Innovate.Collaborate.Compete.
Compete RI is a nonprofit initiative that provides pro bono assistance to municipalities and coalitions focused on projects that align with Rhode Island's economic development priorities and create jobs for Rhode Islanders.
Pro bono
Our support is fully pro bono for municipalities and coalitions advancing Rhode Island's economic development priorities.
We don't duplicate or worry about credit
We do the work that falls through the cracks. The unglamorous stuff that gets applications across the finish line. Quietly and effectively.
We go where the money is
Federal, state, philanthropic — we follow what's right for the project and what Rhode Island actually needs.
🔧 Site refresh in progress. We're adding a resource navigation tool for partners and a showcase of Rhode Island projects ready for funding. Check back soon.
We support Rhode Island's priorities — not our own
Compete RI's work is guided by Ocean State Accelerates, Rhode Island's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) submitted to the U.S. Department of Commerce. We don't invent priorities — we support the ones Rhode Island has already committed to.
Blue economy · Food systems · Workforce · Housing · Climate resilience · Innovation · Infrastructure · Environmental justice
Compete RI is an independent nonprofit with no formal relationship with the Rhode Island state government. We were not involved in developing Ocean State Accelerates. We use it as our guide because we believe it reflects the right priorities for Rhode Island.
Read Ocean State Accelerates →Inclusive Economy Work
Compete RI is exploring how to connect Rhode Island residents to efforts that advance inclusive economic development priorities. We are seeking Rhode Island feedback as we delve into this space — and we want to hear from you.
year Compete RI launched
in grant applications we've provided pro bono support on
Rhode Island cities and towns touched through direct assistance, events, or technical support
How the work happens
Funding identification and research
There's more money available for Rhode Island than most people realize. We help communities find it and connect it to projects that move the state forward.
Support applications
We help with grant strategy, narrative drafting, and review — making sure applications reflect what communities are trying to accomplish and make a compelling case for funding.
Stay aligned with what Rhode Island needs
Rhode Island's economic development strategy identifies food systems, blue economy, workforce, housing, and climate resilience as priorities. We use that as our guide.
When the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed, Compete RI convened Rhode Island stakeholders to understand and leverage the once-in-a-lifetime funding opportunity.
Rhode Island's economic strategy identifies food system businesses as a priority sector. Compete RI supported a coalition food system planning sprint, 2026.
Compete RI served as a sponsor and planning partner for a 2025 funder convening in Providence.
[Compete RI is a] great model to help local communities take advantage of our once-in-a-generation opportunity in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
— Mitch Landrieu, former White House Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator
Recent work
Examples of applications and partnerships we've supported.
The Narragansett Indian Tribe
We've supported the Tribe in securing three grants and have initiated philanthropic partnerships to advance their economic development priorities.
Strategic collaboration
Rather than submitting multiple competing applications, we built a coalition that successfully secured USDOT's Safe Streets for All funding with one unified application.
Grow Blue
We helped launch a blue economy coalition with the URI Research Foundation, engaging hundreds of industry representatives to develop Rhode Island's blue economy action plan.
Regional engagement
From co-hosting a 250+ person regional convening to attract climate and energy funding to New England, to coordinating a regional Department of Energy grant — we work across state lines.
Hosting funders in Rhode Island
From a federal agency tour of Rhode Island projects, to hosting an economic data event with Argonne, to supporting a regional philanthropy convening — we bring the right people here.
Representing Rhode Island
From being recognized by the White House in 2023, to creating opportunities for Rhode Island municipal teams to attend national economic development conferences — we make sure the people doing this work in Rhode Island have access to the networks and ideas that can move the state forward.