We have given out $16,000 as of May 2025.
Apply for the June 2025 Grant Starting 6/1

May 25: 401 Postcards for the Arts @ RISD!
May’s grant application window is now closed.
May 28: Panel Review
May 29: Notifications out

*The application period is open from the 1st of the month until 11:59 PM EST on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

May 2025 Grant Dates

Awesome Foundation Rhode Island is a local chapter of Awesome Foundation. We were founded in late 2023 and issue a monthly $1,000 gift to support people and ideas of benefit to the Ocean State. We are not a 501c3 non-profit. We all live in Rhode Island. This is chapter’s micro-site; the actual grants portal is here.

Grant Basics

Who Can Apply?

Anyone with a project or idea in need of $1,000 is encouraged to apply. Individuals, groups, and organizations are all welcome, though priority is often given to those without existing funding networks.

Each Trustee (individual or shared seat, plus a monthly guest trustee) identifies (3) proposals to up-vote. Projects with the most up-votes are discussed in-person. There is no set rubric.

Our Process

Current Trustees

Christina Alderman is the Director of Family and Teen Programs at the RISD Museum.

Tommy Allen and Natallie VanLandingham are musicians and co-owners of Myrtle.

Morgan Dixon is a grant writer and strategist advancing impact for research and mission-driven orgs.

Jordan Goffin is Director of Special Collections at the Providence Public Library.

Elizabeth Goodspeed is a designer and educator based in Providence. She made our logo.

Marie Janssen makes bread, biscuits, and Bluetooth.

Annaliese Neff is an artist, video editor, and owner of The Wilds.

Ben Sisto is a local artist; he organizes AFRI and doesn’t vote, so you can ask him anything.

Neal Walsh is an artist and Gallery Director at AS220.

Candace Williams is a poet, UX designer, and eductaor.

Joshua Wizer-Vecchi is Director of School-Based Mental Health Services at Rhode Island College.

Guest Trustees

We invite one guest trustee per round, helping keep our perspectives fresh. Want in? Email us. Guests to date: Henry Brown, Marisa Finos, Kristine Alach, and Morgan Dixon, and Craig Spencer.

Funded Proposals

Host Venues

Thanks to the following organizations for providing meeting space: Myrtle, Dye House, AS220, The Wurks, Project Open Door, Nicholson File Art Studios, Seed Gallery / East33, Small Point Cafe, The Clubhouse, and the Narraganset Brewery Tap Room.

Got a space to loan? Let us know by emailing rhodeisland@awesomefoundation.org.