February is a time to celebrate the contributions of Black trail blazers, intellectuals, inventors, artists, leaders, and everyday people of courage who helped shape our lives today.

Now there is powerful way you can honor Black History Month.

The Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI) is a permanently endowed fund at The Rhode Island Foundation created to advance equity and social justice for Blacks in Rhode Island through grant making. Our goal is to raise $1 million by the end of this year to build a fund that will grow and respond to the needs and aspirations of Rhode Island's Black community. And here is the good news - every donation through the end of this year will be matched dollar-for-dollar by The Rhode Island Foundation, doubling the impact of your gift.

Research shows that despite extraordinary gains, significant disparities in home ownership, education, and employment remain for Black Rhode Islanders. It will require the support of today's visionaries, leaders, and everyday people of courage to combat current inequities. With your gift to BPI you will honor our past legacy and at the same time, build a legacy for the future of the Black community.