The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Giving Circle is committed to advancing social justice and anti-racism by supporting initiatives that address systemic inequities, particularly those affecting people of color. This fund operates with the belief that understanding structural systems and their impact on racial disparities leads to more equitable outcomes and enhances the effectiveness of philanthropy. The DE&I Giving Circle emphasizes the importance of equitable access to opportunities across racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, focusing its efforts specifically on dismantling systems that perpetuate racism.
The Giving Circle prioritizes funding for projects that aim to address root causes of inequity and promote systemic change. Key focus areas include closing the racial wealth gap through support for minority entrepreneurship and access to quality education, promoting criminal justice reform with an emphasis on eliminating biases and encouraging restorative justice, and improving health outcomes for minorities by increasing access to fresh food and mental health resources. The fund also supports efforts that cultivate minority leadership and build the capacity of minority-led non-profit organizations.
Eligible projects should be community-driven, with a strong emphasis on engaging those directly affected by the issues in decision-making processes. The fund is particularly interested in organizations with annual budgets in the low to mid six-figure range or in innovative, pilot initiatives within larger organizations that operate with modest budgets but demonstrate early promise.
Funding from the DE&I Giving Circle is geographically inclusive, welcoming proposals from across the United States. In 2024, the fund awarded five grants totaling $220,000. While the grant amount per award is not specified, the focus is on supporting impactful projects aligned with the fund’s mission.
Applications are initiated through a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). For the upcoming November 2025 meeting, LOIs may be submitted between June 2 and July 11, 2025. Applications must be submitted through the fund’s online application system, which also allows for updates to an organization's profile and streamlines access for reviewers. Applicants will receive an automatic acknowledgment upon submission, and decisions about full proposal invitations are typically communicated within 45 days of the submission deadline.
For assistance, applicants may consult the New Applicant Help Guide or contact the foundation via phone at 412-281-8734 or by email at info@rahuntfdn.org during business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
Use the online system to maintain and update your organizational profile; consult the New Applicant Help Guide; contact the foundation for technical assistance if needed.
