A St. Louis Organization Dedicated to Community and Philanthropy

The R. Whittington Foundation is a resource for the region from St. Louis to Chicago. This charity organization is dedicated to philanthropy and positively impacting the lives of those underserved, overlooked and disenfranchised. Rickey Whittington is the founder of the Foundation and knows firsthand the heartbreak of growing up in a neighborhood ravaged by poverty, drugs and lack of opportunity, yet overcoming it all!

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Rickey Whittington and the R. Whittington Foundation

Executive Summary



Rickey Whittington is a servant leader whose lifelong dedication to philanthropy, community service, and economic development has transformed the lives of countless individuals in the St. Louis region and beyond. Known for his generosity of time, resources, and wisdom, Whittington embodies the principle of providing “hand-ups” rather than hand-outs, empowering individuals and families to thrive. His work has had a ripple effect across generations, creating pathways of opportunity in education, mentoring, and economic advancement.



Under his leadership, the R. Whittington Foundation has emerged as a catalyst for change, addressing critical community needs with sustainable, long-term solutions. From scholarships and mentorship to programs that provide professional attire, career prospects, and essential resources, the Foundation has built an ecosystem of care and empowerment. Its initiatives are powered through strong partnerships with universities, corporations, community organizations, and civic leaders, amplifying its impact across the region.


About Rickey Whittington

Rickey Whittington is a visionary with a heart for the progress of the underserved and marginalized within the St. Louis community. He has cultivated relationships with leaders, organizations, and institutions to ensure equitable opportunities for underserved populations. His leadership style reflects humility, perseverance, and innovation anchored in a belief that community transformation begins with dignity and empowerment.


Recognition and Honors

Rickey Whittington’s tireless work has been widely recognized, with honors including:

  • 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 Foundation Scholarship
  • 2023 – Legacy Institute Award Winner
  • 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



Board Leadership: St. Louis Venture Works, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, NAACP St. Louis County

About the R. Whittington Foundation

The R. Whittington Foundation serves as a vehicle for Rickey Whittington’s vision: to uplift communities through education, empowerment, and equity. It operates with the belief that true impact comes not from temporary relief, but from building systems of sustainable support.


The Foundation’s focus areas include:

  • Scholarships & Education – Creating pathways to higher education and financial accessibility.
  • Career & Mentorship – Connecting students and professionals with mentors, job placements, and development opportunities.
  • Dress Up & Suit Up – Providing attire and confidence-building resources for interviews, internships, and first jobs.
  • Community Care – Meeting critical needs of families with supplies, resources, and emergency assistance.

Partnerships and Collaborative Impact

The Foundation’s strength lies in its collaborative model. Partnerships with universities, corporations, nonprofits, and community organizations amplify its reach and resources.


Major Scholarship Partnerships:

  • Missouri State University, Lindenwood University, Harris-Stowe State University, St. Louis University, Webster University, University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou)
  • Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, Nelly’s Black and White Ball, Ron Isley Scholarship Foundation
  • Spirit of St. Louis, Infinite Scholars, Plaza Motors, Asbury Corporation, Biking for Books, and dozens of churches

Highlights of Community Investment:

  • Raised $195,000 for textbooks for St. Louis Public Schools
  • Partnered with Cardinals Care, Nelly, Dr. Duwan Warmack, and Bill Dewitt, raising $1.2 million to dedicate Start Park Field
  • Donated 20 washer/dryer sets to schools across Missouri and Illinois
  • Partnered with Nike to provide 2,000+ pairs of tennis shoes and backpacks for inner-city youth
  • Distributed 10,000+ Community Care Packages with personal essentials and school supplies for elementary students
  • Supported the unhoused in partnership with the St. Louis Rams, providing job placement, IDs, hygiene, and housing support
  • Distributed 3,000+ professional suits through the St. Louis Suit Project

Signature Programs

Dress Up & Suit Up

  • Partnerships with Harris-Stowe State University and other institutions
  • Immersive college campus experience for high school students
  • Career fair, job placement, and mentorship opportunities for college students
  • Resource distribution: 1,200 suits, 250 pairs of shoes, 100 Mac laptops, and financial aid grants


Community Care Package Program

  • Over 10,000 packages distributed to K–5 students, including uniforms, hygiene essentials, and learning resources


Mentorship and Educational Support

  • More than 20 elementary schools in St. Louis supported over two decades
  • Programs include Biking 4 Books, wellness initiatives, and back-to-school drives


Scholarships

  • Dozens of annual scholarships awarded in partnership with universities and foundations
  • Supporting first-generation students, under-resourced communities, and high-achieving leaders

Lasting Impact

The work of Rickey Whittington and the R. Whittington Foundation has redefined community service in the St. Louis region. The measurable outcomes include:


  • Millions of dollars raised and distributed for education, community development, and family support
  • Thousands of students mentored, equipped, and connected to higher education and career opportunities
  • Hundreds of families supported annually with care, mentoring, and direct assistance
  • Ripple effects across generations, with programs creating sustainable cycles of empowerment

Conclusion

Rickey Whittington’s vision and the Foundation’s efforts embody the highest ideals of servant leadership and community empowerment. By merging partnerships, philanthropy, and hands-on service, the R. Whittington Foundation has become a cornerstone for sustainable impact in St. Louis. Its legacy is not just in numbers but in lives transformed, students achieving dreams, families strengthened, and communities empowered to thrive.