CFVI Accepting Proposals for 2023 funding

from the Judith A. Towle Environmental Studies Fund

U.S. Virgin Islands, September 26, 2023 — The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) announces the availability of funding to support studies and activities that highlight environmental issues that transcend the boundaries of any single island or island state in the insular Caribbean. Funded by the Judith A. Towle Environmental Studies Fund at CFVI, up to $5,000 is available to support activities that include internships, research studies, workshops, seminars, lectureships, citizen science, or publications.

The Judith A. Towle Environmental Studies Fund was established at CFVI in 2003 in recognition of the commitment of Judith Towle to increasing environmental awareness in the Caribbean. Grants are awarded for innovative and integrated projects that contribute to solutions for shared environmental concerns in the insular Caribbean. While the proposed project may focus on a single island, it must have transboundary relevance.

Who Is Eligible? Applications may be submitted by (1) individuals who are residents of the insular Caribbean and (2) not-for-profit institutions based in the insular Caribbean. Graduate students may also submit applications for research projects focused on the insular Caribbean. Applications will NOT be accepted from for-profit organizations or from government entities.

Award Criteria. Applications will be reviewed by an advisory committee appointed by the CFVI. Applicants should note the following in preparing their submissions:

1. The methodology employed and the anticipated results must demonstrate transboundary solutions that can be applied to shared environmental problems in the insular Caribbean.
2. The Fund is seeking projects that are original and innovative. In addition, applicants are encouraged to propose projects that display on-the-ground results, particularly for enhancing local environmental knowledge and awareness.
3. Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate ways to apply global environmental issues—such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and nature-based solutions—to local circumstances.
4. For applications supporting a research activity, the Fund only supports applied research studies that prioritize practical applications. If the proposed research is a piece of a larger field of study, but one to be executed on a local island platform, the applicant should demonstrate a working knowledge of the broader field of research and how the proposed project fits within that field of study while accommodating local resources and capacity.  

Application Process. Applications will be accepted as single-file attachments, not to exceed four (4) single-spaced typed pages, sent via email to general.info@cfvi.net. Please use the subject line: APPLICATION FOR JUDITH TOWLE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES FUND. 

Application Submission Deadline: October 30, 2023.

Application Format. Use the following ten (10) headers when preparing your proposal. All information requested within each header must be included. Please note that all proposals must follow this format.

1) PROJECT TITLE. 

2) NAME OF APPLICANT (select one):

Individual: Identify Individual

Non-profit Institution: Identify Non-profit Institution

3) CONTACT INFORMATION. Name, address, telephone number(s) and email address of the applicant. If applicant is an institution, a contact person at the institution must be provided.

4) APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS. A brief introduction to the applicant, highlighting the applicant’s qualifications for undertaking the proposed project.

5) SHORT SUMMARY OF PROJECT. A two or three sentence introduction that briefly summarizes the project and provides the reader with a quick overview.

6) PROPOSED ACTIVITY. A fuller description of the proposed activity, including who will do what; the extent of local collaboration and partnership; and anticipated accomplishments, results, or products.

7) TIME FRAME. Identify when the project will begin and end.

8) HOW THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY RELATES TO THE OBJECTIVE OF THE TOWLE FUND. Explain how the proposed activity furthers the overall purpose of the Towle Fund.

9) BUDGET. Amount of money requested and how it will be expended.

10) REFERENCES. Provide the names and contact information for 3 persons familiar with the applicant’s work and accomplishments.

Supporting documentation may be submitted, not to exceed an additional three (3) pages. Documentation exceeding three pages will not be considered as part of the review process.

Grant Award. A grant will be made in 2023 not to exceed $5,000. The 2023 award announcement will be made no later than December 15, 2023. 

Questions about this grant opportunity should be directed to general.info@cfvi.net. 

NOTE TO MEDIA: This information is also available on cfvi.net.

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About the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands

Since 1990, the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) has been a catalyst for positive change in the territory through initiatives committed to youth, learning, family support and the environment. With a professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, CFVI is a trusted advocate and supporter of programs that ensure opportunity and sustainability for current and future generations. CFVI is a registered non-profit organization entirely supported by individual donors, grants, trusts, corporate donations and estate planning. For more information, visit cfvi.net.