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The Rhode Island Foundation has appointed Lisa Roth Blackman Vice President of Development. She will lead the Foundation’s fundraising efforts and serve as a member of the Foundation’s leadership team.

“Lisa brings a remarkable resume and remarkable local contacts and context to the Foundation. She is skilled at engaging donors in mission-driven work, has a record of success and understands the relationships that make fundraising in a place so connected, so unique,” said David N. Cicilline, president and CEO.

Roth Blackman has nearly 30 years of nonprofit development experience. Most recently, she was Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, where she designed and executed a comprehensive fundraising strategy that saw donations rise from $3.6 million in FY2007 to $12.2 million in FY2025.

“I am thrilled to be joining the team at the Rhode Island Foundation and look forward to partnering with Rhode Islanders who are looking to have a positive impact on our quality of life in our state through strategic philanthropic investments," said Roth Blackman.

Previous to her time at the Food Bank, she led development efforts at Crossroads Rhode Island, where she was responsible for growing the fundraising program, including annual fund, board giving, grant-writing, special events and donor stewardship.

The Pawtucket resident earned a BA from Dartmouth College and a certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Executive Education.

She is a member of the Charitable Gift Planners of Rhode Island and the Estate Planning Council of Rhode Island, where she serves on the board of directors. Previously, she chaired the board of directors of the Economic Progress Institute and participated in Leadership Rhode Island.

Roth Blackman joins the Foundation as it rolls out its new Five-Year Action Plan and focuses its attention on Climate Action and Sustainability, Civic and Cultural Life, Education and Student Success, Healthy and Strong Communities, and Housing and Economic Mobility; guided by inclusiveness, accessibility, compassion, mutual respect and humility.

In addition, the Foundation recently launched three enhanced grant programs: Community Priority Grants, Catalyst Grants and Capacity Building Grants. The Foundation just announced the first round of funding from the Community Priority and Capacity Building grant programs.

At the end of 2024, total assets stood at approximately $1.5 billion. Total fund investment return for the year was 10.5 percent. In addition, the Foundation raised $59 million in gifts.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grant-making activities, together with neighbors and partners, the Foundation is helping to create progress that lasts.