The Kimball Foundation focuses its grantmaking efforts almost exclusively on organizations operating within Rhode Island, with a particular emphasis on South County. As a broad-based organization, the Foundation supports a diverse range of causes including homeless shelters, environmental projects, health centers, and volunteer fire and ambulance corps. It prefers to match gifts from other foundations and businesses, support start-up projects, and aid small organizations at risk of discontinuation. The Foundation encourages collaborative efforts among charities with similar goals. Key exclusions from funding include large capital projects, feasibility studies, multi-year commitments, and political or religious endeavors, unless the project benefits the wider community.

Applications submitted after July 15th risk not being considered within the same year.