Staff WriterAmerican Foundation for The University of West Indies (AFUWI) needs YOU
Support “UWI on Radio” RADIOTHON 2007
Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21, 2007
from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
CALL US AND MAKE YOUR PLEDGE:
1-800-437-0448 or 1-800-440-6785
Call (212) 759 -9345 for participating Radio Stations
History
The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) was established in 1956 to develop an endowment fund in the United States for The University of the West Indies (UWI). Over the past decades, AFUWI has provided scholarships and grants and funded many special projects to foster the development of the University of the West Indies. The original patrons of the Foundation included such distinguished individuals as Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Her Royal Highness, Princess Alice. Today, AFUWI patrons include actor and songwriter Harry Belafonte; Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott; and Former Secretary of State Colin Powell. These individuals are committed to creating educational opportunities for generations of West Indian students to come.
Mission
The AFUWI serves as the primary vehicle for The University of the West Indies in its Capital Campaign and fundraising efforts in the United States. This is done by organizing special events, identifying funding sources, facilitating research programs and developing partnerships with North American corporations, foundations, alumni and other organizations in order to sponsor projects, scholarships and academic programs on the three University campuses in Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago and at the 12 University Centers located on the islands of Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman, Dominica, Monserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and The Grenadines. While fundraising is the Foundation’s primary mission, it also seeks to establish long term strategic relationships with other institutions, organizations and individuals who share the desire to positively impact the educational offerings of the University and by extension improve the socio-economic structure of the Caribbean region. The Foundation has more recently intensified its focus on supporting the University so that the institution can continue to expand to meet the dynamic demands of a global environment and remain relevant to the societies it serves.
Fundraising Activities for Fiscal Year 2007-2008
• Radiothon Launch – September ‘07
• Radiothon – October ‘07
• Booklaunch – November ‘07
• Official Scholarship Campaign Launch – November ‘07
• Gala – January ‘08
• UWI-Day – April ‘08
• Cultural Event – June ‘08
Scholarship Campaign
As part of our fundraising strategies, we will be launching a scholarship campaign, designed to assist in meeting the huge demand for financial support by students of the University of the West Indies (UWI). These students are smart, ambitious young adults who deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams and become integral contributors to the development of the American Caribbean economies. However, due to prevailing economic circumstances, affordability presents a daunting challenge and without scholarship donations, these students may not secure the education they aspire to attain.
Donors can have a direct impact on the lives of students and the Caribbean itself.
Through the support of donors the University will be able to increase the number of students who receive tertiary education. Therefore, these students are able to go on to make a positive impact in the Caribbean and the U.S., and in many instances, globally. The scholarship may be in the name of the donor or a loved one. Donors also have the opportunity to designate money for their particular area of academic interest.
The Gala
The Annual Gala is the AFUWI’s premier fundraising event in the USA at which the prestigious Legacy Awards are conferred on notable individuals who represent high levels of achievement within their respective fields of industry and enterprise. Proceeds of this event are used to support the AFUWI and provide scholarships for students.
In its 10 year history, the Gala has attracted the support and attention of major American and Caribbean entities and organizations from diverse industries, e.g. AT&T, Verizon, General Electric and Royal Caribbean Bakery. The event has also been able to garner the attention and support of many distinguished and influential persons who have graciously served on the Honorary Committee. This list includes persons like Wynton Marsalis, Spike Lee and the Hon. Charles Rangel. Since its inception, the Gala has been held under the distinguished patronage of Dr. Harry Belafonte, who has been tireless in his support of the Foundation’s activities.
Fundraising Record
Many thanks to the entities and individuals who over the years have donated cash and kind to AFUWI. For example:*
Donors Funds Raised Recipients
AFUWI Board Members $7,000 Cave Hill/Sports Facility
Air Jamaica $25,000 Air Travel & Cargo (in kind)
Caribbean Foods Delights $160,000 Mona School of Business
Citigroup $10,000 Scholarships & Equipment
*This is an extract.
Harris, Gordon $34,000 Scholarships
Reed Foundation $109,650 St. Augustine (Library & History) Mona (Archeology)
Rockefeller Foundation $448,000 UWICED
Trinbago Express Shippers Books shipped to St. Augustine
Verizon $20,000 AFUWI Website & Database
Mandate
In supporting the UWI, the AFUWI continues to enhance that institution’s ability to play a pivotal role in educating a cadre of persons who are at the forefront of Caribbean and global thought, imagination, and action.
The AFUWI is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, with a special dispensation to raise funds in the USA and grant tax benefits to US donors funding a non-American institution. The Foundation is a US–based organization and is therefore subject to all state and federal regulatory guidelines. As a 501(c) (3) incorporated entity, all donations, both in cash and kind, to the AFUWI will be acknowledged in writing and are eligible for tax exemption to the full extent of federal and state laws.
AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR THE
UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES
767 Third Avenue, Suite 301
New York, NY 10017
T: 212∙759∙9345
www.afuwi.org
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