Purpose

The Racial Equity and Social Justice Grants program is intended to address the fundamental causes of systemic racism that impact historically marginalized populations in Rhode Island. We believe that all Rhode Islanders deserve equal economic and social rights. Our state faces an urgent need to be more inclusive and equitable, and this means dismantling long-standing structures that obstruct progress. This program prioritizes organizations and efforts that have consciously strived to dismantle systems of oppression and work towards a more just society.

This request for proposals is meant to support organizations committed – in their mission and work – to ending systemic racism. This program is not intended to support organizations looking to launch an equity initiative or DEI program, or groups or institutions not explicitly focused on racial equity.

Eligibility

Funding will be awarded to Rhode Island-based 501(c)(3) organizations and community groups with a fiscal sponsor that have served Rhode Island for at least one year. Priority will be given to groups that are led by people who identify as Black, Hispanic or Latino, Indigenous and Asian, and those engaged in efforts that are grounded in the needs of diverse communities in Rhode Island.

We will prioritize applications focused on investing in systems, policies and practices that build wealth and stabilize communities.

Priorities

We welcome proposals that make a strong case for how the work advances racial and economic justice in the following areas:

• Dismantling barriers that hold inequities in place and works to address the root causes of issues, not just symptoms.
• Prioritizing real change in policy and systems that address the origins of inequality and inequity, including but not limited to education, economic stability, housing, as well as community and social context.
• Bringing people together to build power they would not have individually. We prioritize opportunities to support multi-sector partnerships that have strong community engagement, and leadership-driven partnerships that center around equity and have a strong track record of working together.
  

Application Overview

The application process is comprised of two steps: 1) submission of an online application; and 2) application finalists will be invited to an interview.

Application (Step 1)

Applications will provide details of project goals, challenge(s) to be addressed, and structure of partnerships/collaboration, if included.

Interview (Step 2)

Finalists will be contacted to schedule an interview with two or more review committee members.

The purpose of the interview is to discuss the proposal with the applicant and key partners. This is also an opportunity to discuss any questions that the applicant or review committee may have.

After all site visits have been completed, the committee will deliberate to select the awardees.

Awards

Proposals may be for projects that are up to two years in duration, and up to $200,000 per year. Approximately 5-7 grants are expected to be award. The grant period will begin on the date of award.

To apply

Applications will be submitted through an online application system. In addition to responding to questions in the application, nonprofits will be required to submit the following materials:

• Proposal budget
• Organizational budget
• Copy of most recent Form 990, 990EZ, or 990N and 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter if not already on file at the Rhode Island Foundation
• Organizational budget for the current fiscal year with year-to-date actuals (not required for public schools, hospitals or local municipalities)
• Audited financials for the two most recent years, if available (not required for public schools, hospitals or local municipalities)
• Organization board list

Please click here to apply through our online portal by December 6, 2022, by 5:00 p.m. EST.

Please click here to view a sample application form.

Grant program finalists will be invited for an interview by mid-February, 2023.