Creating Possibility Through the Arts
Grants for Nonprofit Organizations
The White Family Foundation provides funding to nonprofit organizations that use the arts to inspire, educate, and empower communities—especially those who are underserved. Discover how your program can make a lasting impact with our support.
The Purpose Behind Our Funding
Expanding Access to the Arts
We support programs that make the arts more accessible—especially for underserved or underrepresented populations. This includes youth education, public art initiatives, and arts experiences that build cultural awareness and creativity.
Strengthening Communities Through Creativity
From neighborhood revitalization to youth mentorship, we fund arts-based programs that build stronger, more connected communities.
Supporting Our Local Region
We prioritize organizations serving Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. By investing in our local arts ecosystem, we aim to create lasting, creative impact for the places we call home.
Eligibility Criteria
Who is eligible to apply for a grant from the White Family Foundation?
Organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits with programs that focus on the arts or art education. Applicants should demonstrate clear community impact and alignment with our mission to use the arts as a tool for empowerment, connection, and growth.
What types of programs does the Foundation support?
We support nonprofit programs that expand access to the arts, especially for underserved populations. This includes youth arts education, public art initiatives, leadership development through creativity, and projects that promote cultural awareness or provide educational and economic benefits.
Do you fund individuals or artists directly?
No. We do not provide grants to individual artists, for-profit businesses, or organizations without 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Funding is limited to eligible nonprofit organizations only.
Is my organization eligible if we’re located outside of Rhode Island or Southeastern Massachusetts?
We prioritize organizations serving communities in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. If your work extends outside of this area, you may not be eligible.
What types of requests are not eligible for funding?
We do not fund sponsorships for galas, golf tournaments, annual luncheons, or fundraising events. We also do not support programs outside the scope of the arts or projects that lack measurable community benefit.
Can religious organizations apply?
Yes, if the proposed program is arts-based, inclusive, and serves the broader community regardless of faith. Programs must not include proselytizing or require religious participation.
Working Together to Make a Difference
1
Prepare Your Letter of Inquiry
Craft a brief Letter of Inquiry (LOI) that introduces your organization and outlines your proposed program. Be sure to include how your work aligns with our mission, the community you serve, the amount of funding requested, and the impact you aim to achieve.
2
Submit Your Materials
Send your LOI and any required documentation to the White Family Foundation for review. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis but will be reviewed during our third-quarter Board meeting. Be sure to check the current year’s submission deadline.
3
Await Notification
Once your application has been reviewed by our Board of Directors, you’ll be notified of your status. All applicants will receive updates by the end of the calendar year. If additional information is needed during the review process, a member of our team may reach out.
Important Grant Deadlines
Stay on top of these key dates to ensure your application is considered.
March 1st, 2026
Application Opens
Begin your journey by submitting your application starting March 1st.
May 15th, 2026
Submission Deadline
All applications must be submitted by May 15th to be eligible for consideration.
June, 2026
Review Period
Our team will review submissions from June to October
October, 2026
Notification of Results
Applicants will be notified of their status by end of October.
What Our Grant Recipients Say
“An operating grant from the White Family Foundation makes a significant and tangible difference for our organization. Due to this generous operating support, we are able to serve an average of 100 youth each year (90% low income) between the ages of 11–18, helping to provide the funding for the extra essentials such as planning time, professional development training, equipment and participation in community events.”
“We are extremely grateful to have a relationship with the White Family Foundation stretching back to 2016. In addition to ensuring New Urban Arts can provide uninterrupted, quality programs for Providence’s most vulnerable youth, consistent funders like the White Family Foundation confer a greater sense of stability on New Urban Arts that makes other foundations and organizations more willing to build relationships with us.”
Turn Vision Into Action
If your organization is using the arts to educate, empower, or inspire, we want to hear from you. The White Family Foundation is proud to support nonprofits making meaningful change through creativity and community connection.
Let’s explore what’s possible—together.
