Centennial Bermuda Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation providing several million dollars of grants and scholarships to organisations and students in Bermuda. Centennial, through extensive consultation with its stakeholders, has identified five Focus Areas for grantmaking. The intention is to help heal, improve, inspire and balance the Bermuda community to be a dynamic and fair-minded place to live and grow. These priorities address community need, informed by essential service providers and support organisations with first-hand experience.
1. Community Health - with an underlying theme to fund seniors
Aspiration: “People in Bermuda have complete physical, mental, social and material wellbeing.”
Identified Priorities:
• Affordable & Accessible Healthcare
• Chronic Illness: Type 2 Diabetes
• Mental Health - Early Detection & Intervention
• Obesity
• Substance Abuse & Addiction - Residential – Short Term
2. Cultural & Community Connections
Aspiration: “The entire Bermuda community participates in activities that create a sense of belonging.”
Identified Priorities:
• Arts & Culture
• Identity & Belonging
• Intergenerational Programming
• Natural & Heritage Sites Preservation
• Youth Engagement
3. Economic Participation
Aspiration: “All Bermudians have equitable employment opportunities, work satisfaction and financial security.”
Identified Priorities:
• Career Advisement
• Financial & Digital Literacy
• Small Business & Entrepreneurship
• Workforce Development
• Workforce Equity
4. Fundamental Needs - with an underlying theme to fund seniors
Aspiration: “A comprehensive social safety net ensures low income families have support for essential needs.”
Identified Priorities:
• Food Insecurity
• Homelessness
• Housing
5. Public Education
Aspiration: “High-quality public-school system that supports the diverse capabilities of all learners and enables them to pursue post-secondary education.”
Identified Priorities:
• Early Childhood Development 0-3
• Early Childhood Education 4-8
• Student Achievement 5-18
• Quality Public Education 5-18
Bermuda is influenced by its history and culture. This means that the results of racial inequality and segregation remain with us today in the form of biases, inequities and a level of mistrust and frustration. We believe these should be acknowledged and addressed. Key to our work going forward is keeping the following Statement of Social Context central in our deliberations:
Centennial Bermuda Foundation acknowledges structural racism in Bermuda. Our historical and cultural roots created and perpetuate biased judgments, social and economic divides, and inequitable access to opportunities and outcomes in our community. In light of this social context as a philanthropic organisation, Centennial recognises we must learn to embrace and operationalise the values of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (I.D.E.A.) to effect systemic change. For more information please visit our website: www.centennial.bm
