts without a 501(c)(3) IRS designation that align with our funding priorities" and works with non-501(c)(3) organizations in certain cases.

Recent Funding Examples (2024)

Organizations funded include:

Riverzedge Arts in Woonsocket
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport
WARM Center in Westerly
House of Hope in Warwick
East Bay Community Action Program in East Providence (grant through Newport County Fund to promote parenting skills)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Align clearly with community priorities: Review the Five-Year Action Plan and demonstrate how your work responds to one or more of the six community priorities, with DEIA considerations embedded throughout
Use the two-stage process strategically: The pre-application stage includes potential conversations with Foundation officers—be prepared to discuss your work and its alignment with Foundation priorities
Don't self-select out: The Foundation actively encourages applications from grassroots, all-volunteer organizations and those without extensive grantwriting experience
Think beyond traditional nonprofits: Non-501(c)(3) organizations and out-of-state organizations serving Rhode Island in unique ways are encouraged to submit pre-applications
Plan for the cycle: With two annual cycles (June and December notifications), plan your submission timing strategically
Emphasize partnership and collaboration: Leadership emphasizes that lasting progress comes "through strong partnerships and connections, building on the work that's come before"
Frame grants as strategic investments: Cicilline's vision emphasizes generosity as "a strategic investment in our collective future"—demonstrate how your work creates sustainable, systemic change

References

Rhode Island Foundation. (2024). "Rhode Island Foundation awards nearly $87 million in grants in 2024." https://rifoundation.org/news/rhode-island-foundation-awards-nearly-87-million-in-grants-in-2024
Rhode Island Foundation. (2024). "2024 Annual Report." https://rifoundation.org/2024annualreport
Rhode Island Foundation. "Community Priority Grants." https://rifoundation.org/grant/community-priority-grants
Rhode Island Foundation. "Grant Program FAQs." https://rifoundation.org/grants-scholarships/find-a-grant-opportunity/grant-program-faqs
Rhode Island Foundation. (2024). "Only Together: Our Five-Year Action Plan." https://rifoundation.org/news/only-together-our-five-year-action-plan
Rhode Island Foundation. (2023). "Rhode Island Foundation names U.S. Representative David N. Cicilline as next President and Chief Executive Officer." https://rifoundation.org/news/rhode-island-foundation-names-u-s-representative-david-n-cicilline-as-next-president-and-chief-executive-officer
Rhode Island Foundation. "Basic Human Needs Grants." https://rifoundation.org/grant/basic-human-needs-grants
Rhode Island Foundation. "Capacity Building Grants." https://rifoundation.org/grant/capacity-building-grants
Rhode Island Foundation. "Equity Action Grants." https://rifoundation.org/grant/equity-action-grants
GuideStar. "The Rhode Island Community Foundation - GuideStar Profile." https://www.guidestar.org/profile/22-2604963
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "The Rhode Island Community Foundation." https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/222604963
Cause IQ. "The Rhode Island Foundation | Providence, RI." https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-rhode-island-community-foundation,222604963/
Rhode Island Foundation. (2023). "After nearly 15 years at the helm, Neil D. Steinberg, President and CEO, plans retirement from Rhode Island Foundation for May 2023." https://rifoundation.org/news/after-nearly-15-years-at-the-helm-neil-d-steinberg-president-and-ceo-plans-retirement-from-rhode-island-foundation-for-may-2023
The Boston Globe. (2024). "The Rhode Island Foundation has a new board chair." https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/12/04/metro/rhode-island-foundation-new-board-chair/
Rhode Island Foundation. "Hearing the call." https://rifoundation.org/news/hearing-the-call
Rhode Island Foundation. "Community Partner Resilience Grants." https://rifoundation.org/grant/community-partner-resilience-grants
Rhode Island Foundation. "Newport County Fund Grants." https://rifoundation.org/grant/newport-county-fund-grants

All sources accessed December 2024