We are the only
community foundation serving the state of Rhode Island. We are a collection of more than 1,200 permanently-endowed charitable funds created by individuals, families, companies, and organizations to benefit charitable organizations and causes throughout Rhode Island and beyond.
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer
board of directors.
Some donors have a desire to provide ongoing support to a particular organization or cause in perpetuity. Many feel more comfortable making those gifts through the Foundation because of our permanence, our professional investment management, our knowledge of the Rhode Island community, and our oversight role in making sure donor wishes are met in perpetuity.
There is no cost for starting a fund at the Foundation. Our annual support fee is 1%; investment fees and expenses are approximately 0.85%. The "Foundation support" fee contributes to the total operation of the Foundation, all in support of the community.
In most cases, our minimum is $10,000; the minimum for a donor advised fund is $25,000.
No. Gifts to the Foundation are irrevocable. The decision to partner with the Foundation is a serious one, and we encourage prospective fundholders to discuss their intent with their financial or legal advisors.
Yes, we offer several opportunities to make
life income gifts. We are happy to work with you and your professional advisors to determine which type of gift is right for you.
Although our focus is on the needs of Rhode Island, we allow grant distributions from donor advised and designated funds to any nonprofit organizations qualified as 501(c)(3) in the U.S.
Yes, if you choose a
donor advised fund, you may name co-advisors and successor advisors to continue to guide the fund both while you are involved and into the future.
The Rhode Island Foundation fully endorses the
Donor Bill of Rights created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Giving Institute.
The Rhode Island Foundation maintains the highest level of confidentiality with respect to donor information. We will not share donor names, addresses, or fund-related financial information with any individual or organization outside The Rhode Island Foundation without express permission from donors.