The Sandals Foundation utilizes a two-stage application process to ensure efficiency and fairness in the review of submissions for projects to begin in 2027:

Stage 1: Concept Application (Initial Screening)

• The Concept Application Form will open on July 6 - 27, 2026.

• Applicants are required to complete and submit the Concept Application Form via THIS link.

Submissions will be reviewed based on alignment, feasibility, and potential impact.

Stage 2: Full Proposal (By Invitation Only)

• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a detailed project proposal. (A link to the

application will be provided at such time).

• Only invited applicants will proceed to this stage.

Submission of a concept application does not guarantee advancement to the full proposal

stage.

GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE

• Projects must take place within Caribbean islands where Sandals & Beaches Resorts operate

(Jamaica, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Curaçao, Turks & Caicos

Islands, St. Vincent & the Grenadines).

• Support may be extended to neighbouring islands during times of crisis (e.g. disaster relief).

STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS

The Foundation invests in initiatives that build local capacity and promote sustainable development,

including:

• Education – school infrastructure, teacher training, digital literacy, scholarships

• Environment – biodiversity protection, marine conservation, environmental education, coral

restoration

• Community Development & Health – youth engagement, sports, culture, mental & physical

health

• Economic Empowerment – skills training (artisans, farmers, fisherfolk), social enterprise

• Disaster Preparedness & Relief – crisis response and resilience-building

FUNDING TIERS

To better align funding with project scope and impact, applications will be considered under the

following tiers:

Small Grants: Up to US $20,000

• Community-based initiatives

• Targeted interventions with clear, immediate impact

Medium Grants: US $20,000 – $50,000

• Multi-component projects

• Broader community reach and structured implementation

Strategic Grants: US $50,000 – $80,000

• Larger-scale or multi-year initiatives

• Strong alignment with Foundation priorities

• Demonstrated capacity, partnerships, and sustainability

Strategic Grants are limited and highly competitive. Only a small number of projects will be

considered at this level each cycle.

PARTIAL FUNDING

• The Sandals Foundation may offer partial funding based on project scope, priorities, and

available resources.

• Applicants should clearly indicate:

- The minimum funding required to deliver the project

- Any confirmed co-funding

PROCUREMENT GUIDELINES

• Local and regional suppliers are strongly preferred to support local economies and ensure

sustainability.

• Where international suppliers are proposed, applicants must provide:

- Clear justification

- Evidence that local or regional options were explored

- Rationale for supplier selection (e.g. cost, availability, quality)

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Organizations must:

• Be legally registered and compliant in their country of operation

• Demonstrate strong governance, transparency, and financial accountability

Projects must:

• Be located within eligible Caribbean regions

• Align with one or more strategic focus areas

• Demonstrate clear community need and support

• Include measurable outcomes and long-term benefit

• Be inclusive, accessible, and non-discriminatory

• Have necessary approvals (where applicable)

INELIGIBLE PROJECTS

The Foundation does not fund:

• Political, partisan, fraternal, labour, or purely religious activities

• Individual grants (unless scholarships or hardship-based)

• For-profit enterprises (unless structured as social enterprises)

• Government entities/agencies

• Activities outside the Caribbean

• Sponsorships, uniforms, or prizes without broader community benefit

• Raffles, giveaways, or unrelated travel

• One-off events without sustainable impact

• Projects lacking community buy-in, approvals, or sustainability

EQUITY, INCLUSION & CRISIS RESPONSE

• Preference is given to initiatives supporting vulnerable or underserved populations

• Projects promoting equity, gender balance, and environmental justice are strongly

encouraged

• The Foundation provides emergency response funding during regional crises

FULL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (BY INVITATION ONLY)

Shortlisted applicants will be required to submit:

• Detailed project overview and objectives

• Implementation plan and timeline

• Comprehensive budget with justification

• Monitoring and evaluation framework

• Sustainability plan

• Supporting documentation (e.g. approvals, designs, letters of support)

GRANT REVIEW PROCESS

Applications are assessed based on:

• Alignment with geographic and strategic priorities

• Clarity of need and proposed solution

• Organizational capacity

• Cost-effectiveness and feasibility

• Sustainability and long-term impact

• Inclusivity and equity considerations

Approved projects will proceed to due diligence, followed by funding and implementation in

collaboration with the Foundation.

Please submit your concept application HERE