THRIVE general operating support program

About this program

RI Humanities is offering THRIVE general operating support grants—funded by a State of Rhode Island allocation and a legislative grant—to provide unrestricted operational funding (e.g., staffing, rent and utilities, program supplies, website/technology, minor facilities and accessibility improvements, consultant fees) to small cultural heritage organizations and local historical/preservation societies that strengthen Rhode Island communities. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations registered with the State of Rhode Island (federal tax‑exempt status not required), based in and primarily serving Rhode Island residents/visitors, meet the program’s definition of a cultural heritage or local historical/preservation organization, have projected current fiscal‑year income of $150,000 or less, and have leadership that meaningfully reflects the communities served; fiscal sponsorship, individuals, for‑profit entities, K–12 schools, higher education institutions, and government agencies are ineligible. Applications are reviewed for eligibility and grants are awarded based on available funds with an established priority order (favoring previously unfunded return applicants, then new applicants with smallest budgets or underserved municipalities, then previously funded return applicants); applicants will be notified by December 12, 2025, funds disbursed in January 2026, grant activities must conclude by June 30, 2026, and a final report is due September 30, 2026.