We Advocate for & Work to Empower the West Indian Community
The West Indian Foundation's Four Pillars
To accomplish the West Indian Foundation's mission, we have established four key pillars that guide our efforts toward community development, sustainability, and cultural preservation.
Youth
Development
We promote youth development and academic excellence through our scholarship program and by collaborating with and funding organizations that foster youth development.
Scholarships: Managed by the scholarship committee, funded by the golf tournament, with 50% of profits allocated.
Youth Violence Prevention Grant: Funded by the Knight Foundation Grant, given to 10-12 organizations annually.
Economic
Sustainability
We enhance the development and capacity building of West Indian families and small businesses by supporting collaborations and funding opportunities that contribute to economic growth.
West Indian Community Coalition: A $150,000 grant will bring 8-10 West Indian organizations to capacity.
Adult Workforce Development: Liberty Bank Grant-Focus on CNA training and advancement.
Caribbean Digital Directory: West Indian Small Businesses
Cultural
Preservation
We are committed to promoting and preserving the West Indian culture by collaborating with and funding initiatives that celebrate and sustain our rich cultural heritage.
Annual $11,000 from DECD for the West Indian Celebration Committee.
Sponsorships and donations.
Health &
Wellness
We are committed to advancing health and wellness initiatives by forming strategic partnerships and providing funding opportunities to organizations focused on improving the well-being of our community.
Health and Wellness grant for community health programs.
Health and Wellness collaboration - health and wellness fair.
We empower and sustain our community
The West Indian Foundation, Inc. encourages a strong and stable economic status for West Indians in the Greater Hartford community and globally through promotion of the arts, education, economics, health and the preservation and perpetuation of West Indian culture.
The West Indian Foundation, Inc. was founded in 1978 by the West Indian Social Club of Hartford, Inc. to serve as the central focus of West Indian cultural, social, and educational activities in the Metro Hartford Community. The West Indian Foundation works to embrace and support all members of the Caribbean. The Foundation is dedicated to preserving the identity, history, and unique cultural heritage of the West Indian community while continuing to educate the community at large in these traditions. The West Indian community makes up the largest immigrant population in the State of Connecticut, currently estimated at over 70,000 in the Metro Hartford area.
The West Indian Foundation has produced a wide variety of programs, activities, and services
Education & Scholarship Programs
The West Indian Foundation is committed to the education and development of youths. Ongoing programs include the Fine Arts, Career Recreation Educational, After School Communication Arts and Mathematics, Junior Cricket, and a Youth Day Celebration.
Family Events
Support to social programs, such as; Marcus Garvey Essay Contest, West Indian Week; activities including a Greater Hartford West Indian Parade, Cultural Extravaganza, Health Fair, In and Outdoor Summer Concerts, Caribbean Arts and Craft Christmas Bazaar, and Children’s Theatre reinforces the strong commitment to family unity which is deeply rooted in the West Indian cultural traditions.
Community Outreach & Development
A goal of the West Indian Foundation is to foster and strengthen a sense of unity among all West Indian social, fraternal, business groups and associations, through efforts by Friends of the West Indian Foundation working with area health, education, business, and cultural organizations to provide ongoing service to the community.
