Empowering Communities Program
Rhode Island EnergySupporting nonprofits across Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Energy Foundation proudly invests in our communities by funding local nonprofits through company sponsorships and foundation grants. Together, we’re helping to strengthen the Ocean State.
Empowering communities through grants
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.
Questions about your organization's eligibility? We are happy to discuss your application. Email community@rienergy.com.
Application periods
- February 1 - March 15
- August 1 - September 15
Empowering Communities grant recipients
Rhode Island Energy- A Leadership Journey: Educational Leadership Program, Community Education and Empowerment, and Ubuntu Summer Program
- Amenity Aid: Basic needs
- American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter: Basic needs
- Amos House: Food insecurity
- Books Are Wings: Literacy Partnership Programs
- Boys Clubs & Girls Clubs of Newport County, Inc.: Support Request for Academic Success Programs
- Boys Clubs & Girls Clubs of Pawtucket: Food insecurity
- Boys Clubs & Girls Clubs of Providence: Food insecurity
- Boys Clubs & Girls Clubs of Warwick: Food insecurity
- Coalition Center for Environmental Sustainability: Rhody Grows Hope with Y4US (Youths for Urban Sustainability)
- Community College of Rhode Island Foundation: Breaking Barriers: Expanding Access to Higher Education for Dual Enrollment Students
- Crossroads Rhode Island: Housing insecurity
- DownCity Design: DownCity Design / Teen STEAM Studios
- East Bay Community Action Program: East Bay Junior Fruitful Farmers' Market
- Gateways to Change: Basic needs
- Girls on the Run Rhode Island: Building Confidence in Providence County
- Good Neighbors Inc.: Food insecurity
- Greater Providence YMCA: Nature’s Classroom Outdoor Education Experience for RI Youth
- Haus of Codec: Housing insecurity
- House of Hope CDC: Housing insecurity
- IN-SIGHT: On the Move Summer Mobility Camp
- Inspiring Minds: Explorers
- Jane Addams Resource Corporation - Rhode Island: Careers in Manufacturing Programs in Rhode Island
- Jonnycake Center of Westerly: Food insecurity
- Leadership Rhode Island Educational Foundation: Leadership Rhode Island - Supporting RI's Young Leaders
- Martin Luther King Community Center: Food insecurity
- McAuley Corporation: Food insecurity
- Meals On Wheels Of RI Inc: Food insecurity
- Newport Tree Conservancy: Tree Equity Planting Program
- Northern RI Food Pantry: Food insecurity
- Progresso Latino: Job Club 2025
- Providence After School Alliance, Inc.: AfterZone and Hub STEM Programs for Providence Youth
- Providence Children's Museum: Expanding Early Childhood STEM
- Providence Promise: Youth Engagement Program
- Rhode Island Community Food Bank Association: Food insecurity
- RI Women in the Trades: Girls Can Tool Garden Box Build and Plant Workshops
- The Groden Center: Assistive Technology
- THE SANDRA FEINSTEIN-GAMM THEATRE: Gamm Theatre Education Programming - Promoting Literacy and Arts for Youth (PLAY)
- YMCA of Pawtucket Inc.: STEM Exploration
About the foundation
The Rhode Island Energy Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization. Funded by PPL Corporation shareowners, the foundation was formed to support community initiatives throughout the Ocean State through grant funding for nonprofits working to create vibrant, sustainable communities; advance diversity, equity and inclusion; and support children’s success from cradle to career. Since 2022, the independent, non-profit foundation has awarded over $1.5 million to non-profit organizations.
Get in touch for more details
For more information about Empowering Communities Programs, email Community@RIEnergy.com