Media release — The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) announces the availability of funding to support studies and activities that address environmental concerns that transcend the boundaries of a single island or island state in the insular Caribbean. Funded through the Judith A. Towle Environmental Studies Fund at CFVI, up to $4,500 is available to support activities that include internships, research studies, workshops, seminars and lectureships, 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:

1. 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. 
2.  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 three (3) single-spaced typed pages, sent via email to annas@cfvi.net. Please use the subject line: APPLICATION FOR JUDITH TOWLE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES FUND. 

The following information is required:

• Contact Information: Name, address, telephone number and email address of the applicant. If applicant is an institution, a contact person at the institution must be provided.
• Applicant Qualifications: A brief introduction to the applicant, highlighting the applicant’s qualifications for undertaking the proposed project.
• Proposed Activity: Description of the proposed activity, including who will do what within what timeframe, and what are the anticipated accomplishments, results or products of the activity.
• Relate proposed activity to objective of the Towle Fund: Assessment of how the proposed activity furthers the overall purpose of the Towle Fund.
• Budget: Amount of money requested and how it will be expended.
• References: Names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of 3 persons familiar with the applicant’s work and accomplishments.
• Additional information: 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.

Application Deadline. September 30, 2020.

Grant Award. A grant will be made in 2020 not to exceed $4,500. The 2020 award will be made no later than December 1, 2020.

Contact Information. Questions about this grant opportunity should be directed to Anna Wheatley Scarbriel, CFVI Director of Grants and Programs, at annas@cfvi.net.

[Image: NESA by Makers]