Empowering Communities Program

Grants of $1,000 to $50,000 will be awarded to support educational initiatives and strengthen community resources. The average grant award is $2,000 to $20,000 in Rhode Island. Funds will also be used to inspire students to explore career opportunities and encourage environmental conservation.

On behalf of Leadership Rhode Island, we are grateful for your generous investment in Leadership Rhode Island - Supporting RI's Young Leaders initiative. Your investment directly supports the growth, confidence, and leadership potential of young adults across our state. With your partnership, we can continue to create accessible pathways that equip emerging leaders with the tools, networks, and inspiration they need to shape Rhode Island’s future.

— Empowering Communities Grant Recipient (pictured above)

Application process

Ready to apply for a grant? You may begin once your application period is open. First-time users must create a profile and password in our application portal.

Once you're logged in, the portal will walk you through each step — collecting your contact information, organizational details, a summary of your request, and any required supporting documents (like budgets or brochures).

Consult our Empowering Communities Grants Guide for additional information, including answers to your frequently asked questions.

Application periods

• February 1 - March 15
• August 1 - September 15

Apply for an Empowering Communities grant today