The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) has announced that 30 community groups / organizations have been awarded a total of $21,614 in grants through the 2012 CFVI Mini-Grant program. These grant awards, which range in size from $500 to $1,000, were selected from among 66 applicants who submitted a wide variety of proposals. “CFVI is delighted to be able to continue this Mini Grant Program for the 16th consecutive year, bringing the total projects funded over the years to 660, for a value of $426,260.” said President Dee Baecher-Brown.
CFVI mini-grants support the foundation’s mission to enhance the educational, physical, social, cultural and environmental well-being of children, youth and families in the Virgin Islands. Mini-grants support a wide range of service organizations and individuals working to provide positive alternatives and enrich the lives of children and families.
Applications are received from St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island. Some examples of successful grant applications include:
· University of the Virgin Islands / VI Marine Advisory Service will have a week long summer program to introduce students to the Marine Science Field. Students will learn about coral reefs and seek to understand the impact humans have on the health and future of the reefs around the USVI. The grant will be used to show how marine scientists interact with their environment to gather new data by supporting a snorkeling field trip to the coral reefs around St. Thomas.
· Materials for costumes will be purchased for the STAR Summer Program, which has provided high quality theater experience for youth ages 8-16, on St. Croix for 20 years. The program offers classes in acting, singing, dancing and stage craft on a daily basis (8 a.m.-3 p.m.) for a four-week period. During this time a musical production will be prepared, culminating in two public performances.
· St. John Rescue will conduct CPR training for the students and faculty at the Julius Sprauve School where CPR kits will be provided to each student.
The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands was established in 1990. It has grown to more than 100 funds and scholarships created by individuals and businesses to support educational, environmental, social and cultural initiatives in the Virgin Islands. In addition to the annual mini grants, CFVI also gives annual teacher grants for innovative classroom projects and annual summer enrichment and college scholarships.
For more information, call CFVI at 774-6031 or visit its Web site at www.cfvi.net.
