The Estella Scott-Roberts Foundation (ESRF) will be accepting applications for its grant programme beginning 1 April 2015 and closing on 22 May 2015. For this, its second grant cycle, ERSF is encouraging charities, community organisations and other not-for-profit groups to seek funding for on-going programmes or one-time projects which align with the objectives of the ESRF. Without wishing to restrict proposals in any way, a project could, for example, focus on one or more of the following areas:

* Empowerment Through Movement and Sport
* Promoting Gender Equality in the Workplace
* Increasing Awareness of the UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women

“We are very happy to be able to continue to offer this opportunity for eligible applicants to receive funding which help move our community towards ESRF’s vision of gender equality and a life free of violence for all,” says Rayle Roberts, chairman of ESRF. “We encourage all organisations which may need a financial boost to help them achieve their dream project, or continue an on-going programme, which match up with our vision to apply. When we think of the potential of our brothers, sisters, mothers, cousins, and friends in our community that is limited by prejudice or unnecessary hatred and violence, we know that this mission is as important now as ever.”

For the 2015 grant cycle ESRF is accepting applications for a minimum of CI$500 and will award funds up to CI$10,000 maximum. The deadline for application is 22 May 2015 and the successful programme/project should take place by the end of the 2015 calendar year.

Previous Funding Awards
The successful awardee for the first official grant cycle in 2014 was the Cayman Islands Red Cross’ Girls Will conference, which took place in September of last year. Focusing on the subject of child abuse prevention, the conference aimed to allow a space for frank and open discussions with teen girls and parents on a variety of subjects ranging from understanding gender roles, to self defence, to healthy sexuality, to child abuse. Feedback from the conference was overwhelmingly positive, illustrating the need the continuation of programmes addressing these topics by the Red Cross and other organisations.

Previous smaller financial contributions have been provided by ESRF to projects including supporting improved parenting skills for fathers, sexual harassment public awareness campaigns, and advocacy for sexual assault victims, among others.

Who is Estella?
Estella Scott-Roberts, CMH was an outspoken leader in the area of women and children’s issues and rights in the Cayman Islands. Widely known throughout the country through her involvement in the establishment and management of the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre (CICC), Estella served for 5 years as the executive director of this first (and as yet only) 24-hour shelter for abused women and their children.

Tragically, Estella’s greatest impact on the perception of gender-based violence in the Cayman Islands occurred when she became the most well known victim of this type of crime. On the night of October 10, 2008, after celebrating her 33rd birthday, she was abducted, raped and murdered.

In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “It is better to light the candle than to curse the darkness.” Estella’s husband, Rayle Roberts, described Estella’s life as a light that shone brilliantly, highlighting the many dark recesses of our society. Hers was a light that expired too quickly, and rather than curse the darkness that Estella’s death brought to her loved ones, the Estella Scott-Roberts Foundation was born to shine a light on the mission that motivated Estella throughout her bright life.

The application form for the 2015 grant can be found in the Grants section of our website (www.esrfoundation.org.ky) or by emailing [email protected].

All applications must be received via email no later than Friday, 22 May 2015.

Please direct all questions or submissions to [email protected].