May 30, 2008 – Through the Judith A. Towle Environmental Studies Fund at the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, applications are currently available to request support for studies and activities that address environmental concerns that transcend the boundaries of any single island or island state, particularly in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and in the dual-island state of St. Kitts and Nevis.
One of more grants will be made to support activities that include internships, research studies by graduate students, workshops, seminars and lectureships, or publications. Total funding available in 2008 is $5000.
The Judith A. Towle Fund was established at CFVI in recognition of the work, interests and commitment of Judith Ann Towle to increase environmental awareness in the Eastern Caribbean. The first environmental studies award from the Fund was made in 2005 to assist with a joint proposal from the St. Christopher Heritage Society and the Nevis Heritage and Conservation Society. In 2006, an award was made to the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park to support the 50th Anniversary Conference on Marine and Terrestrial Scientific Research in the V.I. National Park. A 2007 award was made to Friends of Lindqvist Transformation to support beach cleanups, water quality monitoring, soil quality monitoring, and public education and outreach in the U.S.V.I. and B.V.I.
Initial funding for the endowed Fund – approximately $70,000 – was provided primarily by the Mukti Fund, a private, U.S.-based philanthropic foundation. Judith Towle was a member of the board of trustees of the Mukti Fund from 1991-2004, serving as its chair for six of those years.
Additional information and applications for other grants are available from CFVI. Currently there are more than 90 named funds at the foundation providing scholarships, grants and supporting programs in the U.S.V.I. CFVI sponsors The Family Connection, a territory-wide initiative to enrich the early childhood environment, and the Fatherhood Collaborative, which focuses on the importance of responsible fatherhood for our children and produces the annual KIDS COUNT report on the status of children and families in the V.I.
Individuals or businesses wishing to know more about CFVI or interested in establishing a fund should call 774-6031.
