The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, Inc. (“CFVI” or “Foundation”) has matched donors with community causes for more than 30 years, striving to ensure the highest quality of life for both present and future generations of Virgin Islanders. CFVI was established to bring together the financial resources of individuals, businesses and families to support important causes and provide localized solutions for individuals and organizations in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
CFVI both stewards and grows resources while making grants and supporting programs in the community. One primary objective of the Foundation is to build a growing collection of funds, the income from which will be used to enhance the educational, physical, social, cultural and environmental well-being of the islands’ residents. We serve multiple stakeholders 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, grantors and the public as the center of non-profit administration excellence in the Virgin Islands, a thought leader within the territory, and a strong community cross-sector facilitator. With a skilled professional staff and an accomplished volunteer board of directors composed of community leaders, CFVI is a trusted advocate and supporter of programs that ensure opportunity and sustainability.
In 1990, visionary community members came together to create a philanthropic organization which would provide long-lasting impact to Virgin Islanders, and with a $540,000 initial donation from Ambassador Henry and Charlotte Kimelman, the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands was created. December 2022 marked CFVI’s 32nd anniversary.
“We could not be more appreciative of our remarkable community, wonderful nonprofit partners, dedicated board members and staff and are immensely grateful to our amazing network of generous donors,” said CFVI President, Dee Baecher-Brown, who joined the organization in 1996.
Since its establishment, CFVI has awarded more than $55 million in grants and $3.7 million in scholarships. Grants have supported and benefited our community by expanding early childhood education and service for vulnerable populations, establishing environmental and marine recovery and resilience, supporting organizations providing health and trauma intervention and disaster recovery programs, recognizing and supporting the importance of the arts and humanities in the community, as well as a wide variety of essential initiatives contributing to the well-being of Virgin Islanders.
Today, with assets of $18 million, CFVI is committed to the future of the Virgin Islands. With a full-time professional staff of seven and a volunteer board of more than 13 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 multiple catastrophic hurricanes, a global pandemic, and the day-to-day needs of every community, 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 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.
