Celebrating National Rhode Island Day with These Five Grants

Editor’s Note: This is part of a series recognizing each of the 50 states by providing state specific grants for each. These articles follow the National Day Calendar Year. The calendar began celebrating each state in the order they entered the union in 2017 starting the week of Independence Day. Rhode Island was the 13th state to join the union and is celebrated on Oct. 5.

So, in honor of National Rhode Island Day, GrantWatch is sharing some of its favorite grants below that are specifically for the state.

Rhode Island is the smallest of all 50 states, measuring only 37 miles east to west and 48 miles north to south. However, where the state is lacking in size, it makes up for in oceanfront views. The state, often referred to as the Ocean State, is home to many seaside Colonial towns, and its shoreline on Narragansett Bay in the Atlantic Ocean runs for 400 miles.

There is a deep seated history in the state as well. The Industrial Revolution era actually started in Rhode Island with the development and construction in 1790 of Samuel Slater’s water-powered cotton mill in Pawtucket. The state is also where the first traffic law was created in 1678, when authorities banned galloping horses on local streets.

In addition to these interesting facts about the state, here are a few other facts you might not know about Little Rhody.

Ten Interesting Facts about the Ocean State

1. It is home to the nation’s oldest carousel.
2. The oldest standing synagogue in the United States, Tuoro Synagogue, is in Newport, RI.
3. The state is also a top leader in jewelry production.
4. It was home to the first National Lawn Tennis Championship.
5. Roger Williams, the founder of the state, established the first working model of democracy.
6. The state is home to the world’s largest bug.
7. It was also home to the country’s first official circus performance
8. Mr. Potato Head is the official “family-travel ambassador” of the state as of 2000.
9. RI has more shipwrecks per square mile than any other state.
10. It was also one of a few states to not approve Prohibition.

Five Rhode Island Specific Grants

1. Grants of up to $12,000 to Rhode Island nonprofit organizations and IHEs to promote public engagement in the humanities. Funding is to support public projects, documentary films, and civic education initiatives. Eligible activities should be accessible and free to the public.
2. There are grants to Rhode Island nonprofit organizations in eligible areas for programs, projects, and capital that benefit the community. Focus areas include children and youth, healthy lifestyles, community building and beautification, and economic growth.
3. Funding is also available for Rhode Island nonprofit organizations for health and fitness programs in eligible locations. Programs must be appropriate for school-age children and youth. The funding is to increase opportunities for children to engage in physical activity and instill an aversion to cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. Programs must take place within Newport County.
4. There are also grants up to $20,000 to Rhode Island nonprofit organizations to enhance the quality of life for residents. Funding is for programs and activities that promote social welfare in the State.
5. Finally, there are grants of up to $5,000 to Rhode Island nonprofit organizations to provide emergency support to residents. Funding is to address critical needs, such as food insecurity, prescriptions, clothing, housing and rental assistance, transportation, child care assistance for homeless families, and toiletries. 

GrantNews Notes

GrantWatch has entire website dedicated exclusively to grants for Rhode Island. You can also find grants for all the other 49 states, as well as the territories and some international regions on the site by using the search bar and changing the geographic focus option to match.

And make sure to sign up for a paid subscription to GrantWatch to gain access to all of the tools available for grant seekers and the full information to all of the grants listed.