The Rhode Island Foundation’s 2026 Round Two Basic Human Needs Grants are open to Rhode Island-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits that provide direct emergency assistance to Rhode Islanders most in need. The Foundation emphasizes volunteer-based organizations with minimal operating budgets and ties the program to social determinants of health.
Round Two opened June 22, 2026 and closes October 8, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. The controlling Foundation page does not state a time zone. Grants are available for up to $5,000, and organizations may receive only one Basic Human Needs grant per calendar year.
Eligible direct assistance can include food, clothing, housing or rental assistance, prescription assistance, utilities, transportation to work or appointments, child care assistance for homeless families, and toiletries. The program does not fund individuals, indirect costs, scholarships, capital or endowment efforts, fundraising events, political campaigns, or distribution of products or services to other nonprofits. Established programs may apply, but the Basic Human Needs grant cannot be their only funding source.
Applications are submitted through the Rhode Island Foundation’s online grants portal. Required supporting material includes a proposal budget. An IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter is required only if the organization has never applied to the Foundation before; fiscal-agent documentation applies when relevant.
Atlas assessment: Atlas Opportunity Score 76/100. N9+ Fit 0/100 and QC Healthcare Fit 0/100. The opportunity has meaningful community-health and social-determinants relevance, particularly for prescription and transportation assistance, but it does not provide a defensible device, telehealth, clinical-service, or direct Dr. Miltie vendor path.