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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

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.  

Application deadline

November 24, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

To apply

• A completed application form can be submitted through our online system.
• Applications are available six weeks prior to the deadline. Requests for up to $15,000 will be considered.
• All applications must be submitted through our online system.

To complete an application that is already in progress, and to submit, please click here.