Rhode Island Foundation advances charitable giving, grantmaking, investments, convening, capacity building, and advocacy to build a stronger community in Rhode Island. Its grants and scholarships work is organized around a Five-Year Action Plan and Community Priorities, with an approach shaped through engagement and discussion with the public, collaboration with partners, research, and data analysis. The Foundation states that its grant programs are evolving in step with that plan and now include a simplified application process.
The organization offers three core grant programs for organizations working on those priorities: Catalyst Grants, Community Priority Grants, and Capacity Building Grants. It also operates topic- and geography-specific grant programs, including Newport County Fund Grants and Program for Animal Welfare Grants. Alongside organizational funding, the Foundation supports Rhode Islanders pursuing higher education and personal and professional development through scholarships and fellowships. Its scholarship funds help students cover essential educational expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and other necessities, and it states that all Rhode Island students are eligible to apply.