Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund Grant

The Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund Grant, established by the Rhode Island Foundation, aims to support Rhode Island's Black community by addressing pressing needs. The fund focuses on empowering low-income Black Rhode Islanders through community-based organizations and promoting youth development and mentoring for Black youth. By funding programs that enhance financial stability and educational success, the initiative honors the legacy of Bannister House while fostering economic empowerment and preserving cultural heritage.

Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund Grants
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.
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.

Eligibility

The Rhode Island Foundation will accept applications from all organizations that advance the purpose of the Fund.Eligible grantees will often support the Black communityIt 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.