Frequently asked questions

How applying works

1. 1

   Check your eligibility

   Every applicant must be a Bahamian citizen with valid government-issued identification, and meet the specific criteria of the grant they choose.

2. 2

   Choose one grant

   Pick the single grant or scholarship that fits you best. Only one award is made per applicant per cycle.

3. 3

   Create an account and apply

   Sign in with your email, answer the application questions, and upload the documents that grant requires.

4. 4

   Submit before the deadline

   Confirm your declarations and submit. You can save a draft and return to finish any time before the window closes.

5. 5

   Independent review

   The Grants Committee scores every application on a published, weighted rubric. Shortlisted applicants are interviewed.

6. 6

   Decision and feedback

   Awards are ratified by the Board. Every applicant is notified, and those not selected receive feedback and may apply again.

Applying

Who can apply?

Bahamian citizens with valid government-issued identification who meet a grant's specific criteria. Each grant has its own age and category requirements, which you can see on the grants page.

What is available this cycle?

Six entrepreneurship grants of $1,000 and three education scholarships of $5,000. That is nine awards, totalling $21,000, fully funded by the founder.

Can I apply for more than one grant?

You may apply to the grant that best fits you, but only one award is made per applicant per cycle.

Is there a fee to apply?

No. There is never a fee to apply, and 100% of the grant fund reaches recipients.

I am between 15 and 18. Can I apply?

Yes, through the Junior Start Grant. You will need signed parental or guardian consent, and funds are disbursed with a parent or guardian co-signature.

Documents and eligibility

What documents will I need?

It depends on the grant. Common requirements include a brief business plan or concept note, professional or community references, proof of Family Island residency, an academic transcript or acceptance and enrolment letter, and a statement of financial need. Each grant page lists exactly what it requires.

What format should documents be in?

PDF is preferred for business plans, statements, and letters. Photographs of documents are accepted as PDF, JPG, or PNG where a grant allows it.

What is the mentorship commitment?

Every entrepreneurship grant is paired with twelve months of mentorship through the Foundation's Mentorship Circle. Recipients commit to taking part, because the evidence shows capital plus mentorship is what makes small grants work.

Review and decisions

How are applications reviewed?

Every application is scored independently by at least two reviewers on a published, weighted rubric: feasibility and quality of plan (25%), impact on family and community (25%), need and motivation (20%), alignment with mission (15%), and sustainability of outcome (15%). Shortlisted candidates are interviewed. You can read the full rubric on the governance page.

Who sees my application?

Only the independent Grants Committee, under confidentiality. No Board member scores applications, and any reviewer with a family or personal connection to an applicant must declare it and recuse themselves.

When will I hear back?

Decisions are made after the application window closes. Every applicant is notified of the outcome, and those not selected receive feedback and are encouraged to apply again in a future cycle.

After an award

How are funds paid?

Scholarship funds are paid toward tuition, fees, or required materials wherever possible. For minors, grant funds are disbursed with a parent or guardian co-signature.

What is expected after I receive an award?

Funds are used solely for the stated purpose, receipts are retained, and a simple progress report is submitted six months after the award.

How is my personal information handled?

We collect only what is needed to assess your application and verify eligibility, and we keep it secure. See our Privacy Policy for the full detail.