While Friends of Islands Initiatives, Inc.’s major focus remains on providing equipment for the Alexandra Hospital, we make a number of smaller grants in the $500 range for initiatives that also benefit the community. Please note the guidelines in applying for grants under which our 501 (c) 3 U.S. charity must comply.
For organizations desiring to make a grant request to Friends of Islands Initiatives, Inc., please choose one of the following options:
- Email your proposal to info@islandsinitiatives.org
- Visit our Contact Us page
- Send a written proposal to:
Friends of Islands Initiatives, Inc.
1525 Bridge Rd
Eastham, MA 02641
Best Practices for Those Seeking Grants and Donations from our U.S. nonprofit, 501 (c) 3
We intend grants to provide a demonstrable islandwide benefit whenever possible. This must be stated in every grant. Small grants are considered in January when the success of our fundraising is clear.
1. Currently, we are focused on funding Nevis non-profits, approved by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA). One-time events to benefit the entire island community organized by a diverse ad hoc group whose roles and expertise are stated might be considered. Co-sponsorship by a Nevis nonprofit or a ministry of the Nevis Island Administration to which we could grant money would enhance the chances of funding for a one-time event. A statement of how this event provides an islandwide benefit would be particularly important with follow-up criteria to determine whether the goals of community benefit were met. We like creative ideas consistent with our mission statement.
2. Grants and equipment have ranged from small grants of less than $800 to large grants to the Alexandra Hospital.
3. Materials and Equipment purchased and sent from the U.S. are the easiest for Friends of Islands Initiatives, Inc. to fund and verify with the U.S. IRS. Check with NIA to see if the Nevis government container might be used to lessen shipping cost and what you need to do to avoid paying duty as a nonprofit. All purchases must have receipts or invoices with an indication whether the sum is in EC or U.S. dollars. Please include communication with NIA on the use of the Nevis shipping container.
4. When there are supplies left over, the most acceptable resolution would be to save them for an already scheduled similar event or to distribute them to a relevant public organization serving the community such as the Ministry of Education for the public schools or the Public Library. Importantly, these supplies should not be given to individuals, however deserving.
5. For local rentals or services, please note that there must be a competitive bidding process with all known providers given an opportunity to bid on providing the rental or services. Verification for a competitive process can be through a newspaper announcement, documented phone calls or emails with several attempts at communication using different means to ensure that a concerted effort was made to contact providers. If for some reason, the lowest bid was not chosen, objective reasons need to be given for not choosing the lowest bid. Your criteria for choosing the provider should be made clear to the providers. Funding for rentals requires documentation.
6. At this time, paying stipends for teachers, entertainers, and artists are not being considered by our nonprofit due to the rigorous and time-consuming process required by the U.S. IRS to pay individuals. We are an all-volunteer nonprofit, and we do not have resources from afar to undertake the extensive verification process to substantiate a fair and inclusive process with no conflict of interest.
7. Follow-up on all grants should include verification that the equipment or supplies were received or the event occurred. Photos of the item installed, supplies being used, or the event being held would be particularly appreciated for our documentation. Friends of Islands Initiatives, Inc. reserves the right to use photos and testimonials on its website www.islandsinitiatives.org, on its Facebook page, and in its other materials.
8. Thank you for the beneficial work which you do for our community. Please be reminded that the entire Board of Friends of Islands Initiatives, Inc. has the final say on the awarding of grants in keeping with the funds available and with its mission to benefit the entire community.