Neighbor News
RI Foundation offers grants to groups that serve Black Rhode Islanders
Nonprofits serving the state's Black community have until Sept. 15 to apply for nearly $90,000 in grants from the Rhode Island Foundation.
Nonprofits serving Rhode Island’s Black community have until Sept. 15 to apply for nearly $90,000 in grants through the new $2.5 million Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation.
“Our intent is to attract interest and applications from organizations that focus on the unique needs of the Black community in Rhode Island, including those organizations that have a tradition of serving the community,” said Adrian Bonéy, the Foundation’s program officer for special programs.
The new fund seeks applications from community-based organizations that provide youth development and mentoring opportunities to urban Black youth and Black, community-based organizations that support and promote the history and achievements of Blacks in Rhode Island, preserve the culture of the Black community and strive to uplift low-income Black Rhode Islanders.
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“Since Day One, our goal has been to support positive and systemic change for the Black community. But, real change requires sustained resources. Now our role as a perpetual source of support for the Black community grows even stronger,” said Linda Newton, co-chair of the Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund's advisory committee.
In addition to the grant program, the new fund offers scholarship assistance for Black students who are pursuing or advancing a career in health care at an accredited institution and are Rhode Island residents who demonstrate financial need.
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The new fund is guided by an advisory committee comprised of Newton, Edward Clifton, Jason Fowler, Brendan Kane, Beverly Ledbetter and Walter Stone.
The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2016, the Foundation awarded $45 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information about applying for a grant through the Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund, visit rifoundation.org.
