Island Foundation Grant Program

The Island Foundation Grant Program accepts applications for funding across four major categories: Environment, New Bedford, Alternative Education, and Womxn and Girls. The foundation's mission is broadly aligned with promoting conservation, progressive social change, supporting alternative learning approaches, and addressing inequality. The program primarily targets nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status in coastal areas of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, and selectively funds international locations or groups without nonprofit status using a fiscal sponsor. The overall goal is to foster positive change within these defined areas, supporting initiatives that resonate with the foundation's long-standing interests and new, emerging priorities. Within the Environment category, the foundation prioritizes the conservation of marine and coastal resources in Southeastern Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island. Historically, this has included North Atlantic right whale research, coastal waterbird habitat protection, and land preservation. More recently, the focus has expanded to support initiatives linking climate change, renewable energy, regional planning, and those most impacted by climate change. It also emphasizes sustainable agriculture and community-based fisheries, capacity building for local conservation organizations, connections between community health and environmental conservation, and environmental justice. The expected outcomes include stronger environmental resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and amplified voices of those affected by environmental harms. For New Bedford, the foundation works with organizations dedicated to progressive social change and combating discrimination, focusing on youth programs, community development, arts and culture, and basic needs. They seek proposals that address youth educational attainment, life skills, career preparation (especially for at-risk youth aged 16-24), food insecurity, immigrant assistance, civic engagement, cultural appreciation, and professional development for nonprofits. The strategic aim is to foster a positive vision for New Bedford by supporting groups with community-wide recognition and impact, leading to improved social equity and community well-being. The Alternative Education program supports a limited number of experiential, after-school, and alternative education programs. Upholding its tradition of unconventional approaches, the foundation seeks informal and school-based programs that connect young people to the natural world, promote community service, and respect diverse backgrounds and learning styles. Maritime trades, hands-on marine education, and programs that increase access and opportunity for at-risk youth are of particular interest. The foundation's theory of change here is that these alternative educational pathways will empower young people, foster appreciation for their communities, and provide opportunities for those who might not thrive in traditional settings. Finally, the Womxn and Girls program addresses the root causes of inequality for womxn and girls in the United States, with a specific focus on womxn and girls of color. The foundation aims to strengthen and support womxn- and girls-led and focused organizations across various sectors and funding interests. This includes supporting intergenerational collaborations and organizations at the forefront of innovation and systems change for gender equity and inclusion. The foundation seeks proposals that ensure access to healthcare (including prenatal and menstrual care), establish economic security and mobility, amplify womxn and girls’ voices in politics and government, provide safe spaces and legal assistance, and uplift their participation and leadership in community life. The expected outcomes are increased equality, empowerment, and access to essential services and opportunities for womxn and girls.