Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund Grants

Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund Grants is sponsored by Rhode Island Foundation. Supports research and community programs advancing economic empowerment, youth development, and cultural preservation for Rhode Island's Black community.

RI Foundation | Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund Grants Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund Grants Grant deadline: December 03, 2026 The Black Philanthropy Initiative was established as a field of interest fund at the Rhode Island Foundation. Bannister House was a nursing home for retired African American domestic workers located in Providence.

When Bannister House was sold, the former board contributed the proceeds to the Black Philanthropy Initiative, and in 2016 the fund was renamed the Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund. The fund will continue to honor the original focus of Bannister House and the Black Philanthropy Initiative by supporting the most pressing needs of Rhode Island's Black community.

Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations located or delivering services in the state of Rhode Island. We also recognize there are entities and efforts without a 501(c)(3) IRS designation that align with this funding opportunity. Given that, we will also consider grant applications from groups using a fiscal sponsor with a 501(c)(3) IRS designation.

Awards do not fund individuals, scholarships, capital or endowment efforts, fundraising events, or campaigns to elect candidates to public office. The Rhode Island Foundation will accept applications from all organizations that advance the purpose of the Fund.

Eligible grantees will often support the Black community, but it is not necessary that such grantees exclusively support the Black community, self-identify as a Black community organization, or be led by Black individuals as long as the purpose of the Fund is being advanced by the funded activities.

Program Priorities and Goals The fund prioritizes two core areas: Grants to community-based organizations that strive to uplift Black Rhode Islanders experiencing low-income. The programs should target financial stability, economic empowerment, and structural inequities. Funded programs may offer support for economic empowerment and financial stability, and may address structural inequities.

Funded programs may also support and promote the history and achievement of Black Rhode Islanders and preserve the culture of the Black community. Grants to community-based organizations that provide youth development and mentoring opportunities to Black youth. Funded programs may target educational success, avoidance of high-risk behavior, and may encourage positive decision making to achieve higher aspirations.

Requests for up to $15,000 will be considered. Please submit a completed application, together with the following, via our online grants portal : Most recently Board-approved organizational budget A list of the current board of directors for the applicant organization IRS 501(c)(3) Tax Determination Letter (not a tax-exempt certificate) Required only if your organization has never applied to the Rhode Island Foundation for funding.

If an organization is serving as the fiscal agent for this project, please submit the IRS 501(c) tax determination letter for the fiscal agent. The deadline to apply for this grant program is Thursday, December 3, at 3 pm. To submit an application, please click here .