The Community Foundation ot the Virgin Islands (CFVI) has announced that 30 community groups and organizations have been awarded a total of $23,310 in grants through the 2013 CFVI Mini-Grant Program. These grant awards, which range in size from $500 to $1,000, were selected from among 54 applicants who submitted a wide variety of proposals. "CFVI is delighted to continue our commitment to individuals and programs who provide enriching experiences for children and families. Now in our 17th year, the CFVI Mini-Grant Program has funded 715 grants, for a total of $449,570," said President Dee Baecher-Brown.
CFVI mini-grants support the Community 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 in our communities.
Applications are received from St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. Some examples of successful grant applications include:
• The Virgin Islands Chapter Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Youth Aviation Club (VYAC), based al the St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center, will provide opportunities for students to attend flying camps over the summer while exposing them to hundreds of career opportunities in the field of aviation. VYAC will also provide scholarships/grants information and assistance to students interested in pursuing careers in the field of aviation.
The St. Thomas Swim Association will run an eight-week Learn to Swim program where they plan to provide free or subsidized lessons to children in need who would like to learn to swim and/or be a part of the swim team. They will teach vital water safety instructions and learn to swim skills
• The Plant After-Care Program is starting with Julius E. Sprauve School in Cruz Bay, St.
John. Parents and children will be encouraged to work together to plant a garden filled with food that the school’s kitchen can use to provide healthy and nutritious meals.
The foundation was established in 1990. It has grown to more than 100 funds and scholarships created by individuals and businesses. 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 the Web site at www.cfvi.net. The following is a complete list of the recipients.