A fund-raising committee of outside supporters of the DuBois Institute for Afro-American Research has begun to organize a drive to raise a $6.9 million endowment for the institute, Preston N. Williams, acting director of the institute, said yesterday.

The institute, which now has no endowment of its own, plans to use the income from the endowment to provide long-term funding for an expanded program of advanced studies in the history and culture of black Americans.

Williams said the institute's activities now include only a dissertation fellowship program and the sponsorship of two research associates.

Williams refused to explain how the institute is currently funded.

Edward Elson, a member of the fundraising committee, said yesterday he thinks the DuBois Institute now operates on a "large grant from a private source within the university," although he said he was unsure of the fact.

"The fundraising campaign may not have officially begun yet for the committee, although we at the institute feel that it has," Williams said.

Elson, president of the Atlanta News Agency and a member of the fundraising committee, said that the committee plans to have a major organizational meeting with President Bok on May 6.

A brochure to be distributed in the fundraising campaign lists the planned targets of the additional funding:

* The continuation of existing graduate research fellowships.

* The creation of five new fellowships for "outstanding younger scholars whose research promises to be a significant contribution to Afro-American Studies."

* The creation of a senior fellowship program for "accomplished and influential scholars" in the field.

* The publication of a journal.

* The creation of library facilities and bibliographic services.

* The sponsorship of "artists and writers whose talents and achievements are invaluable for understanding Afro-American life and culture."

* The sponsorship of "scholarly meetings," seminars and lectures.