FAQs
What is the Digicel Foundation?
With the tag, “Where Digicel grows, our communities grow with us,” the Digicel Foundation is a non-profit organization that distributes and utilizes funds on a charitable basis for the sole purpose of building communities and community spirit in Jamaica.
How does the Foundation carry out its work?
Digicel Foundation works alongside and through structured Community organizations to ensure the smooth implementation of projects. The Foundation also works with Government and Non-Governmental Organizations.
What projects or programmes will Digicel Foundation assist?
In general, we are interested in community programmes, which embrace and reflect the educational, socio-economic and cultural aspirations of the community. The projects should (1) Address community needs, (2) Encourage volunteerism and civic engagement (3) Promote leadership with integrity, (4) Promote opportunities for marginalized groups (5) have tangible objectives as a critical part of the programme & (6) Be sustainable.
The main areas funded by the Foundation include Education, Sports and Culture. As of April 2010, the Foundation has developed new objectives and these are:
- EDUCATION: Achieving 100% literacy by 2015 by employing the use of technology
- COMMUNITY: Encouraging community self-reliance and empowerment through the implementation of sustainable projects that build life skills
- SPORTS AND CULTURE: Empowering our youths by developing life skills through Sports and Culture
- ENVIRONMENT: Promoting “green living” through communities and schools
Projects that fall within the mandate of the Foundation and broadly assist us to achieve these goals will be considered.
What projects or programmes will Digicel Foundation not assist?
Please visit the Digicel Foundation Funding Guidelines for a detailed listing of projects not funded by the Foundation.
How do I apply for a Grant?
Ensure your proposal is in line with the Foundation’s guidelines and will assist us in achieving our objectives. In order to apply complete an application form as well as prepare a complete set of additional documents as per the funding guidelines. Applications will only be considered fully complete when all additional documents/information are received.
How many copies of our request should we send and where should it be sent?
You may apply online here or you may download the application form template here, complete electronically and email to application.foundation@digicelgroup.com. For paper applications, only 1 copy is required and should be sent to Major General Robert Neish, CD, AFC, JP; Executive Director, Digicel Foundation, 10 - 16 Grenada Way, Kingston 5. It would be ideal for the group to submit a valid e-mail address as well as a valid contact number. Applications will not be considered complete until all supporting documents have been received by the office.
May we contact the Foundation prior to applying?
Yes, but only for clarification on procedure as well as application processes at telephone number 511-5279.
Do I have to be a registered organization to apply?
No. The primary requirement is that there should be tangible proof of a strong community organization and structure to ensure continuity.
Why do I need to submit the names of my Organization’s Executive/Leaders?
In order to ensure that recipient organizations are able to manage funds, the Foundation needs to be assured of the strength and durability of the organization and its respective leadership.
How soon will I know if my application is successful?
The programme review may take up to three (3) months to complete. Your organization will be contacted via e-mail, telephone or post.
If approved, what are the next steps?
Should you be approved for a grant, the following steps shall be implemented:
- Digicel Foundation will meet with Community Organization
- Visit the proposed site/project
- Meet with prescribed sub-contractors
You will be required to open a bank account in the name of the Community Project and submit the information to the Foundation. This will be used solely for the approved project and no other funds should be placed in the same account.
Is there a specified period or deadline to submit projects?
No, there are no specific deadlines. Projects can be submitted on an ongoing basis at any time during the year. The Foundation Executive and Board conduct monthly reviews of project proposals and requests for funding.
How often can I apply to the Foundation?
There is no defined frequency. It is recommended however, that the time be taken to ensure that requests are properly structured and scoped, prior to submission.
Is there a limit to the amount of funding that can be requested?
No, there is no prescribed or pre-determined limit. The Foundation will review the project and decide the level of financial assistance, which will be offered based on the background of the community and requirements.
Can an organization apply for funding if it has previously benefited from the Foundation?
Yes. Organizations are not limited in the number of applications which can be submitted or accepted by the Foundation.
Does a site visit by the Foundation guarantee the approval of a submitted project?
No. Site visits provide the Foundation with a firsthand overview of the project scope, location and feasibility.
Will I have to repay the Foundation?
No. The funds disbursed by the Foundation are a grant and the receiving organization is not required to repay. You will, however, be mandated to keep and present accurate records on how all funds were utilized and allocated.
Why was our proposal rejected? Why didn't we receive a grant?
The Application for funds is a competitive process and the Foundation can only assist those that are considered most worthy, having a wide, tangible and sustainable impact on the community.
