THE FOUNDATION

The National Community Foundation is a philanthropic, non-profit, non-governmental organization that functions primarily as a grant making institution. The NCF was established in August 2002 and supports initiatives that engender self-development and social upliftment.

The NCF is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and depends heavily on the effort of volunteers for carrying out its work.

Our Objectives

  • To receive and distribute philanthropic funds for the benefit of targeted individuals, groups, organizations or other charitable causes in a manner consistent with specific interests of contributors and objectives of the Foundation.

  • To facilitate the empowerment of individuals and groups living in challenging circumstances, including children who want to pursue their education.

  • To provide philanthropic leadership and help create, sustain and promote efforts among citizens to improve the quality of life within the wider community.

  • To advocate for such shifts in public policy and in public attitude that would support the aims and objectives of the Foundation.

  • To provide support to poor, needy or disadvantaged persons.

There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.

GOVERNANCE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The NCF Board of Directors is the policy making body for the National Community Foundation. The composition and duties for the board were established in the Community Foundation Act No. 26 of 2002.

Composition of the Board:

  • A representative of the National Insurance Corporation.

  • Two representatives of Government named by the Minister after consultation with Cabinet.

  • A representative from Employers (Employers Federation).

  • A representative of the Christian Council of Saint Lucia.

  • A representative of the Poverty Reduction Fund named by the Minister responsible for the Poverty Reduction Fund.

  • A representative from Saint Lucia National Youth Council.

  • A representative selected from women’s group

  • A representative of service clubs.
  • A representative of employees (the trade unions)
  • The Executive Director (ex officio)

The Duties of the Board:

  • Ensure that all segments of the wider community have equal access to the resources of the foundation.
  • Formulate and approve policies to guide the work of staff and committees
  • Ensure the Foundation’s accountability to its contributors
  • Determine the investments of the Foundation
  • Establish Rules and Regulations to guide the operations of the Foundation
  • Consider and approve request for funding
  • Provide philanthropic leadership and help create, sustain and promote efforts among citizens to improve the quality of life within the wider community
  • Advocate for such shifts in public policy and in public attitude that would support the aims and objective of the Foundation

VOLUNTEERISM

The NCF is a small organization which undertakes the execution of a number of programs and activities and fundraising events. With a full-time staff of only three employees aided by two contract employees, the organization depends heavily on the services of volunteers to accomplish a major part of its work. For this reason, there are three committees composed of volunteers and they function throughout the year, providing guidance and approving funding for the Scholarship and Medical assistance programs and the Small Grants Program. The Committees examine and assess requests for assistance under their specific focus area and determine whether requesting individuals or groups meet the criteria to qualify for assistance. The Committees also monitor the progress of the recipients of funds and make recommendations to the NCF with regard to the operations of their respective committees.

NCF also depends on groups such as the Kiwanis Club, the Lions and Leos Club, Volunteer St. Lucia and other individuals who give freely of their time and effort to ensure the successful hosting of NCF events such as the Annual National Telethon.

CHANGE A LIFE TODAY