Matching Grants

1772 Foundation Matching Grants for Private Non-Profit Organizations in Rhode Island

Now accepting Letters of Inquiry for the 2027 grant round!

The 1772 Foundation announces 2027 Historic Preservation Matching Grants for Private Non-Profit Organizations in Rhode Island, in partnership with Preserve RI. Funding in the form of 1:1 matching grants of up to $10,000 will be made available for historic preservation projects in Rhode Island. Read the full announcement here.

Eligibility:

Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) IRS designation, must have closed any previously awarded matching grant to apply, and must own the property or have a long-term lease to use the property.
Funding will not be provided for buildings currently used as schools or houses of worship.

Eligible Projects:

Exterior painting, finishes and surface restoration
Installation or upgrading fire detection, lightning protection and security systems
Repairs to/restoration of porches, roofs and windows
Structural foundation and sill repair/replacement
Chimney and masonry repointing

New This Year:

This year Rhode Island will also have an additional, separate $10,000 to be used for climate action grants in a new pilot program with The 1772 Foundation. The same 1:1 matching terms and other requirements apply.

Eligible Projects:

Energy audit assessments
Insulation upgrades
Alternative energy sources (solar, geothermal, wind, etc.)
Upgraded/converted systems or appliances
Storm windows

Water mitigation projects (wet proofing crawl spaces, gutters, site work, etc.) may also be considered but please note that preference is given to the decarbonization projects listed above.

Applications requesting funding to lift or relocate buildings will not be considered. Other projects may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Upgrades need to be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Applicants are encouraged to leverage programs offered by utility providers.

We are now accepting Letters of Inquiry for the 2027 grant round. Letters are due by December 1, 2026, and can be submitted by clicking the button below. Eligible organizations/projects will be invited to submit a full application by December 11, 2026, with applications due by February 2, 2027. For questions, please contact us at 1772@preserveri.org.

SUBMIT LETTER OF INQUIRY

2026 Grant Awardees

Impact of the Program

Preserve Rhode Island, in partnership with The 1772 Foundation, has awarded around $105,000 in one-to-one matching grants to 13 nonprofit organizations across the Ocean State. These bricks-and-mortar investments will support urgent repairs and long-term preservation at some of Rhode Island’s most treasured historic places. From colonial-era meeting houses to lighthouses and civic halls, this year’s projects reflect the rich diversity of the state’s architectural heritage—and the deep commitment of the local stewards working to protect them. Since launching the program in 2020, Preserve RI has helped distribute around $840,000 in preservation funding across Rhode Island.

2026 Grant Recipients:

Please click on photos to read grant descriptions.

Glocester Heritage Society

Glocester

This project involves repairing the basement windows and frames, reglazing, and painting of all window sash; repairing entry doors and sills; and repainting all elevations of the Reuben Mason Souse House. The exact date of the house is unknown; however, it served as a field hospital during the American Revolution and was used during the Dorr Rebellion in 1842. It now serves as a house museum and has a room dedicated to Thomas W. Dorr.

Pomham Rocks Lighthouse

East Providence

Funding will be used for replacing the non-historically accurate and deteriorating chimney with a rebuilt historically accurate chimney based on original architectural drawings and photos. Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places is the northernmost lighthouse in Narragansett Bay, was designed by Vermont architect Albert Dow in 1871. Currently, the lighthouse serves as a museum with exhibits pertaining to the lighthouse and individuals who cared for it. The rebuilt chimney will not only restore the historic accuracy of the building but will protect it from increasing weather conditions.

Redwood Library & Athenaeum

Newport

Exterior painting of the west and south façade of the Redwood Library. The building is the first purpose-built library in a Neo-Palladian style by architect Peter Harrison in 1747-50, listed as a National Historic Landmark, it is oldest continuously operating library in its original location. The exterior façade is showing significant signs of paint loss and painting will mitigate future damage.

Newport Restoration Foundation

Newport

This project focuses on digital 3D building scans that will serve as the technical foundation for accurate construction drawings. The Vernon House, originally built in 1708, is listed as a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Based on a recent Historic Structure Report, the house is in urgent need of significant repairs to the exterior envelope and structural systems. 3D scans will effectively address these conditions and support the first phase of construction.

Newport Historical Society

Newport

This project focuses on the exterior painting of clapboards and wood window restoration of the Wanton Lyman Hazard House, originally built in 1697. Designated a National Historic Landmark, NHS seeks to spotlight the site’s diverse history, particularly that of African American History as the site will be reenvisioned into the Edward W. Kane & Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History.

Preserve Rhode Island

Providence

The project is for full exterior painting, including rust prevention applied to exposed nails and touch up paint for storm windows on all elevations. Dexter House, built in 1754, is an example of early Providence farmhouses and individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its historical significance is due to being the only early surviving Providence farm settlement and the site of the French encampment of Vicomte de Rochambeau's army on the property in 1782.

Preservation Society of Newport County

Newport

Grant funds will support the steam cleaning and repointing of the balustrade and stairs on the back lawn of The Elms. The site was listed as a National Historic Landmark and designed by architect Horace Trumbauer in 1901. Many of the mortar joints along the balustrade and stairs are failing and re-pointing will ensure the structural integrity and safety of visitors to the property.

Revive the Roots

Smithfield

This project involves repainting large areas of peeling paint, exposed clapboard siding and repairs to moldings and windowsills. The Mary Mowry House, built in 1750, stands on a five-acre property adjacent to an 18-acre property overseen by Revive the Roots, an organization focusing on sustainable agriculture. The house is currently used as an office and residence for the organization.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Matching Grants

1772 Foundation Matching Grants for Private Non-Profit Organizations in Rhode Island

2026 Grant Awardees

Impact of the Program

2026 Grant Recipients:

PRESERVE RHODE ISLAND

LIPPITT HOUSE MUSEUM

199 Hope Street

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