Lyford Cay Foundations Awards 18 Grant Recipients, Advancing Education, Enrichment, and Community Well-Being Across The Bahamas

(NASSAU, BAHAMAS) – Lyford Cay Foundations awarded $174,500 in community grants to 18 Bahamian non-profit organisations in its Summer and Fall funding cycles, reaffirming its commitment to expanding access, strengthening educational pathways, and supporting learning experiences that uplift those most in need. As one of The Bahamas’ most established philanthropic leaders, the Foundations continue to invest in programmes that foster resilience, creativity, academic achievement, and community well-being across the archipelago.

The Foundations’ grant-making supports initiatives that offer transformative experiences in academics, the arts, sports, environmental awareness, and personal development. This cycle’s recipients represent a dynamic range of organisations working to equip young people with the tools and confidence they need to thrive.

SUMMER GRANTS AWARDED:

Among the organisations funded is the Agricultural Development Organisation (ADO Bahamas), which received $4,500 to deliver its Grow & Thrive summer camp for children ages 8–14 in the Kemp Road community. Hosted at the St. James Road Community Farm, the camp offers hands-on farming instruction, STEAM activities, daily lunches, and take-home backyard-farming kits for 20 participants at no cost. The programme strengthened awareness of food sustainability, environmental care, and healthy living.

BAARK! received a $5,000 education programme grant to conduct 15–20 humane-education sessions in public schools. Through interactive lessons reaching approximately 1,000 students, the initiative promoted responsible animal care, compassion, and safer, more caring communities.

The Bahamas Catholic Board of Education was awarded $10,000 to enhance the arts and music offerings across its network of primary and high schools. Funds supported the purchase of instruments, art supplies, and teacher training in art therapy, benefitting more than 2,300 students and enriching their creative and emotional development.

The Bahamas Numeracy Association received $5,000 toward its nationwide efforts to strengthen mathematics education. Through teacher training, student tutoring for BJC and BGCSE preparation, public-awareness activities, mentorship connections, and national competitions, the Association continues to advance numeracy outcomes for students in New Providence and the Family Islands at no cost to participants.

Doris Johnson Senior High School was awarded $10,000 for its six-month after-school Accelerated and Research Intervention Programme, which supports 100 students in Grades 11 and 12. The initiative, offered at no cost, provided SAT preparation, AP Science exposure, I-Ready literacy and mathematics support, STEM enrichment, laptops, meals, and incentives to strengthen tertiary readiness and academic performance.

Nassau Rowing Club received $10,000 to expand its outreach with government schools from one to five, plus two rehabilitation and training schools, allowing more than 4,000 students to be introduced to rowing during the 2024–25 year. Over 1,000 students will participate directly in training at no cost, with opportunities for university recruitment and athletic development.

The Sir Jack Hayward Library in Grand Bahama was awarded $5,000 for its Summer Camp 2025, serving children ages 6–13. The five-week programme provides literacy support, creative activities, and enrichment sessions for more than 50 students.

Turbulence Track & Field Club in Eleuthera received $5,000 to strengthen its athletic development programmes. Serving 270 students with plans to welcome 100 more, the funding supports uniforms, equipment, meals, transportation, and track meet fees, helping young athletes gain exposure to competitive training and scholarship pathways.

Finally, S.T.E.A.M-tacular Bahamas received $2,000 to host a three-day STEAM learning experience in Nassau and Grand Bahama. Led by Bahamian and international industry professionals, the initiative provided hands-on educational engagement for 100 students, building critical thinking, creativity, and applied learning skills.

FALL GRANTS AWARDED:

The Bahamas Chess Federation received $15,000 to support its Adopt-A-School Programme, a national initiative expanding access to chess through schools across The Bahamas. The programme provides students with chess equipment, structured instruction, tournament access, digital training tools, and mentorship from national-level coaches. Reaching more than 300 participants across 30 schools, the initiative strengthens critical thinking, problem-solving skills, focus, and confidence among students nationwide.

Bahamas Engineering and Technology Advancement (BETA) received a $5,000 gift to support its expanding STEM outreach, including BETA Pops, free or low-cost pop-up STEM experiences delivered in public spaces and schools. Serving approximately 100 students, the initiative promotes experiential learning while increasing exposure to STEM pathways, particularly in under-resourced communities.

The Bahamas Girl Guides Association was awarded $10,000 to develop ten Level 1 training videos supporting Computer Assisted Instructional Methodology. These resources will provide a self-paced, standardised training tool for Guide leaders across the country, strengthening programme delivery and impacting approximately 100 leaders.

The Bahamas Table Tennis Academy received $5,000 to host a two-week youth training camp for students ages 6–18. Held in December, the camp offered structured coaching designed to promote physical activity, discipline, teamwork, and skill development for 50 participants.

Let’s Swim Bahamas was awarded $5,000 to support transportation and coaching stipends for its expanding learn-to-swim programmes. With significant growth over the past year, the initiative now reaches between 2,500 and 3,000 students, improving water safety and swimming competency across participating schools.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. received $5,000 to support its Sigma Beta 2.0 Uniform & Identity Project. The initiative provides 50 young men enrolled in the chapter’s 20-week after-school programme with uniforms symbolising leadership, discipline, and service. For many participants, this represents their first blazer or necktie, reinforcing confidence, pride, and a sense of belonging.

Reaching the Streets nonprofit organisation received $3,000 to support its outreach to at-risk youth and young men, particularly those impacted by gang involvement or criminal activity. The programme focuses on restoration, mentorship, and intervention, reaching between 200 and 250 individuals.

The Bahamas Literacy Association was awarded $10,000 to strengthen and expand its Virtual Tutoring and Literacy Intervention Programme. Serving approximately 100 students and adult learners across New Providence and the Family Islands, the initiative provides personalised literacy instruction using research-based strategies to improve reading confidence, comprehension, and academic outcomes.

SPECIAL GRANT AWARDED:

In addition to its community grants, Lyford Cay Foundations awarded $60,000 to support the Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA), specifically its BASE Camps and operational needs. Established in 1992, the Bahamas Award Super Expedition provides young people with opportunities for adventure, leadership development, discipline, and personal growth through inter-island experiential learning. Approximately 100 students benefit from this programme.

Ms. Kendra Moss, Director of Programmes at Lyford Cay Foundations, congratulated the organisations for their innovative work and the meaningful outcomes achieved. “We are proud to support partners who ensure that young people have access to opportunities that inspire curiosity, confidence, and growth,” she said. “Through this grant cycle, we continue to invest in the people and programmes that are helping to build a stronger, more connected, and more equitable Bahamas.”

Lyford Cay Foundations remains honoured to invest in the work of community partners expanding access to learning and creating pathways to brighter futures across the nation. For additional information or to learn more about Lyford Cay Foundations, visit www.lyfordcayfoundations.org