Vicctf Opens Grant Programme With Up To
The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund has officially opened its inaugural call for proposals, offering grants of up to $100,000 for local climate resilience projects and up to $10,000 for organisational capacity building. Eligible BVI-based entities are encouraged to register and submit concept notes through the Trust Fund's portal ahead of upcoming deadlines.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola — Local organisations across the British Virgin Islands are being encouraged to apply for climate resilience funding of up to $100,000 through the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund's (VICCTF) inaugural call for proposals. The grant programme is designed to support practical initiatives addressing critical environmental and sustainability priorities throughout the Territory.
Key focus areas include resilient buildings, clean energy, water security, ecosystem restoration, local food security, and sargassum influx response. In addition to project-specific funding, the Trust is offering capacity-building grants of up to $10,000 to help organisations strengthen core operational areas, including governance, financial management systems, and project-delivery capabilities.
The opportunity is open to a broad range of entities based in the Virgin Islands, including non-governmental organisations, community-based groups, faith-based organisations, academic institutions, private businesses, government agencies, and statutory bodies. While collaborative partnerships are strongly encouraged, the Trust confirmed that applications submitted directly by individuals will not be accepted.
VICCTF Chief Executive Officer Chamberlain Emmanuel highlighted the significance of the initiative for the Territory, noting that this first call provides an important avenue for Virgin Islands organisations to turn practical ideas into projects that strengthen local communities and build a more climate-smart future.
Emmanuel urged prospective applicants to start preparing early to take full advantage of available guidance. Applying involves a structured three-stage process. Organisations must first register as a Partner at www.vicctf.org and complete a Tier Rating Assessment to establish the maximum grant amount they are eligible to receive.
Registered groups must then prepare and submit a Concept Note by September 23, 2026. Applicants whose Concept Notes are approved will subsequently be invited to submit a Full Project Proposal by October 14, 2026. The full proposal form will not be publicly accessible during the initial stage and will be provided exclusively to successful Concept Note applicants.
Because the online Concept Note portal does not autosave, the Trust recommends that applicants download the available Word template as a working document before transferring their final responses online. The VICCTF also stated that applicants may use artificial intelligence tools to assist in drafting Concept Notes in accordance with published guidelines, though applicants remain responsible for ensuring all submissions are accurate, complete, and their own original work.
To support applicants, the VICCTF has launched a dedicated helpline via WhatsApp at +1 (284) 345-7207 and by email at grants@vicctf.org. Weekly virtual question-and-answer sessions are being held every Wednesday, alongside in-person support sessions across the sister islands. Grant awards will be determined based on published criteria and review committee recommendations, subject to final approval by the Board of Trustees, with funds disbursed once formal agreements are executed.
Primary source: VINO