Mission and Philosophy

Equity Action is a field of interest fund of The Rhode Island Foundation to advance the equitable treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) residents of Rhode Island by providing grants to organizations and initiatives that support these communities.

Governed by an advisory council of up to 25 community volunteers, Equity Action is committed to social change in order to achieve justice within the LGBTQ community. Recognizing that this struggle requires the courage to stand up to discrimination at all levels and in all areas of community life, the Fund works to:

1. Strengthen the infrastructure of LGBTQ-led and serving organizations by making grants, providing educational opportunities, and partnering with funders and donors to leverage resources;
2. Raise awareness by highlighting the need for equitable treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals;
3. Facilitate an integrated community by convening LGBTQ and mainstream organizations, encouraging networking, and fostering collaboration;
4. Promote social change by encouraging progressive public policy and public debate, and by standing for the protection of human rights; and
5. Enhance philanthropy by and for the LGBTQ communities by establishing and growing an endowment fund and actively soliciting gifts.