Onward We Learn

The Rhode Island Community Foundation

Providence, RI

The Rhode Island Community Foundation funds nonprofits and community efforts in areas including education, arts and culture, housing, health, climate action, and economic mobility. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $23,940, with giving concentrated in Rhode Island; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

CVS Foundation

Woonsocket, RI

CVS Foundation funds health care access and outcomes, preventive and community health, health-related needs such as food and housing, education and workforce development, and disaster response across the United States. In 2024, it made 778 grants totaling about $21.4 million; awards ranged from $250 to $2.46 million, with a median of $1,500. It does not accept unsolicited requests; support is by invitation or RFP only, and no RFPs are currently open.

United Way of Rhode Island Inc

Providence, RI

United Way of Rhode Island funds Rhode Island nonprofits working on economic security, children’s learning, housing, food access, safety, and related community needs. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,008 to $547,033, with a median of $15,000; its emergency grants offer up to $50,000, with average awards of $25,000–$30,000. It accepts applications for emergency grants on a rolling basis.

Ralph R Papitto & Barbara a Papitto

Providence, RI

Papitto Opportunity Connection funds Rhode Island 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, job skills training, housing, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on communities most in need. It gives about $6 million annually; small grants are generally $5,000–$20,000, though awards vary widely. It accepts unsolicited applications during set periods, but its application page says proposals are not currently being accepted.

Brown University

Providence, RI

Brown University’s reported grants support education, student aid, and research, with listed awards primarily identified as subcontracts. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,325 to $3.36 million, with a median of about $98,700; recipients were concentrated in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, California, New York, and Washington, DC. The profile does not state that Brown accepts unsolicited requests; its website describes proposal support for Brown researchers.

The Beacon Foundation

Warwick, RI

The Beacon Foundation funds U.S. nonprofits and municipalities working in health, wellness, education, disability services, and other charitable or civic areas, with priority for Rhode Island and nearby communities. Its 2025 grants ranged from $20 to $20,100, with a median of $1,000. It accepts unsolicited requests.

Feinstein Family Fund

Cranston, RI

The Feinstein Family Fund supports programs that encourage kindness and service among young people, including school grants, food pantries, and caring closets. Its reported 2025 grant was $125,300, while its Golden Ticket program offers participating schools $2,000 grants; its work reaches Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts, and globally. It gives only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited funding requests.

Washington Trust Co Charitable Fdn

Westerly, RI

The foundation supports affordable housing and community revitalization, economic development, youth and family services, health, arts and culture, education, and conservation in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and southeastern Connecticut. Its 2025 grants ranged from $250 to $61,000, with a median of $2,500. It accepts requests by letter, with proposals due October 1 each year.

Warren Alpert Foundation

Providence, RI

The Warren Alpert Foundation primarily funds medical research and education to improve public health, and sometimes supports general education and basic human services. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $6.4 million, with a median of $35,000; examples include institutions in Rhode Island and elsewhere, while its fellowship is limited to U.S. medical schools. It accepts unsolicited requests: applicants can submit a letter of inquiry for requests over $25,000 or a general funding application for requests of $25,000 or less.

Centreville Savings Bank Charitable Foundation

West Warwick, RI

The foundation supports education, economic security, and capacity building, primarily for communities in Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut. Its 2025 grants ranged from $895 to $150,000, with a median grant of $5,000. It does not limit giving to preselected organizations; no application form or deadline is specified.

Collette Foundation

Pawtucket, RI

Banknewport Charitable Foundation Inc

Newport, RI

The foundation funds specific programs and capital projects for eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, especially in health and human services and community development; annual operating costs such as salaries are generally not supported. Recent grants ranged from $500 to $25,000, with a median of $5,000, and funding went mainly to Rhode Island, with some in Massachusetts. It considers proposals quarterly and does not limit giving to preselected organizations; organizations may submit no more than one request in a 12-month period.