Basic Human Needs Grants

Basic Human Needs Grants support community agencies that provide emergency assistance to Rhode Islanders most in need. Grants of up to $5,000 are awarded to community-based programs that provide direct assistance, such as:

• Food (food pantries, soup kitchens)
• Clothing
• Housing/rental assistance
• Prescription assistance
• Utilities assistance
• Transportation assistance (bus passes, Riptiks, auto repairs)
• Child care assistance for homeless families
• Toiletries

Due to the surging costs of food, housing, and other basic needs and services, the Rhode Island Foundation will increase the potential award amount up to $7,500 for the remainder of 2022.

To discuss use of funds for capital investments, capacity-building activities, or for other uses of funds not listed above, please email or call Inés Merchán, grant programs officer, at (401) 427-4034.

Application information:

Basic Human Needs Grants support the launch of a new program or support of an established program. For established programs, the Basic Human Needs Grant cannot be the only source of funding.

Organizations can receive one Basic Human Needs Grant per calendar year.

Please note that Basic Human Needs grant funding will prioritize organizations who are not receiving funding through the Food & Housing Security program. Please contact your program officer if you have any questions.

Site visits may be conducted.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis; grant decisions are usually made within 6-8 weeks.

The program does not support:

• Individuals
• Out-of-state agencies
• Distribution of products or services to other nonprofits