The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund (VICCTF) has opened its first Call for Proposals with a scoring incentive designed to spread climate-resilience benefits beyond Tortola and toward the territory’s most vulnerable residents. Photo: Facebook

While acknowledging that many applicants are based in Tortola, the Trust is explicitly encouraging organisations to “think of Anegada, think of Virgin Gorda, think of Jost Van Dyke” when designing projects. Photo: VINO/File

Under the guidelines shared by CEO Mr Chamberlain Emmanuel, applicants can earn an extra 10 points for projects that serve outer islands such as Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost van Dyke, and for initiatives that directly benefit vulnerable groups in society. 

Bonus points aim to balance geographic and social reach

While acknowledging that many applicants are based in Tortola, the Trust is explicitly encouraging organisations to “think of Anegada, think of Virgin Gorda, think of Jost van Dyke” when designing projects. 

According to the CEO, this approach rewards two dimensions at once, which are geographic distribution, through projects implemented in or primarily benefiting Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke, and other outer islands; and vulnerable-group impact, through initiatives that assist the most vulnerable in society, such as low-income households, elderly residents, persons with disabilities, and others disproportionately affected by climate shocks. 

Two grant pathways

The first funding round includes two pathways: a Community Resilience Grant (CFP‑1) for organisations ready to implement adaptation or mitigation projects, and a Capacity-Building Grant (CFA‑1) for groups that need to strengthen their operations before delivering larger projects. Some entities may qualify for both, depending on their readiness.

To help applicants from all islands, VICCTF is running virtual workshops and weekly Q&A sessions, plus in‑person drop‑in clinics on Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke, and Anegada. Organisations are asked to register as partners via the Trust’s Partnership Alliance Registration (PAR) at www.vicctf.org before applying, which also helps staff recommend the best funding option.