NGO offers funds for gender related projects
The late Estella Scott-Roberts
(CNS): Charities, community organisations and other not-for-profit groups are being invited to submit applications to the Estella Scott-Roberts Foundation for grants to finance appropriate projects in the field of promoting gender equality. Running from 1 April until 22 May, this is the second grant cycle by the charity, which is encouraging those with relevant ongoing programmes or one-time projects to apply for the grants of between $500 and $10,000.
The foundation, which was created in memory of the late Estella Scott-Roberts, a leading advocate for women and gender equality in Cayman for many years. Officials from the charity said that it was willing to consider a wide range of projects.
“We are very happy to be able to continue to offer this opportunity for eligible applicants to receive funding which help move our community towards ESRF’s vision of gender equality and a life free of violence for all,” said Rayle Roberts, chairman of ESRF and Estella’s widower. “We encourage all organisations which may need a financial boost to help them achieve their dream project, or continue an on-going programme, which match up with our vision to apply. When we think of the potential of our brothers, sisters, mothers, cousins, and friends in our community that is limited by prejudice or unnecessary hatred and violence, we know that this mission is as important now as ever.”
The first official grant cycle in 2014 helped to fund the Cayman Islands Red Cross’ Girls Will conference, which took place in September of last year. Focusing on the subject of child abuse prevention, the conference aimed to allow a space for frank and open discussions with teen girls and parents on a variety of subjects, ranging from understanding gender roles, to self defence, to healthy sexuality, to child abuse.
“Feedback from the conference was overwhelmingly positive, illustrating the need the continuation of programmes addressing these topics by the Red Cross and other organisations,” officials stated,
Previous smaller financial contributions have been provided by ESRF to projects such as supporting improved parenting skills for fathers, sexual harassment public awareness campaigns, and advocacy for sexual assault victims.
Application forms for the 2015 grant can be found in the grants section of the website or by emailing esrfgrants@gmail.com. All applications must be received via email no later than Friday 22 May.
Estella Scott-Roberts was an outspoken community leader, widely known for her involvement in the establishment and management of the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, the first and only 24-hour shelter for abused women and their children. Tragically, she became the most well-known victim of gender violence when on the night of 10 October 2008, after celebrating her 33rd birthday, she was abducted, raped and murdered.
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