Farmers, small businesses urged to apply for climate funding

Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has urged farmers and small businesses to boldly apply for funding from the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund (VICCTF), as the territory launches its first-ever call for grant proposals.

The first Call for Proposals officially opened to applicants on September 3, allowing eligible entities to seek funding for projects focused on climate resilience, adaptation, mitigation and capacity building. Fraser emphasized that the opportunity is not limited to large organisations with significant resources and encouraged smaller entities with good ideas to come forward.

“I, therefore, encourage our community organizations, non-governmental organizations, businesses, farmers, environmental groups, and other eligible entities to take full advantage of this opportunity,” Fraser said. “Do not assume that your idea is too small, do not assume that your organization is too small. Do not assume that you must have a large staff, a large office, to make a meaningful contribution.”

Approximately $1 million is available under the first funding round, with $900,000 earmarked for community resilience projects and another $100,000 for capacity-building initiatives. The funding is open to eligible businesses, including micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as non-profit and community organisations, educational institutions and other qualifying entities.

Fraser said people who experience the territory’s challenges firsthand could be among those best positioned to develop practical solutions. “The people should not simply be recipients of climate policy. They should be participants in creating it,” he stated.

The Deputy Premier described the launch as an opportunity for residents and organisations to help shape a more resilient BVI. “Today, we are opening a door. I invite the people of the Virgin Islands to walk through it,” Fraser said.

He encouraged applicants to bring forward ideas and partnerships capable of helping the territory better withstand and recover from the impacts of climate change.