Ralph R. Papitto And Barbara A. Papitto Private Family Foundation (Papitto Opportunity Connection)

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $22.8 million (2023)
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: Awards announced in June and December
Grant Range: $5,000 - $1,000,000
Geographic Focus: Rhode Island (with some support in MA, NY, OH)
Total Assets: $18.6 million
Application Method: Competitive RFP process with fixed submission windows

Contact Details

Address: Hope, RI / Providence, RI

Application Portal: Online application portal (accessed through website during open periods)

Overview

The Ralph R. Papitto and Barbara A. Papitto Private Family Foundation, operating as Papitto Opportunity Connection (POC), was founded in December 2020 by Barbara Papitto following the death of her husband Ralph R. Papitto in 2019. The foundation continues the couple's longstanding commitment to creating educational opportunities and supporting communities in need across Rhode Island. With $18.6 million in assets, POC awarded $22.8 million in grants in 2023 across 249 awards, demonstrating significant philanthropic impact. Since its founding, the foundation has invested over $100 million in more than 350 Rhode Island organizations. POC operates on a trust-based philanthropy model guided by an entirely BIPOC Board of Advisors, emphasizing listening to communities rather than assuming their needs. The foundation is particularly focused on serving Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities throughout Rhode Island.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

POC Million Dollar Innovation Challenge: $1,000,000 grants

Supports programming that creates systemic change in education, skills training, entrepreneurship, healthcare, or housing
Awarded through competitive RFP process during June and December application windows
Recent recipients include The Clinic at Amos House (2025) and Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center (2024)

Small Grant Program: $5,000 - $20,000

Provides operational funding to Rhode Island-based 501(c)(3) organizations
More than 350 organizations have received grants since founding
In 2025, 136 organizations received grants in this range

Transform Rhode Island Scholarship (TRIS): Up to $1,025,000

Annual $1 million investment in a Rhode Island high school student's idea to improve lives
Plus $25,000 scholarship for the winning student
Students submit essays, videos, or multimedia presentations

Multi-Year Strategic Grants: $1.75 million - $10 million

Larger, longer-term investments in strategic partners
Example: Brown University Health received a four-year, $10 million grant for workforce development programs

Priority Areas

Education: Literacy programs, scholarships, educational access initiatives
Job Skills Training: Workforce development, career pathways programs
Healthcare: Access to behavioral health, primary care, specialized medical services
Housing: Programs supporting housing stability and access
Entrepreneurship: Business development, entrepreneurial ventures in underserved communities

Special Focus: Programs serving BIPOC communities and creating systemic change in Rhode Island. The foundation particularly values unique, "out-of-the-box" programs that eliminate barriers to success and clear pathways to learning.

What They Don't Fund

Building construction
Capital campaigns
Lobbying activities
Political campaigns or events
Organizations outside Rhode Island (with rare exceptions)
Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
Fiscal agents (not allowed)

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

Barbara Papitto - Founder and Trustee: Barbara worked in accounting and later earned graduate and undergraduate degrees from Bryant University. She established POC in 2020 to continue the charitable work she and her late husband Ralph began. Barbara emphasizes listening to communities: "I never want to assume what communities of color need."
John A. Tarantino - Managing Trustee: Provides strategic oversight and regularly communicates the foundation's commitment to making investments in organizations that "make connections, eliminate barriers to success, and clear pathways to learning."
Edward Pieroni - Trustee

Board of Advisors: The foundation's Board of Advisors consists entirely of individuals from Rhode Island's BIPOC communities (African-heritage, Indigenous, Hispanic, Southeast Asian, and Southern Asian). The board meets monthly with trustees to provide insight into issues facing Rhode Island and approve funding requests.

Notable Board Members:

Arnell Milhouse: Advisory Board member who emphasizes the foundation's approach: "We didn't rush in assuming that we knew anything. We held community conversations and felt the pulse of what was ailing people."
Marcy Reyes: Board advisor with deep community connections

Founder's Philosophy: Ralph Papitto grew up in Providence witnessing his immigrant parents' economic struggles. His father owned a small bar, and his mother worked in textile mills. Ralph became a successful entrepreneur (founding Glass-TIte Industries and Nortek) and developed a strong belief in education as a transformative tool. Barbara has continued this philosophy, stating about Ralph's final wishes: "He said to spend it on anything my heart desires."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application Windows: June 1-15 and December 1-15 (twice annually)

Application Method: Online application portal ONLY (accessed through pocfoundation.com)

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a Rhode Island-based 501(c)(3) organization
Must hold a current certificate of good standing from Rhode Island Secretary of State
Fiscal agents are NOT allowed

Key Message from POC: "You do not have to know someone to have your grant request considered"

Application Approach: POC uses a trust-based philanthropy approach that emphasizes making the process "as easy and simple as possible for those seeking funding." The foundation values open, honest, and transparent communication.

Decision Timeline

Application Periods: June 1-15 and December 1-15
Award Announcements: June and December (shortly after application windows close)
Typical Timeline: Approximately 2-8 weeks from application deadline to decision

Post-Award Requirements

Reporting: Within one year of receiving funding, grantees must provide:

Description of major activities
Program impact summary
Challenges and learnings
Budget details
Unachieved goals (if applicable)

Additional Support Provided to Grantees:

Access to 501Database.com data platform
Financial consulting services
PR/marketing assistance
Leadership strengths identification

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, POC awarded 249 grants in 2023 from approximately $6 million in annual unsolicited grant funding (excluding large multi-year strategic grants), suggesting a competitive but accessible process.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publicly specify restrictions on reapplication for unsuccessful applicants. Given their trust-based approach and biannual application windows, organizations appear welcome to apply in subsequent cycles.

Application Success Factors

Listen to the Foundation's Core Message: POC emphasizes "listening and working together with non-profit organizations committed to serving communities most in need in Rhode Island." The foundation doesn't want to assume what communities need—they want to hear directly from organizations serving those communities.

Demonstrate Systemic Change: Managing Trustee John A. Tarantino states that POC seeks investments in organizations that "make connections, eliminate barriers to success, and clear pathways to learning." The Million Dollar Innovation Challenge specifically targets "programming that creates systemic change."

Align with BIPOC Community Needs: The foundation's entirely BIPOC Board of Advisors guides funding decisions. Advisory board member Arnell Milhouse explains their approach: "We didn't rush in assuming that we knew anything. We held community conversations and felt the pulse of what was ailing people." Applications should demonstrate deep understanding of and connection to BIPOC community needs.

Examples of Funded Projects:

The Clinic at Amos House ($1M, 2025): Increases access to behavioral health and primary care services for people in recovery and involved in the justice system
Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center ($1M, 2024): First-ever Innovation Grant supporting specialized healthcare
Transform RI Scholarship winner Mariam Kaba: Created a food pantry and refrigerator access at Woonsocket's Harbour Youth Center

Emphasize Unique, Out-of-the-Box Approaches: The foundation explicitly values programs that are "unique, sometimes 'out-of-the-box'" and seeks "narrative changing programs" rather than traditional approaches.

Show Collaborative Potential: POC values proposals that leverage resources and partnerships. Applications should demonstrate how funding will be maximized through collaboration with other organizations or resources.

Be Transparent and Straightforward: As a trust-based funder, POC values honest, open communication. Applications should be straightforward about needs, challenges, and realistic goals rather than overpromising.

Focus on Rhode Island's Most Vulnerable: The foundation website explicitly states: "We want to hear from organizations committed to serving communities most in need in Rhode Island." Applications should clearly demonstrate focus on underserved, vulnerable populations.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Apply during the fixed windows: Mark your calendar for June 1-15 and December 1-15—these are the ONLY times POC accepts applications via their online portal
You don't need connections: POC explicitly states "You do not have to know someone to have your grant request considered"—they welcome applications from all qualifying Rhode Island nonprofits
BIPOC focus is central: With an entirely BIPOC advisory board, demonstrate deep understanding of and authentic connection to communities of color in Rhode Island
Think big for Innovation Challenge: If your program creates systemic change in education, skills training, healthcare, housing, or entrepreneurship, consider applying for the $1M Innovation Challenge
Trust-based means simplified: Don't over-complicate your application—POC values straightforward, honest communication over elaborate proposals
Systemic change matters: Use language about "eliminating barriers," "clearing pathways to learning," and "creating connections"—these phrases reflect POC's core values
Embrace post-grant support: POC offers consulting, marketing, and data platform access—mention your willingness to engage with these capacity-building resources

References

Papitto Opportunity Connection Official Website - Grant Seekers Page. https://pocfoundation.com/how-we-work/grant-seekers/ (Accessed January 2026)
Papitto Opportunity Connection - About Us. https://pocfoundation.com/about-us/ (Accessed January 2026)
Papitto Opportunity Connection - Ralph & Barbara Papitto (Founders). https://pocfoundation.com/founders/ (Accessed January 2026)
Cause IQ - Ralph R Papitto and Barbara A Papitto Private Family Foundation Profile. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/ralph-r-papitto-and-barbara-a-papitto-private-fami,854150612/ (Accessed January 2026)
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Ralph R Papitto And Barbara A Papitto Private Family Foundation (EIN: 85-4150612). https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/854150612 (Accessed January 2026)
Papitto Opportunity Connection News - "Papitto Opportunity Connection Awards $4.3 Million in Grants" (April 2025). https://pocfoundation.com/news/papitto-opportunity-connection-awards-4-3-million-in-grants/ (Accessed January 2026)
Providence Business News - "Papitto Opportunity Connection awards $4.3M in grants to 136 organizations" (April 2025). https://pbn.com/papitto-opportunity-connection-awards-4-3m-in-grants-to-136-organizations/ (Accessed January 2026)
Rhode Island Monthly - "How Papitto Opportunity Connection's All-BIPOC Board is Better Serving Communities of Color." https://www.rimonthly.com/how-papitto-opportunity-connections-all-bipoc-board-is-better-serving-communities-of-color/ (Accessed January 2026)
The Boston Globe - "Creating change for generations: Papitto Opportunity Connection invests in R.I.'s communities of color" (September 2021). https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/09/24/metro/creating-change-generations-papitto-opportunity-connection-invests-ris-communities-color/ (Accessed January 2026)
Turn To 10 News - "Turning grief into generosity, philanthropist donates over $100M to non-profits" (April 2025). https://turnto10.com/news/local/turning-grief-into-generosity-philanthropist-donates-over-100m-to-non-profits-rhode-island-charitable-woman-books-education-april-23-2025 (Accessed January 2026)