Our Mission

THE R. WHITTINGTON FOUNDATION

The R. Whittington Foundation website serves as an introduction to the many opportunities and initiatives we proudly champion. As a nonprofit organization, we provide educational scholarships to students across the St. Louis and Chicago regions, creating pathways to access, achievement, and advancement.

We are grateful for your interest in our work and for taking the time to learn more about our mission. Our impact is made possible through the generosity and partnership of supporters like you.

At our core, we are committed to strengthening communities one initiative at a time. We work not only to alleviate financial barriers within households, but also to address gaps in exposure, inspiration, and opportunity for the next generation. Together, we have the power to transform lives, uplift communities, and shape a stronger future for those who will lead it.

Mission & Vision

The mission of the R. Whittington Foundation is to create equitable access to education, employment, and essential resources for individuals and families facing systemic barriers. The Foundation emphasizes long-term community investment over temporary assistance, ensuring that support leads to independence, stability, and generational progress.

  • Create equitable access to education, employment, and essential resources
  • Focus on long-term community investment rather than short-term relief
  • Empower individuals while strengthening families and neighborhoods
  • Build sustainable partnerships across education, corporate, and civic sectors
  • Serve St. Louis City, County, and surrounding communities for over 20 years

Higher Education Access & Strategy

Higher education access is a cornerstone of the Foundation’s strategy for breaking cycles of p overty and expanding economic mobility. The Foundation works closely with colleges anduniversities to remove financial, social, and institutional barriers that often prevent studentsfrom completing degrees.


  • Strategic partnerships with Missouri State University, Lindenwood University, and Harris- Stowe State University

Scholarship Impact & Outcomes

The Foundation’s scholarship initiatives are designed not only to fund education but to support students throughout their academic journey. By pairing financial assistance withmentorship and accountability, the Foundation ensures students remain engaged,supported, and positioned for success.

Full-ride scholarships awarded across multiple higher education institutions


  • Academic mentoring and personal development support
  • Assistance through degree completion and career placement
  • Long-term objective of disrupting generational poverty through education

Signature Fundraising & Awareness Events

Signature events play a critical role in sustaining the Foundation’s work while also raising a wareness and fostering cross-sector collaboration. These events serve as both fundraisingplatforms and community engagement opportunities.


  • The Black & White Ball serves as the Foundation’s flagship fundraising and awareness e vent
  • High-profile partnership with artist and philanthropist Nelly
  • Collaboration with the Make-A-Wish Foundation resulting in a granted Disney World wish
  • Events strengthen relationships between corporate sponsors, community leaders, and b eneficiaries

Youth & School Engagement Programs

Youth Engagement is central to the Foundation’s preventive approach to community d evelopment. By supporting students early, the Foundation helps build confidence,consistency, and academic success.


  • Service to more than 21 elementary schools across St. Louis City and County
  • Programs supporting attendance, academic performance, and student self-esteem
  • Back-to-school initiatives providing backpacks, supplies, uniforms, and shoes
  • Continuous mentorship and wellness-focused outreach since 2005

Biking For Books & Literacy Initiatives

The Biking 4 Books Initiative led in partnership with Barry Bryant and the R. Whittington Foundation, which was created to eliminate textbook inequality and promote literacy across underserved elementary schools in St. Louis, City. Anchored at Patrick Henry Elementary School as the Central hub and utilizing the Riverfront Trail for the annual ride, the initiative combined academic accountability with community engagement to ensure students received the tools they need to succeed.

  • Raised and directly invested over 300,000.00 in textbooks, purchasing and hand delivering materials to participating schools.
  • Served 6-7 elementary schools annually, with Patrick Henry operating as the coordinating hub.
  • Distributed 500+ bicycles and helmets, ensuring every child could participate and take home both books and a bike. 

Black Girls Who Rock Awards

The Black Girls Who Rock Awards is a national recognition platform that was brought to St. Louis for its inaugural hosting and in collaboration with the R. Whittington Foundation, the National Council of Negro Women, Gateway Metropolitan, Divine Daughters. The first national event held in St. Louis honored 128 women in media, philanthropy, leadership, and beyond, creating a powerful moment of visibility and celebration for black excellence. 

  • Recognized 128 distinguished black women across multiple industries
  • Hosted the first National Black Girls Rock event in St. Louis
  • Elevated presentation, achievement, and cross-sector leadership. 


Dress Up & Suit Up Workforce Initiative

The Dress Up & Suit Up initiative addresses workforce readiness and economic dignity by preparing individuals to enter professional environments with confidence.


  • Hosted at Harris-Stowe State University
  • Distribution of 1,200 custom suits, 250 pairs of athletic shoes, and 100 Mac laptops
  • Integration of job fairs, employer engagement, and mentorship pipelines
  • Exposure to higher education and professional career pathways

Corporate Partnerships & Support

Corporate partnerships are essential to the scalability and sustainability of the Foundation’s p rograms.


  • Partnership with Nike focused on youth empowerment and equity
  • Distribution of more than 2,000 pairs of tennis shoes and backpacks
  • Public-private collaborations supporting long-term community outcomes

Feeding the Unhoused & Crisis Response

For more than 20 years, the Foundation has addressed food insecurity and homelessness through consistent outreach.


  • Origins tied to partnerships with the St. Louis Rams
  • Provision of meals, coats, tents, IDs, mobile phones, and referrals
  • Expanded services during holidays and periods of community crisis

Victims of Crime & Family Support Services

The Foundation provides rapid-response assistance to families impacted by violence or tragedy.


  • Collaboration with city and county police departments
  • Coordination with churches and community leaders
  • Long-term stabilization and healing support

Nelly's Black & White Ball – Scholarship & Community Impact Program

Since 2007, the Black & White Ball has served as an essential scholarship and community impact event dedicated to expanding access to higher education for underserved students across Missouri.

Through collaborative scholarship efforts supported by multiple partners and institutions, the broader initiative has contributed to 440 college graduates to date. The event has also collaborated with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and supported holiday outreach efforts benefiting children and families. 

Winter Wonderland Extravaganza – A 20-Year Tradition of Giving

The Winter Wonderland Extravaganza is a heartfelt holiday event led by the R. Whittington Foundation, dedicated to bringing joy and support to children and families across Missouri.For the past 20 years, this annual toy drive and community outreach has been a cornerstoneof the Foundation’s mission.


Each year, the event provides toys and essential resources to underserved youth in St. Louis C ity, St. Louis County, House Springs Missouri, and Jefferson County. In its most recent year,the Winter Wonderland Extravaganza served over 3,000 children. To date, the R. Whittington Foundation has impacted over 50,000 lives through this and o ther initiatives.

Annual Turkey Drive – Fighting Food Insecurity, One Family at a Time

The Winter Wonderland Extravaganza is a heartfelt holiday event led by the R. Whittington Foundation, dedicated to bringing joy and support to children and families across Missouri.For the past 20 years, this annual toy drive and community outreach has been a cornerstoneof the Foundation’s mission.


Each year, the event provides toys and essential resources to underserved youth in St. Louis C ity, St. Louis County, House Springs Missouri, and Jefferson County. In its most recent year,the Winter Wonderland Extravaganza served over 3,000 children. To date, the R. Whittington Foundation has impacted over 50,000 lives through this and o ther initiatives.

Annual Washer & Dryer Drive – Clean Clothes, Clean Start

The Annual Washer & Dryer Drive is a unique initiative launched after identifying that lack of access to consistent laundry resources was impacting student confidence and attendance. When students do not have reliable access to clean clothing, it can create barriers to showing up consistently and fully engaged.

Schools received 30-washer and dryer sets which

contributed to a 38% percent increase in student attendance, as well as provided detergent, hygiene and school essentials. 

Services, Honors, Awards & Leadership Recognition

The Foundation’s impact has been recognized through numerous honors and leadership a ppointments.

  • 2005 – St. Louis Public Schools Award for Outreach and Community Service
  • 2018 – City of St. Louis Proclamation, former Mayor Francis Slay
  • 2018 – Harris-Stowe State University Outstanding Alumni Leader
  • 2018 – NAACP Freedom Fund Award Winner
  • 2019 – Hazelwood School District Community Partnership Award
  • 2023 – Resolution of Honor, St. Louis County Council – Black Girls Rock Celebration
  • 2023 – Lindenwood University, Doctor of Human Letters, and recognition of R. Whittington F oundation Scholarship
  • 2023 – Legacy Institute Award Winner Annual Turkey Drive – Fighting Food Insecurity, One Family at a Time Annual Washer & Dryer Drive – Clean Clothes, Clean Start Services, Honors, Awards & Leadership Recognition
  • 2024 – President’s Award, May Day Parade – Annie Malone Children & Family Services

Certificate of Community Service, State of Missouri Senate

The Betterment Road Inc. Award of Special Appreciation

Legacy, Impact & The Future

With more than two decades of measurable impact, the R. Whittington Foundation remains c ommitted to education, economic mobility, and equity. Through trust-based partnershipsand sustained investment, the Foundation continues to shape pathways toward long-termsuccess for future generations.