The Capacity Building Grant program is one of the Rhode Island Foundation’s core grant programs, designed to support nonprofit organizations and programs that address key community priorities identified in the Foundation’s Five-Year Action Plan. These priorities were established through an extensive, year-long engagement process where the Foundation consulted with Rhode Islanders from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This deep community input helped shape an evolved mission and action plan focused on building a stronger, more equitable Rhode Island.

The Capacity Building Grant program provides funding and technical assistance to help organizations enhance their ability to respond to at least one of these identified community priorities. In all cases, proposals must demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA). These values are central to every community priority and are essential to advancing equity and ensuring that community programs are effective and inclusive.

The Foundation offers these grants twice per year. The application process begins with a pre-application—a brief initial submission designed to make the process more accessible and equitable. Pre-applications for the first round will open on January 17, 2025, and close on March 3, 2025. The second round opens on August 1, 2025, and closes on September 5, 2025. Pre-applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and after review, applicants will either be invited to submit a full application or notified of denial.

If an organization advances to the full application stage, they will receive an email link to complete the process. The full application includes a detailed narrative describing the project, expected outcomes, and a project budget. Organizations may only receive one Capacity Building grant per year. Notifications for awarded grants are made in June for the first round and in December for the second round.

Grant award amounts vary, but specific funding ranges are not detailed in the provided information. Grantees may be asked to submit progress updates and a final report evaluating the project’s success compared to its goals. Additionally, the Rhode Island Foundation may occasionally convene grantee meetings to discuss lessons learned and gather feedback to improve future grantmaking.

Applicants needing assistance can contact Keith Tavares, Director of Capacity Building, at (401) 427-4054. General inquiries can also be directed to the Foundation at (401) 274-4564 or by emailing info@rifoundation.org. The Rhode Island Foundation’s address is One Union Station, Providence, RI 02903.