Together, We Have the Power to Impact Lives
See Our Latest Work With House Springs Elementary School
A Non-Profit Organization Inspiring Change from St. Louis to Chicago
This website is an impartial introduction to the multitude of opportunities sanctioned by the R. Whittington Foundation, a non-profit organization that offers educational scholarships to students from the St. Louis area to Chicago. We are obliged to thank you for acknowledging our efforts within the community by visiting our site.
We recognize the mere fact our mission to impact communities one initiative at a time is only possible through the charitable support of constituents like you. The R. Whittington Foundation prevails to not only diminish financial deficits present within households but also to address deficits of inspiration amongst the ascending generations. Together, we have the power to impact lives, to inspire change in communities, and influence generations for the better.
Last year students at Peabody Elementary School were surprised when Barry Bryant and Rickey Whittington, presented them with 500 new bikes. Barry operates Biking 4 Books and Rickey runs the R. Whittington Foundation. After the two were at a safety fair for Peabody Elementary, where they auctioned off 6 bikes, they realized just how much the children loved the bikes and wanted to give all the students their very own bike. You can learn more about this incredible story here!
I would like to give a big thanks to David Noble & Midland States Bank Foundation as we partner together to donate $75,000 to the Anheuser-Busch School of business at Stowe State University. These funds will be used to assist students that attend the Anheuser-Busch school of business at Harris-Stowe State university. In addition, the R. Whittington Foundation Award Ceremony donated over $320,000 this year to local universities towards scholarships and institutions.
Scholarships
$20,000,000
Toys Distributed
250,000
Families Fed
100,000
Introductory
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Biking4Books
$195,000 for textbooks. Gave away over 500 bikes.
Washers/Dryers Donated
30 Sets donated to Elementary Schools with 6-months worth of detergent.
St. Louis Suit Project
Over 300,000 suits donated which included men's suit jackets, business shirts, ties, slacks, women's clothing & Bespoke Apparel. Special thank you to Ben Lawler and David Corbitt.
Care Packages
20,000 Included: Soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, undergarments, T-shirts, bookbags, over 450 new coats, other daily hygiene items, over 7,000 school supply items & over 850 school uniforms.
Love Wins. 2025 Holiday Extravaganza for Murphy Elementary School in Highridge, MO.
