The Newport County Fund Grant is offered by the Rhode Island Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting nonprofits and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for Rhode Island residents. The Newport County Fund is a geographically focused fund created to support projects and programs that directly benefit the communities of Newport County, Rhode Island. The Foundation’s goal with this fund is to provide strategic assistance to local organizations where smaller grants can make a meaningful difference in addressing community needs.

Grants awarded from the Newport County Fund typically range from $1,000 to $10,000. Funding is provided for a variety of purposes, including support for developing new programs, expanding or strengthening existing community services, supporting municipal or community planning efforts, and advancing policy or advocacy initiatives related to local concerns. The fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate clear alignment with community needs in Newport County, especially those addressing significant local problems or opportunities.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c) status and municipal departments located in or operating within Newport County. Nonprofits providing services to Newport County residents, even if not physically based there, are also eligible. However, the fund does not support individuals, scholarships, capital campaigns, endowments, performances, medical research, debt reduction, fundraising events, or political campaigns. Faith-based organizations may apply if the proposed program is secular in nature.

Applications are due by March 28, 2025. To apply, applicants must submit a complete application form and budget using the Foundation’s online application portal. Required documents include a list of the organization’s current board of directors, the organization’s operating budget, and 501(c) documentation for new applicants. For projects involving consultant services, a scope of work document must also be included. Applications become available approximately six weeks before the deadline.

The Newport County Fund awards grants on an annual basis with no multi-year commitments. Projects that receive funding are welcome to reapply in future years for additional support. Receiving a grant from the Newport County Fund does not disqualify organizations from applying for other Rhode Island Foundation grants. Applications are reviewed for their alignment with the fund’s intent, focus on local needs, demonstrated partnerships, innovation, capacity for successful implementation, measurable outcomes, and sustainability planning.

For assistance, applicants can contact Keith Tavares, Director of Capacity Building, at (401) 427-4054 or via email. General inquiries can also be directed to the Rhode Island Foundation at (401) 274-4564 or info@rifoundation.org. The Foundation’s main office is located at One Union Station, Providence, RI 02903.