The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) has announced the availability of funding to support studies and activities in the insular Caribbean that address environmental concerns that transcend the boundaries of a single island or island state. Funded by the Judith A. Towle Environmental Studies Fund at CFVI, up to $8,000 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 work, interests and commitment of Judith Ann Towle to increase environmental awareness in the Eastern Caribbean. Grants will be awarded based on the potential of the proposed project to promote an innovative and integrated approach to addressing shared environmental concerns across island boundaries and for projects that contribute to transboundary solutions for environmental problems that threaten long-term environmental sustainability.
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.
Award criteria. Applications will be reviewed by an advisory committee of individuals familiar with the award, the insular Caribbean and environmental initiatives in the region. Applicants should note the following in preparing their submissions:
The fund is seeking projects that are original and innovative, and applications will be evaluated on how well the proposed activity is breaking new ground rather than merely replicating projects that have been done before. In addition, applicants are encouraged to propose projects that demonstrate on-the-ground results, particularly for enhancing local education and citizen awareness.
For applications supporting a research activity, applicants should note that the fund only supports applied research studies, and the outcome or findings of the project should 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 must demonstrate a working knowledge of the broader field of research and how the proposed project fits within this larger field of study. Additionally, the proposal should address how the research accommodates local resources and capacity.
Proposed projects need not identify multiple islands in order to extend project findings or tangible outputs beyond the physical boundaries of a single Caribbean Island. However, the methodology employed and the anticipated results must demonstrate transboundary solutions that can be applied to shared environmental problems that extend across island boundaries.
Application process. Applications, will be accepted as single-file attachments, not to exceed four 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: Sept. 30.
Application Format. Use the following section headers when preparing the proposal. The first nine items noted below must appear in the proposal, and all information requested within each must be included in the application. The proposal must follow this format.
1)Â Â Â Â Â Project Title.
2)Â Â Â Â Â Applicant (select one):
Individual: Identify Individual
Non-profit Institution: Identify Non-profit Institution
3)Â Â Â Â Â 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)Â Â Â Â Summary of Project. A two or three sentence introduction that briefly summarizes the project and provides the reader with a quick overview.
6)Â Â Â Â 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. Clarify how the proposed activity relates to the objective of the Towle Fund. If the proposed activity is an extension of or related to an associated project already underway or completed, please explain.
7)Â Â Â Â Time Frame. Identify when the project will begin and end.
8)Â Â Â Â Budget. Amount of money requested and how it will be expended.
9)    References. Provide the names and contact information for 3 persons familiar with the applicant’s work and accomplishments.
10)Â Â Additional Information. Supporting documentation may be submitted, not to exceed an additional three pages. Documentation exceeding three pages will not be considered as part of the review process.
Grant Award. A grant will be made in 2022 not to exceed $8,000. The 2022 award announcement will be made no later than Dec. 1, 2022.
Questions about this grant opportunity should be directed to general.info@cfvi.net.
