BPI’s campaign co-chairs: Walter Stone, former Foundation director and chairman of the criminal law group at Adler, Pollack & Sheehan PC and Linda Newton, vice president for diversity and community relations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island; along with BPI Steering Committee Co-Chair Edward C. Clifton, associate justice, Rhode Island Superior Court.

A new model for philanthropy in Rhode Island’s Black community

Conceived and led by several of Rhode Island’s prominent Black leaders, the Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI) is an historic new field of interest fund at the Foundation, building an endowment for Black causes.

BPI initially will focus its strategic grantmaking on economic sustainability and the Black family. Notes Judge Clifton, “Our community cannot thrive if our families continue to struggle with basic needs. BPI is committed to supporting organizations that address this critical issue.”

Thanks to the efforts of a dedicated campaign committee, BPI has raised $250,000 toward a $1 million goal, to be matched dollar for dollar by the Foundation through December 2010.