Feb. 29, 2004 – The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands is inviting all local not-for-profit organizations in the territory to submit information to be included in a directory intended to connect potential donors with community needs and the agencies addressing those needs.
According to Dee Baecher-Brown, CFVI president, the foundation "has launched an initiative with the purpose of strengthening the non-profit sector" in the Virgin Islands. "The first project in this effort is the creation of a directory of such agencies."
Baecher-Brown said in a release that "many philanthropists come to CFVI requesting guidance as to how to direct their financial contributions. This directory will serve as a resource to introduce financial contributors to all of the non-profit organizations that choose to be listed."
The directory also will be available to members of the community seeking services and volunteer opportunities, the release stated..
In order to be included in the directory, an organization must submit information on a survey form that CFVI has prepared. The questionnaire was mailed out to many organizations; any group that did not receive one but would like to be included in the directory can download it from the Community Foundation Web site. On the main page, below the conch shell to the right and the title "Attention USVI Non-Profit Organizations," click on the word "Download."
The survey asks for contact information, the organization's primary purpose and mission statement, programs, paid vs. volunteer staffing, board membership, background of leaders, operating budget breakdowns, sources of income, populations served, geographic outreach, and whether the organization has 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status with the Internal Revenue Services.
Survey respondents also are asked to rank various categories of challenges in terms of relative importance to their organizations and to submit a "wish list" of needs in terms of program resources, capital items and services.
Completed survey forms may be submitted by mail, by fax or in person. They must be received by the CFVI offices on St. Thomas by March 12.
For more information about the foundation, see CFVI Be an Angel or call 774-6031.
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