BankNewport Charitable Foundation Grants – February 2027

Grants of $5,000+ Supporting Basic Needs, Education, Community Development, Health, and the Arts in Rhode Island

The BankNewport Charitable Foundation provides grants of $5,000 or more to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Rhode Island communities. Funding supports arts and culture, basic human needs, educational success, healthy lives and thriving communities, with special consideration for human services and community development initiatives benefiting low-to-moderate income individuals and communities.

Organization: BankNewport Charitable Foundation
Support Type: Charitable grants
Geographic Focus: Rhode Island
Deadline: February 1, 2027
Funding Amount: $5,000 and above
Decision Notification: Late April 2027

About the Funder

BankNewport is a Rhode Island community bank with a history dating to 1819.

The BankNewport Charitable Foundation was established in 2023 as an extension of the bank’s longstanding commitment to the communities it serves.

Through grants, contributions, sponsorships, volunteer service, and financial education, BankNewport invests in nonprofit organizations working to strengthen Rhode Island communities.

Over the past decade, BankNewport has awarded more than $12 million to nonprofit organizations.

What This Program Supports

The BankNewport Charitable Foundation supports projects and programs across several priority areas.

Basic Human Needs

Programs may address essential needs experienced by individuals and families.

Relevant initiatives may include:

• Food security
• Housing stability
• Emergency assistance
• Essential household needs
• Services for economically vulnerable residents
• Other human-service programs

Education Success

The Foundation supports initiatives helping children, youth, and adults succeed through education.

Potential programs may include:

• Academic support
• Youth education
• Educational enrichment
• Financial education
• College and career readiness
• Other programs expanding access to educational opportunities

Healthy Lives & Thriving Communities

Programs that strengthen physical, emotional, social, and community well-being may be considered.

This may include:

• Health and wellness
• Community health
• Mental health services
• Family support
• Programs strengthening overall quality of life

Arts & Culture

The Foundation supports programs that increase access to arts, cultural experiences, and creative opportunities within Rhode Island communities.

Human Services

Special consideration is given to projects and programs providing human services, particularly when they benefit low-to-moderate income residents.

Community Development

Community development initiatives serving low-to-moderate income individuals and neighborhoods are also a particular priority.

Priority Populations

The Foundation places special emphasis on programs serving:

• Low-to-moderate income individuals
• Low-to-moderate income families
• Underserved communities
• Communities experiencing significant social or economic needs

Applicants should clearly demonstrate the population being served and the community impact expected from the proposed grant.

Eligible Organizations

Foundation grant applicants should be:

• Recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• Serving Rhode Island communities
• Seeking at least $5,000
• Requesting support for a defined project or program aligned with Foundation priorities

Organizations seeking less than $5,000 should review BankNewport’s separate Contributions program.

Geographic Eligibility

BankNewport Charitable Foundation grants are focused on Rhode Island communities.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate how the proposed program or project benefits Rhode Island residents and aligns with BankNewport’s commitment to strengthening the state’s communities.

Funding Amounts

The Foundation considers grant requests of:

$5,000 and above

BankNewport does not publish a maximum award amount.

Recent Foundation awards demonstrate that substantially larger grants may be made for highly aligned initiatives.

Organizations requesting less than $5,000 should use BankNewport’s Contributions application rather than the Foundation grant process.

Grants vs. Contributions

BankNewport offers two separate charitable funding pathways.

Foundation Grants

Requests of $5,000 or more for nonprofit projects and programs.

Foundation grants are reviewed twice annually.

Contributions

Requests of up to $5,000 for nonprofit organizations.

Contributions may support activities such as:

• Annual fundraisers
• Community concerts
• Festivals
• Youth programming
• Other community activities

Contributions are reviewed four times annually.

Organizations should select the application that best matches the size and purpose of their request.

Application Timeline

📅 Application Window Opens: December 15, 2026
📅 Application Deadline: February 1, 2027
📅 Foundation Review: March 2027
📅 Decision Notification: Late April 2027

Foundation grants are considered twice each year:

• December 15–February 1 → Review in March → Decisions in late April
• June 15–August 1 → Review in September → Decisions in late October

Organizations should submit during the cycle that best aligns with their program and funding timeline.

Application / Request Process

Applicants should complete BankNewport’s charitable giving application during the open application period.

Organizations should be prepared to explain:

• Organizational mission
• Rhode Island community served
• Program or project requesting support
• Amount requested
• Population benefiting from the program
• Community need being addressed
• Alignment with BankNewport’s funding priorities
• Expected outcomes and impact
• How grant funds will be used

Organizations serving low-to-moderate income individuals or communities should clearly document that connection in their request.

Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.banknewport.com/why-banknewport/charitable-giving/

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity may be particularly relevant for Rhode Island nonprofits that:

• Need at least $5,000 for a defined program or project
• Address basic human needs
• Provide human services
• Serve low-to-moderate income residents
• Expand educational opportunities
• Improve health and well-being
• Strengthen neighborhoods or communities
• Provide arts and cultural programming

Because BankNewport maintains a separate program for requests under $5,000, this Foundation opportunity is particularly useful for organizations seeking more substantial corporate funding.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Deadline: February 1, 2027
Application Opens: December 15, 2026
Review: March 2027
Decision Notification: Late April 2027
Funding Amount: $5,000 and above
Geographic Focus: Rhode Island
Eligible Applicants: 501(c)(3) nonprofits
Review Type: Twice annually
Best Suited For: Rhode Island nonprofits addressing basic needs, human services, education, health, community development, or arts and culture