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Community Grants

Building a Resilient Newport: Explore Community Grant Funding

To enhance residents' quality of life, ensure the responsible stewardship of public funds, and strengthen mission-driven partner organizations delivering measurable impact, the City of Newport's Grants Office administers two community-focused grant programs:
The application portal for the FY-27 Community Grants is now closed.

Annual Civic Support Grant Program | Special Projects Grant Program

These programs are designed to strengthen Newport’s neighborhoods and improve quality of life—especially for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. Through targeted investments, the City supports initiatives that promote economic development, enhance public health, increase access to arts and culture, expand recreational opportunities, and foster overall community well-being. With an emphasis on equity, accountability, and transparency, the City is implementing a long-term digital strategy to improve the grant process.

These efforts aim to ensure that public funds are managed responsibly and directed toward mission-driven organizations that deliver measurable and meaningful impact for Newport Residents.

Please Note: All grant funds are contingent upon City Council approval and fund availability

Applicant Eligibility

Universal eligibility requirements for both the Annual Civic Support Grant and Special Projects Grant Funds will be applied to all applicants. To be considered for either grant program, applicants must submit the following documents:

A copy of the IRS 501C-(3) certification letter, A valid certificate of good standing from the RI Secretary of State’s Office
Roster of current board members with service terms and professional affiliations indicated
Most recent Audited financials for organizations with annual operating budgets OVER $500,000
Most recent review or compilation of financials for organizations with annual operating budgets UNDER $500,000
Documentation that organization is based in, and/or primarily serves residents of the City of Newport

INELIGIBILE APPLICANTS
- For-profit organizations, businesses, or sole proprietors
- Educational institutions including private or public K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and community colleges
- Organizations with delinquent Final Grant Reports from previous awards

Submission & Award Timeline

FY-27: Notice of Funding Opportunity	October 14, 2025
Informational Session/Webinar offered for applicants	November 6, 2025
FY-27: Portal Opens- Application available at city webpage	November 13, 2025
Interim Report Due- short-form-(FY-26 recipients)	December 1, 2025
ALL Grant Applications Deadline:	Dec. 5, 2025, 4 PM
Staff review and initial vetting of applications	December 18, 2025
Grant Peer Review Panel Meeting (Community & Staff)	January 13, 2026
Grants Subcommittee Meeting – Funding Recommendations to City Council	January 20, 2026
City Council – Preliminary Budget - Revised Grant Awards	March 25, 2026
Final City budget adopted:	June, 2026
Award Notification Letters Mailed:	July 7, 2026
Disbursement of Funds (anticipated):	July/August 2026
Period of Performance:	July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Interim Report- short-form-(FY-27 recipients)	Due December 1, 2026
Final Report Due (FY-26 recipients)	July 31, 2026
Final Report Due (FY-27 recipients)	July 31, 2027
*Dates are best estimates and may change slightly

Budget Worksheet Download

Budget Worksheet for Civic Support Grants
Budget Worksheet for Special Projects Grants

Evaluation Criteria

All applicants are evaluated on the basis of organizational capacity and programmatic impact & value. The five key organizational areas include:
1. Mission – Applicant clearly demonstrates its mission’s value to the Newport community. High-scoring applications will show how the organization fulfills an identified community need, and effectively serves residents.
2. Programs & Services- Applicant will demonstrate how its programs and services advance the organization’s stated mission, and uphold organization’s values.
3. Community Impact & Population Served - Applicant will demonstrate how its programs/services fulfill a community need identified through the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
4. Management & Governance - Applicant will provide evidence of effective management, governance, and strategic planning.
5. Financial Management - Applicant will provide evidence of sound fiscal management and policy.

In addition to the five organizational capacity criteria, applications are scored by Six Programmatic Criteria related to the specific project or funder’s requirements, including:
▪ Project Need / Problem Statement
▪ Project Goals and Objectives
▪ Evaluation Plan
▪ Sustainability Plan
▪ Budget Plan & Worksheet Detail
▪ Partnerships

SMART Goals & Evaluation Chart

SMART Goals are:
o Specific – Clearly define what is to be achieved.
o Measurable – Establish criteria to track progress and determine success.
o Achievable – Ensure the goal is realistic and attainable.
o Relevant – Align the goal with broader priorities or needs.
o Time-bound – Set a deadline or timeframe for completion.

Criteria	4 – Excellent	3 – Good	2 – Fair	1 – Poor
Project Need / Problem Statement	Problem is clearly defined, compelling, and well-supported by data or evidence.	Problem is clear and supported, somewhat general.	Problem is somewhat vague; limited supporting evidence.	Problem is unclear or unsupported.
*Project Goals and Objectives**	Goals are SMART and clearly linked to the problem.	Goals are mostly SMART and relevant.	Goals are somewhat vague not fully SMART.	Goals are unclear or not measurable.
Project Implementation Plan	Plan is highly detailed, feasible, and includes timeline and budget.	Plan is clear with most necessary components.	Plan is basic, missing details or lacks clarity.	Plan is incomplete, unrealistic, lacks key elements.
Evaluation Plan	Evaluation approach is thorough, logical, and linked to goals.	Evaluation is clear and measurable.	Evaluation is vague or lacks detail.	Evaluation is missing or poorly defined.
Sustainability Plan	Strong plan for long- term sustainability and future funding.	Evidence of reasonable sustainability approach.	Sustainability is mentioned but underdeveloped.	No clear sustainability plans.
Budget	Budget is detailed, justified, and aligns well with the project plan.	Budget is mostly clear and aligned.	Budget is somewhat vague or lacks justification.	Budget is unrealistic, unclear, or misaligned.
Partnerships	Strong, relevant partnerships clearly described.	Partnerships exist and are moderately strong.	Limited or informal partnerships.	No evidence of partnerships.
Organizational Capacity	Organization has strong experience, resources, and expertise.	Organization is capable with relevant experience.	Capacity is adequate but may have gaps.	Organization lacks demonstrated capacity.

Questions?
Contact Grants Officer
Peter Bramante
(401)-845-5312
pbramante@newportri.gov

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Civic Support Grant Program
Special Projects Grant Program

SUBMISSION & REVIEW TIMELINE
FY-27 Grant Timeline Key Dates:
o FY-27: Application Portal Opens November 13, 2025
o All Applications Due December 5, 2025
o Award Notification in July, 2026

IMPORTANCE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION The City of Newport strives to be an equitable community and prioritizes support to organizations that demonstrate examples of their commitment to welcoming and serving all Newport residents by representing diverse voices, and expanding access.

Proposal Review Process
Community & Peer Panel Review
▪ Eligible applications will be referred to a competitive review process led by R&S staff and comprised of volunteer panel of professionals assembled from appropriate community areas and City Departments
▪ The review panel uses a rubric to evaluate and score proposals

Funding Recommendations
▪ The panel provides award funding recommendations to R&S to forward to council
▪ Award & funding recommendations are reviewed and potentially revised by City Council
▪ Following the City’s adoption of a final budget, applicants will be notified of funding decisions and award disbursement