July 15, 2020 | Chris Barnett, The Rhode Island Foundation

Prompted by the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on Providence’s Black community, the Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation has awarded grants to four community-led organizations on the frontlines of the pandemic.

“It is well documented that our Black community has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and the agencies supporting our community are in urgent need for financial relief. Through the Foundation’s Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund, we are proud to have the resources to support the pressing needs of the Black community during this difficult time.”

– Linda Newton, chair of the fund’s grants advisory committee

Rhode Island’s Black community has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, according to data from the state Dept. of Health. As of July 8, Black residents comprised 12 percent of all confirmed cases even though Black residents comprise only 8 percent of the state’s population. Click here to read more…