On 23 December 2021, in the spirit of the holiday season, the Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development distributed extraordinary grants to non-profit organisations (NPOs) that serve the community in the social development space.

Upon announcing the grants, the Hon. Minister André Ebanks stated, “On behalf of the Government, I am pleased to announce extraordinary financial support, derived from identified savings, from the Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development for a number of non-profit entities in our community that are aligned with the Ministry’s social development division. These NPOs play a crucial role in our community, providing vital services and assistance to a diverse array of vulnerable people in the Cayman Islands, including children, victims of domestic abuse as well as substance abuse/addiction, and older persons.”

The following extraordinary grants are being made, on a one-off basis, largely in view of unanticipated circumstances that fall outside the scope of existing funding or purchase agreements that the Ministry has with most of these NPOs.

The National Council of Voluntary Organisations received $177,379 to fund security measures and urgent repairs to its foster home, for the benefit of the home’s residents.

The Cayman Islands Crisis Center received $325,000 to fund the construction of an enhanced emergency shelter for its clients, who are women and children in dire situations and potential victims of domestic abuse.

The Hope for Today Foundation (HTF) received $90,000 to fund operating expenses. HTF operates a sober living facility for those recovering from substance abuse/addiction, and supports these individuals in their return to being sober and active participants in society. Previously, HTF has received solely private funding, but now is taking on an increased number of clients (some of whom are directed by the Courts). The work performed by HTF with this grant will be monitored by the Ministry and, if desired outputs are produced, the Ministry will aim to enter into a purchase agreement with HTF in 2023.

Meals on Wheels (MOW) provides hot, nutritious meals to older persons, and others who are homebound in the community, from Monday to Friday, throughout the 52 weeks of the year. To meet current and growing demand for MoW’s services, an extraordinary grant of $50,000 has been distributed to MOW to support its relocation to a new facility and the purchase of new equipment.

Chairman of the NCVO Board Lauren Nelson expressed gratitude on behalf of the organisation and the children it serves through its foster home and preschool, saying “We are so excited to get this funding, which will be used for primarily to provide an on-campus security guard 24/7 for the foster home but also for the preschool, and the bargain shop. It will also fund some much needed renovations to the foster home. The NCVO is truly grateful for this gift, particularly at this time of year.”

Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development Chief Officer Eric Bush explained the wider context of the Ministry’s strategic objectives, stating “The Ministry looks forward to working with these NGOs and other like entities to implement a more coordinated network of social development charities as the Ministry in the new year embarks upon revamped legislation, policies and procedures to produce more durable solutions which address root causes – with a view to transition those in need to an improved living standard over time.”