Building Forward Fund

Geographic Scope: U.S. Virgin Islands

Overview:
The Building Forward Fund (BFF) is a donor-directed relief and recovery funding mechanism created by CFVI's Board of Directors in January 2019. The fund was designed to build on the Foundation's relief and recovery grant-making ($16 million) following the hurricanes of September 2017.

Purpose:

• Support ongoing efforts to deepen and expand recovery from natural disasters
• Build forward to a better community for all Virgin Islanders in the aftermath of storms
• Provide immediate assistance in the event of future emergency needs in the USVI

History and Current Use:

• Originally created post-Hurricane Maria (September 2017) recovery efforts
• Repurposed to assist with COVID-19 Crisis Relief and Recovery beginning March 16, 2020
• 100% of all donations to the Building Forward Fund from March 16, 2020 onward have been dedicated to assisting with needs related to COVID-19 (until coronavirus needs are met, or funds are fully distributed)

Special Attention:

• Supporting and protecting the Territory's most vulnerable populations
• Assisting children and families
• Helping those impacted by economic hardship

Fund Distribution:

• Distributions determined by the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation
• Any remaining funds after COVID-19 needs are met will be dedicated to recovery efforts for future disasters/crises in the Territory
• CFVI has directed funding to nonprofits providing support to vulnerable citizens: children, seniors, homeless, and low-income families
• Provides flexibility to help the community address emerging needs

Grantee Focus Areas to Date:

• Nonprofit organizations providing support to vulnerable populations
• Children's services and programs
• Senior assistance programs
• Homeless support services
• Low-income family assistance

Alternative Funding Options:
CFVI encourages donors with a more defined area of focus or specific projects to consider:

• Establishing a Donor-Advised Fund
• Creating a Fiscal Sponsorship

Contact Information:

• Email: general.info@cfvi.net
• Address: PO Box 380, St. Thomas, USVI 00804
• Phone: 340-774-6031
• Fax: 340-774-3852

Contribution Methods:

• Online donation via PayPal
• Wire transfers (for larger donations)
• Checks (for larger donations)

Recognition:

• CFVI is recognized among donors, nonprofit organizations, and the public as a thought leader for responsible fiscal and administrative excellence
• Demonstrates track record of administering significant grants to organizations and nonprofits that enhance the educational, physical, social, cultural, and environmental welfare of the USVI

Application Process

This is a donor-directed fund, not a grant program. The process is for donors to contribute to the fund:

For Donors:

1. Online Donation:
   • Click DONATE NOW button on the website
   • Use secure PayPal checkout
   • Enter name of the fund (Building Forward Fund) on checkout page
2. Larger Donations:
   • Wire transfer
   • Check by mail
   • Contact CFVI for wire transfer or check payment instructions

For Nonprofits Seeking Grants:

The Building Forward Fund does not accept unsolicited applications. Instead:

1. Submit Grant Interest Form:
   • Complete the Grant Interest Form on cfvi.net
   • Provide brief summary of the project/program/need for which you would seek funding if invited to apply
   • Email to: general.info@cfvi.net
2. Await Invitation:
   • CFVI conducts ongoing outreach to understand community needs
   • May invite specific organizations to apply based on community assessment
   • No guarantee of invitation or funding

Note: Organizations are encouraged to contact general.info@cfvi.net to discuss:

• Establishing a Donor-Advised Fund
• Creating a Fiscal Sponsorship
• Other funding mechanisms more suited to defined focus areas or specific projects