The Anguilla Community Foundation, which has made substantial grants from its Cares Campaign over the years, is preparing to make its first grant from its General Endowment Fund shortly to non-government organisations and other groups serving the island’s youth.

Board Of Directors Of The Anguilla Community Foundation

This is in observance of the Foundation’s 10th Anniversary. The Foundation is now inviting proposals for funding which should be received by the end of June.

The General Endowment Fund was established in 1999 with an initial gift from Social Security that has been allowed to grow by investment for ten years. Endowments are intended for the long term. Only investment earnings are ever spent. The principal remains invested so that there is always a resource for grants in the future. The nearly US$350,000 which the Foundation has given out in grants since 2002 has not come from the endowment, but from its Anguilla Cares campaigns and the many donors who responded to those campaigns.

Chairperson, Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Lake, outlined the areas of focus and priority for 2009. These include support of organisations that offer young people opportunities for skill development, community involvement, and self-expression which will continue to top the list. Also to be emphasised are services and facilities for seniors, early childhood development and the environment.

The Chairperson reported on the Foundation’s fund-raising and grant-giving activities in 2008 and early 2009. Highlights included the creation of a third scholarship fund for the study of veterinary medicine; successful matching of a challenge grant from the Wings Global Fund; the Obama Inauguration Gala to support the Teacher Noonie Fund founded by Rhona Richardson-Roydon in honour of her mother and devoted to initiatives in early childhood development; the annual classical music concert at Bethel Methodist Church; and several significant donations and grants targeted at youth organisations.

Following Dr. Lake’s report, Carol Baines presented the Nominating Committee’s candidates for election to the Board of Directors who were unanimously approved. Joining the Board will be Perin Bradley, Alison Hughes, Carolle Devonish, Seymour Hodge and Henry F. Owens.

A release concerning the Foundation’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, April 29, at the Teachers’ Resource Centre, stated that as a gesture of support, Director of Social Security, Timothy Hodge, had undertaken to contribute US$15,000 to the Foundation’s charitable funds, bringing the total amount of those funds to the one million mark. In presenting the Treasurer’s report, Sally Randall stated that the contribution was made by Social Security in celebration of the Foundation’s 10th Anniversary and its past charities on the island.

In summarising the Foundation’s financial position, Ms. Randall stated that funds for charitable purposes totalled US$622,014 at the end of 2008. Of this total, approximately 90% is endowed, so that only earnings can be given out in grants. Another 5% is restricted to specific charitable uses at the request of donors. Nonetheless, the Foundation has adequate resources to support the grant-giving priorities for 2009 described by Dr. Lake. As a result of a gift from the Ford Foundation in the United States, the Foundation has adequate funds to cover its operating costs for three years. The Foundation’s gift was a recognition of the accomplishments of the Anguilla Community Foundation during its first ten years. It was also made in honour of the Foundation’s first Executive Director, Carolle Devonish. She led the Foundation through its early years and her experience as President of the Philadelphia Community Foundation proved invaluable.

The final part of the meeting was devoted to reports from representatives of two organisations that have received grants from the Foundation. Mona Fleming told the story of the Sunshine Theater and Girton Connor described the Klassique Dance Company. Other grantee organisations include the Senior Citizens’ Home, the Taekwando Club, Camp BeAware, the Public Library, Alwyn Allison Primary School, the Summer Music Camp, the Boys’ Brigade, the Commonwealth Games, Pony League Basketball, the Children’s Literacy Camp and the Campus B Computer Lab.

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