Grants & Funding

Federal grants are often available for Rhode Island projects that fill a compelling social or economic need, such as establishing small businesses in impoverished areas, developing drug abuse assistance programs, or creating juvenile mentoring programs for at-risk youth.

The majority of federal grants go to non-profit organizations, but there are a few programs, such as academic research grants, that may be available for qualified individuals.

My office is dedicated to providing Rhode Islanders with advice and guidance on efforts to secure federal grants. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my Providence office at: (401) 528-5200.

Here are some resources to help get you started with finding the right federal grant opportunity:

CRS Guide to Grants
Information on grants prepared by the Congressional Research Service with tips, resources, and demonstrations on doing a typical grant request.

Grants.gov
The best online resource for federal grant listings. Allows organizations to electronically find and apply for funds from hundreds of programs across all federal grant-making agencies.

FirstGov for Non-Profits
A good starting point for nonprofit organizations, this is the official U.S. government web site designed to aid non-profits in search of funding.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)
A database of federal programs available to state and local governments. After you find the program you want, contact the office that administers it.

How to Write A Grant Proposal (CFDA)
This page will help teach you the basics about how to get organized and write an effective grant proposal.

Federal Register
Access to the federal government's daily publication of rules and notices -- including grants.

The Foundation Center
The Foundation Center's mission is to strengthen the nonprofit sector by advancing knowledge about U.S. philanthropy.

Students.gov
Information about the major federal student aid programs (who is eligible and how to apply), tax credits for education expenses, and other federal, state, and private sources of information.

 

Please note that many federal grants go directly to states, local governments or non-profit organizations, which then distributes the funds to citizens. Your Rhode Island State Senator or State Representative may be able to provide you with information on local resources. For Rhode Island information please visit: http://www.ri.gov/