The MUSE Foundation
of Rhode Island (#MUSEOFRI)💚
Our mission is to create opportunities designed to cultivate creativity and innovation in communities of color through philanthropic investment and initiatives.
ENRICH. EMPOWER. EQUIP. .
The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed under the law. EIN# 86-2187647
© 2025 The MUSE Foundation. All rights reserved.
About The MUSE Foundation
of Rhode Island (#MUSEOFRI)💚
The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island (MUSEOFRI) is committed to nurturing creativity and innovation within communities of color through strategic philanthropic investments and initiatives. Their mission revolves around three core principles: enriching communities through education and inspiration, empowering them through advocacy and action, and equipping them with essential resources and networks.One of MUSEOFRI’s notable achievements is leading the successful campaign to establish Juneteenth as an official paid state holiday in Rhode Island, effective from 2024. They also organize the annual Taste of Juneteenth New England, a celebration of African American cuisine and culture, which will take place on June 19, 2025, at Farm Fresh Rhode Island.Additionally, MUSEOFRI’s Youth Empowerment Society of Providence County (YESpvd!) spearheads their youth initiative #TURNUPRI, which recently launched the new #TURNUPNE, a premier youth leadership summit and career exploration conference. This conference will celebrate its 10th anniversary in April 2025 at Foxwoods Resort.Furthermore, MUSEOFRI established Rhode Island Black Philanthropy Month, which is recognized statewide. They also created the Rhode Island Black Philanthropy Month Legacy Fund, an endowment managed by the Rhode Island Foundation to support African American-led organizations. These initiatives have made significant contributions to community development, promoting educational equity, and fostering a culture of philanthropy within Rhode Island’s marginalized communities of color.
Meet our Executive Board & Founder.
Dr Deana Waite, Chair
Fernando Taveras, Treasurer
Sharon Ashley, Secretary
Juan Wilson Jr, Founder
Meet our Community Advisory Board (CAB).
TBA
The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed under the law. EIN# 86-2187647
© 2025 The MUSE Foundation. All rights reserved.
de·mys·ti·fy·ing
phi·lan·thro·py
Our Vision.
The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island envisions a vibrant, inclusive, and liberated future where it supports underserved communities of color flourish creatively and innovatively. Empowered by our sustained philanthropic support, initiatives, and a commitment to demystifying philanthropy through time, talent and treasure, we strive to unlock their full potential towards self-sufficiency.We envision MUSEOFRI as an opportunity for us to invest in ourselves and leave a legacy behind for the next generation with pride and purpose.
Our Values.
1. Inclusivity and Diversity: Embracing and celebrating diversity within communities of color, ensuring equal access to opportunities for creativity and innovation.2. Empowerment through Education: Committed to demystifying philanthropy, providing tools and knowledge for self-sufficiency and prosperity.3. Community Collaboration: Valuing partnerships with local leaders and organizations to effectively address unique community needs.4. Sustainable Impact: Creating long-lasting, positive change through environmentally and socially responsible initiatives and investments.5. Transparency and Integrity: Maintaining high standards of ethics and transparency, building trust and accountability.6. Legacy Building: Focused on leaving a lasting, positive imprint on the communities we serve, inspiring future generations to continue the cycle of innovation, empowerment, and growth.7. Innovative Impact: Actively integrating technology and innovative approaches to amplify our impact, drive change, and enhance the reach and effectiveness of our programs and initiatives in communities of color.
The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed under the law. EIN# 86-2187647
© 2025 The MUSE Foundation. All rights reserved.
The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island (MUSEOFRI) is dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation within communities of color through various philanthropic initiatives. Their mission is encapsulated in the motto: Enrich. Empower. Equip.Key Initiatives:
1. Give Simply, Simply Give: This campaign focuses on raising general funds for operational needs such as workspace, storage, supplies, and travel.2. Rhode Island Black Philanthropy Month (RIBPM): Held every August in partnership with the United Way of Rhode Island, RIBPM aims to highlight Black-led organizations and demystify philanthropy within the Black community.3. Black Policy Month RI (BPMRI): Observed annually from Martin Luther King Jr. Day to Valentine’s Day, BPMRI was established in 2022 to advocate for policies benefiting Black communities. Notably, MUSEOFRI’s efforts contributed to making Juneteenth an official Rhode Island state holiday in 2024.4. #MUSEOFRI Best In Black Community Awards and YESpvd! Toy Drive: Initiated in 2000, this annual event combines a toy drive with community awards to honor outstanding contributions within the Black community.5. Youth Empowerment Society of Providence County (YESpvd!): This youth initiative provides underserved young people with social, educational, and financial resources aligned with career or college pathways. Scholarships and Programs include the #TURNUPRI youth leadership summit and various social enterprise projects.6. BLKGivin’ (formerly AwesomePVD): Relaunched in the second quarter of 2024, this micro-grant program supports community projects, with trustees currently being recruited.For more information or to get involved, visit our initiatives page.
The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed under the law. EIN# 86-2187647
© 2025 The MUSE Foundation. All rights reserved.