I am committed to helping Rhode Island communities, businesses, non-profits, and researchers explore federal funding opportunities for which they may be eligible.
The federal government provides considerable funding opportunities for projects across sectors of Rhode Island's economy, but information on these opportunities is often difficult to navigate.
For Rhode Islanders wondering how their communities, small businesses, and organizations can obtain federal assistance, this page is designed to make participating in the application process for federal grants and appropriations requests easier to navigate.
Select the Grants or Appropriations tab below to read more.
The information provided below will help funding seekers navigate potential federal grant opportunities and resources. If you or your organization has any questions regarding a federal grant or loan program, or has applied for a federal grant and is seeking a letter of support from my office, please use the Help With Grants button below.
How Best to Find Information |
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Key Federal Funding Sources |
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Assistance Listings at SAM.gov (General Services Administration)
Official descriptions of more than 2,200 federal assistance programs (including grants, loans, and other financial and nonfinancial assistance) can be found on SAM.gov. The website, produced by the General Services Administration (GSA) and it houses federal assistance listings previously found on the now-retired Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). Each federal assistance program has a corresponding CFDA program number; these CFDA numbers are still used as numerical program identifiers. Descriptions are updated by departments and agencies, and they cover authorizing legislation, objectives, and eligibility and compliance requirements.. For current notices of funding availability, see Grants.gov or FedConnect.
Grants.gov (via Dept. of Health and Human Services)
Federal grants website that allows eligible grantseekers (see Who is eligible for a Grant?) to find and apply for current competitive grant opportunities from ALL federal agencies. Grantseekers can check on notices of funding availability (NOFAs) posted in the last 7 days; access RSS feeds of grant opportunities; and apply for federal grants through a unified process by downloading the application and submitting online. The website guides grantseekers in obtaining a Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) number, registering with System for Award Management (SAM), and registering with Grants.gov to apply and to track applications. See also website FedConnect for additional grants and contracts opportunities.
State Single Points of Contact (Office of Management and Budget)
Under Executive Order 12372, some states require federal grants applicants to submit a copy of their application for state government level review and comment. The state offices listed here coordinate federal financial assistance and may direct federal development. For help in identifying state-level grants, other state government agencies websites may be found at State and Local Agencies.
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A-Z Index of U.S. Department and Agencies (General Services Administration)
To better develop a grant proposal, search a department or agency's Home Page to learn more about its programs and objectives. The site USA.gov also links to Government Benefits, Grants and Loans.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Funding (Department of Energy)
Grants are EERE's primary funding vehicle for businesses, industries, universities and others. Most EERE grants are awarded on merit on a competitive basis. See also EERE Financial Opportunities and listings on Grants.gov or FedConnect. For state-by-state information on state, local. utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, search DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency).
DHS Financial Assistance (Department of Homeland Security)
Most Homeland Security non-disaster grant programs are designated for state and local governments and specific entities such as colleges, etc. Unsolicited applications from individuals are generally not accepted. Includes Urban Area Security Initiative, Citizens Corps, Medical Response System, Operation Stonegarden (border security), Infrastructure Protection. Contact homeland security State Offices. Programs for firefighters may be found at Assistance to Firefighters.
USA.gov for Businesses and Nonprofits (GSA)
Includes contracting with the federal government, international trade and exporting, and small business. See also financial assistance links at the Small Business Administration website.
Federal Contract Opportunities (GSA)
Official website posting business, contracting, and procurement opportunities with the federal government. Search options include an advanced search form for more targeted filtering of current opportunities.
Student Aid on the Web (Department of Education)
Financial assistance for education beyond high school is generally "needs-based" and often includes loans and work-study, in addition to some grants. College and university applications, websites, and brochures usually include financial aid information for prospective and incoming students.
https://www.benefits.gov/ (via Department of Labor)
Government grants are not direct assistance to individuals, but fund state and local programs providing help to those in need. This online screening site can be used to identify state and local government benefits and how to apply. Covers direct payments, loans, insurance, training, or other services.
FTC Consumer Alert (Federal Trade Commission)
The FTC warns consumers to beware of paying "processing fees" for information that is available free to the public. Ads claiming federal grants are available for home repairs, home business, unpaid bills, or other personal expenses are often a scam.
OMB Grants Management Web Site (Office of Management and Budget)
OMB establishes government-wide grants management policies and guidelines through circulars and common rules. OMB Circulars are cited in beta.SAM.gov Assistance Listing program descriptions and may be printed out full text.
Private and Corporate Funding Sources |
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Candid Grants Space
Gateway to information about private funding sources, the grantseeking process, guidelines on writing a grant proposal, addresses of state libraries with grants reference collections, and links to other useful Internet websites. Candid maintains a comprehensive Foundation Directory Online database on foundations; produces print and electronic directories and guides; conducts research and publishes studies in the field; and offers a variety of training and educational seminars.
Grants Resources by State (Grantsmanship Center)
Click on state map to find links to information about a state's foundations, community foundations, corporate giving programs and the state's home page.
Community Foundations There are more than 750 community foundations in the U.S., which are grantmaking public charities dedicated to improving the lives of people in a defined local geographic area. The Council on Foundations has a listing of community foundations by state.
Also see these Congressional Research Service reports available to the public:
For the 118th Congress, the Senate Appropriations Committee announced that it would again accept requests from Senators for funds for qualifying projects in their home states, known also as congressionally directed spending. The Committee provided strict rules for the types of projects and sponsoring organizations that would be accepted.
Fiscal Year 2025
Fiscal Year 2024
Linked below are the Rhode Island projects for the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations cycle that my office has requested of the Appropriations Committee. They are listed by their relevant subcommittee jurisdiction, and the project order in each list reflects no particular prioritization.
Fiscal Year 2023
Linked below are the Rhode Island projects for the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations cycle that my office has requested of the Appropriations Committee. They are listed by their relevant subcommittee jurisdiction, and the project order in each list reflects no particular prioritization.
Fiscal Year 2022
The Fiscal Year 2022 Rhode Island projects that my office requested are linked below. They are listed by their relevant subcommittee jurisdiction, and the project order in each list reflects no particular prioritization.
If you have any questions, please reach out to my office at 202-224-4642.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Congress provided $9 billion to states nationwide for up-front discounts on electrification and on energy conservation upgrades. Rhode Island is getting $63.8 million to support residential adoption of energy efficiency and home electrification. Under the law, states administer these federal funds. Rhode Island’s Office of Energy Resources will be the state agency responsible for overseeing and distributing the clean energy funds from the Inflation Reduction Act.
To help consumers and manufacturers understand the law and guide them through different options for energy savings, the Biden Administration has created numerous resources that include helpful information and lets users learn about what type of savings they may be eligible for.
