Who We Are

Who We Are

 

CFVI was created to serve both donors and non-profit organizations of the Virgin Islands that want to ensure the highest quality of life for both present and future generations. Our primary goal is to build a growing collection of permanent funds, the income from which will be used to enhance the educational, physical, social, cultural and environmental well-being of the islands' people.

CFVI supports donors and nonprofit organizations through strategic grantmaking that focuses on core programs as well as innovative projects that show promise of developing into longer?term responses to community needs. We also provide technical assistance to community nonprofits in the areas of financial management, fundraising, board development, communications and public relations.

CFVI is recognized among donors, nonprofit organizations, and the public as a thought leader, center of non-profit administration excellence, and cross-sector facilitator.

With a professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, CFVI is a trusted advocate and supporter of programs that ensure opportunity and sustainability.

Our History

In 1990, in the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo, community members came together to create a philanthropic vehicle for lasting impact, and with a $540,000 initial donation from Ambassador Henry and Charlotte Kimelman, the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands was born. December 2023 marked CFVI’s 33rd anniversary. “We are so grateful to our wonderful community and nonprofit partners, our network of generous donors, and our dedicated board members and staff,” said CFVI President Dee Baecher-Brown, who joined the organization in 1996.

Since its establishment, CFVI has awarded more than $60 million in grants and $3.9 million in scholarships benefiting USVI residents. Grants have supported and expanded early childhood education, services for vulnerable populations, environmental and marine recovery and resilience, health, trauma intervention and recovery, and a variety of essential initiatives contributing to the well-being of residents. Today, with assets of $18 million, CFVI is committed to meeting the long-term needs of the community. With a full-time professional staff of eight and 13 volunteer board members, the Foundation provides administrative oversight to more than 150 named funds and programs.

“It has been 30 plus years of living, listening and learning, challenges, celebrations and expansion,” said Baecher-Brown. “Through hurricanes, a global pandemic, and everything in between, the Foundation has been honored to serve as a trusted link between philanthropic dollars and impact-driven nonprofits and initiatives in the territory. This has been our mission since day one. As we joyfully head into the next 30 years, we continue to build forward in love and appreciation for our Virgin Islands." To support the work of CFVI, donations can be made at http://cfvi.co/AngelDonation.

Our Mission

To be a catalyst for positive change and enrich the quality of life in the Virgin Islands while preserving our islands’ unique cultural heritage by inspiring philanthropy, strengthening nonprofits and engaging the community. We do this by connecting people and resources with community needs.

Our Vision

A vibrant, thriving Virgin Islands with opportunity for all fostered by a culture of generous giving.

Our Values

  • Leadership – as a territory-wide community foundation providing grants, scholarships, and technical assistance in the Virgin Islands
  • Collaboration – trusting in the power of partnerships to create a more positive and transformative impact
  • Knowledge – with a deep understanding of the Virgin Islands culture and the opportunities and challenges
  • Equity and Inclusion – believing that all voices are vital to the territory's future
  • Integrity – being honest, open, ethical and reliable in everything we do
  • Accountability – to our donors, partners and the community
  • Sustainability – championing actions that support long-term social, environmental and economic solutions

Our Focus Areas

  • Children, Youth and Families
  • Community
  • Early Childhood
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Health and Human Services
  • Humanities and the Arts
  • Disaster Recovery Assistance

The mission of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with almost 200 CFC campaigns throughout the country and overseas raisingmillions of dollars each year. Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season supports eligible non-profit organizations, like CFVI, that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

To learn more about the CFC, click here.

CFVI Combined Federal Campaign Information:
CFC Sunshine Zone 22
CFV# 45789
EIN 66-0470703

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