Hello,
We tried! Silent Partners Providence was formed by two friends, Ben Sisto and Dailen Williams, with the intention of continually raising funds for Black artists and organizers in the area; to work against white supremacy and create new opportunities for expression and growth.
The effort proved to be more challenging than anticipated as we both experienced fluctuations in personal freelance income, family health, and other obligations. That said, the funds raised were instrumental for the continual operation of an underground space that centers BIPOC and Queer artists, offers classes and workshops, and generally keeps the classic spirit of Providence's underground alive. We consider that a win!
For now, Silent Partners Providence is pausing. That said, if you have deep pockets and don't know what to do with all those coins, please reach out and we'll help.
In the sections below, you’ll see an archive of copy / images related to both the Providence and Brooklyn editions of SP.
Ben + Dailen
Formation
Silent Partners has been a model through which Black artists and community organizers, and white funders, partner to combat unequal outcomes resulting from institutional white supremacy within traditional granting opportunities. We’ve provide no-strings economic support to Black artists and community organizers in both Providence, R.I. and Brooklyn, NY.
We supported work rooted in/reflective of the community with the potential to enrich the collective. Providence was the project’s second instance, and was being facilitated by Dailen Williams with support from Ben Sisto. Sisto co-founded SP with D’hana Perry in Brooklyn in 2020. SP’s logo and visual identity is by Jaylen Taylor.
Our Model: Partners (white people) refrain from discussing involvement online in effort to reduce virtue signaling. Partners are removed from the granting process entirely; they never see applications or know the makeup of panels. Partners are however, asked to contact other potential funders and initiate conversations about antiracist project models, and their own roles in upholding white supremacist systems.
While many of our grant recipients are now known, partners participate with the knowledge they may never know exactly where their money is going. Our position is that any conditionality—such as asking grantees for receipts, documentation, or requiring that names be made public—would undermine the concept of Reparations.
SP Providence issued its first funds in June of 2025.
White People FAQ
Is Silent Partners a 501c3?
We are not a 501c3 or 501c4, more of a giving circle. This model isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. We’re an option, not the answer. Our project relies heavily on trust and personal relationships, and we encourage funders to ask questions and share well-intentioned critiques.
Silence? Doesn’t silence = violence?
Our exercise seeks to decentralize the role of white people and white money in the narratives of Black creativity and prosperity. The silent in Silent Partners is about making space, and is specific to this project.
To be anti-racist, white partners must continue to be vocal supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement at both public demonstrations and with their vote.
What if money is given to an individual or organization that funders disagree with?
Black people are not a monolith. We are not here to say what Black views, opinions, and projects matter, or to impose any sort of litmus test. We are here to say all Black views, opinions, and projects matter. Our panel is free to allocated funds in whatever ways they feel are most appropriate. We don’t do refunds.
Brooklyn: A Case Study
Between 2020–2021 we were able to raise just shy of $40k, allowing our Brooklyn panel to respond to many requests for support. The panel also hired a designer, Jaylen Taylor, who created our logo and brand. Panelists were also compensated for their time.
Below are some of the folks who received support. They represent and incredible cross-section of talents and backgrounds—click on a portrait for more info.
Note: On mobile, you’ll have to look for a tiny grey dot in the lower right of your screen to toggle-on more info.
From left to right / top to bottom: D'hana, Jaylen, Dailen, and Ben.
Thanks for reading!
Silent Partners Providence is supported, in part, by Awesome Foundation Rhode Island. AFRI hosts this page to help keep SP’s costs down. Applying to, or being funded by one project does not disqualify you from applying to the other; review panels are fully separate.