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Carter Family Charitable Trust

Annual Giving
$2.3M
Decision Time
1mo

Carter Family Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,326,815 (FY 2024)
  • Total Assets: $43,897,917 (FY 2024)
  • Decision Time: 4 weeks
  • Geographic Focus: Rhode Island (with very limited grants to nearby states)
  • Application Method: Online form only

Contact Details

  • Website: cartertrustfunds.org
  • Phone: 401-276-6582 (also listed: 401-434-1680)
  • Mailing Address: PO Box 179, Little Compton, RI 02837-0179
  • Alternate Address: PO Box 41119, Providence, Rhode Island 02940

Overview

The Carter Family Charitable Trust was established in 1991 as a private independent foundation and received tax-exempt status in March 1992. With total assets of approximately $43.9 million, the trust distributed $2.3 million in charitable grants in FY 2024. The trust's mission focuses primarily on educational needs, as well as programs associated with health and social organizations. The trust also operates the Carter Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation, established in 2011, which shares the same leadership and funding priorities. Almost all grants are awarded to organizations operating within Rhode Island, with only a very limited number extending to nearby states. The trust emphasizes supporting operational requirements over building needs, reflecting a practical approach to sustaining ongoing programs that serve Rhode Island communities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Carter Family Charitable Trust operates through two related entities:

  • Carter Family Charitable Trust: Private foundation making direct grants for education, health, and social services
  • Carter Fund at Rhode Island Foundation: Donor-advised fund established in 2011 with similar priorities

Priority Areas

Primary Focus - Education: The trust prioritizes educational needs across Rhode Island, supporting programs that advance educational success and opportunities.

Health Programs: Grants support programs associated with health organizations and initiatives that improve healthcare access and health outcomes in Rhode Island communities.

Social Organizations: Funding extends to social service organizations that strengthen communities and support vulnerable populations.

Community Development: The trust gives for community development initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Rhode Island.

Arts and Human Services: Additional support is provided for arts programs and human services organizations.

Grant Characteristics

  • Type: Most grants support operational requirements
  • Rare: Building and capital needs receive minimal funding

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the trust rarely funds:

  • Building or capital projects
  • Organizations outside Rhode Island (except in very limited cases for nearby states)

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

  • Richard G. Small (Trustee) - Compensated at $110,000 annually
  • John S. Carter III (Trustee) - Compensated at $100,000 annually
  • Letitia M. Carter (Trustee) - Serves without compensation

The same three individuals serve as donor advisers for the Carter Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation. The trust has maintained consistent leadership since its founding in 1991, providing continuity in its approach to grant-making.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Carter Family Charitable Trust accepts applications exclusively through an online application form available at cartertrustfunds.org/apply.

Critical Application Requirements:

  • Applications must be submitted online through the secure web form
  • Phone or mail submissions will NOT be considered
  • Applicants must be qualified 501(c)(3) organizations
  • Written request must include full details on how the grant will be used
  • Data is transmitted confidentially and viewed only by Carter Funds advisors

For New or Renewable Grants: Both new applicants and organizations seeking grant renewals use the same application process.

Decision Timeline

Response Time: The trust commits to processing applications and responding within 4 weeks of submission.

Additional Information: The trust may request supplemental information during the review process.

Reapplication Policy

The trust accepts applications for renewable grants, indicating that organizations can reapply for continued funding. The same application process applies to both new and renewal requests.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Rhode Island Focus

Organizations operating within Rhode Island have the strongest chance of success. The trust explicitly states that "almost all grants are made to organizations operating within the state of Rhode Island," with only very limited exceptions for nearby states. Out-of-state organizations should have a compelling Rhode Island connection to be competitive.

Operational vs. Capital Needs

Applications for operational support are significantly more likely to succeed than capital or building projects. The trust states that "most grants are for operational requirements, and rarely for building needs." Frame proposals around programmatic operations, staffing, and program delivery rather than facilities or equipment.

Educational Priority

While the trust supports health and social organizations, education receives top priority. Organizations with educational missions or those that can demonstrate educational impact should emphasize these aspects in applications.

Clear Use of Funds

The application explicitly requires "full details as to how the grant will be used." Successful applications likely provide specific, detailed budgets and implementation plans rather than general requests for organizational support.

501(c)(3) Status

Only qualified 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible. Ensure your tax-exempt status is current and clearly documented in your application.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Rhode Island organizations only: Geographic focus is nearly exclusive to Rhode Island - location is a primary eligibility factor
  • Four-week turnaround: Quick decision timeline allows for responsive planning; expect answers within a month
  • Online applications required: No phone or mail submissions accepted - use the web portal exclusively
  • Operational funding preferred: Target requests for program operations, not capital projects or buildings
  • Education leads: Educational programs and organizations appear to receive priority consideration
  • Renewable grants welcome: The trust explicitly accepts renewal applications, suggesting multi-year relationships are possible
  • Modest asset base with consistent giving: $43.9M in assets supporting $2.3M in annual grants indicates sustainable, ongoing grant-making capacity

References

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