Island Impact Fund welcomes applications from entrepreneurs, small businesses, producers, artists, innovators, and community-based initiatives across Cuba.
We work to connect selected projects with concrete resources, practical training, mentorship, technical guidance, and professional networks that can strengthen their work, expand opportunity, and increase local impact.
Island Impact Fund does not provide direct cash grants or financing. Instead, we purchase or coordinate approved resources and services based on each project’s needs, program priorities, and available resources.
Apply for support
APPLICATIONS
Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Support is subject to eligibility, program priorities, legal and logistical feasibility, and available resources.
ELIGIBILITY
Who We're Looking For
We welcome applications from individuals, businesses, and initiatives in Cuba that are working to strengthen livelihoods, create economic opportunity, preserve skills, provide useful services, or generate meaningful community benefit.
Projects may be at different stages of development. We look for applicants who demonstrate commitment, a clear understanding of their work, and a practical vision for moving forward.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
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Small Businesses
Entrepreneurs operating or developing small businesses that create income, employment, useful products, or essential services.
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Social Enterprises
Mission-driven projects that combine economic activity with measurable social, environmental, or community benefit.
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Creative Industries
Artists, designers, makers, craftspeople, and cultural entrepreneurs building projects rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and culture.
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Technology & Innovation
Projects using technology, digital tools, or innovative approaches to address practical challenges and improve everyday life.
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Community Initiatives
Locally focused projects that expand access to health, education, recreation, culture, essential services, or other practical community needs.
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Producers & skilled trades
Farmers, food producers, manufacturers, artisans, builders, technicians, and skilled professionals creating products or providing essential services.
PROGRAM SUPPORT
What Support May Include
Island Impact Fund develops customized support plans for selected projects based on their stage of development, priorities, expected outcomes, and the resources available through the Fund and its partners.
Support may include:
Equipment, Tools & Materials
Essential equipment, production tools, technology, materials, and supplies that may help a project improve operations, strengthen service delivery, increase productivity, or expand capacity.
Examples may include professional equipment, specialized tools, laptops, renewable-energy systems, production materials, or sports and community-use equipment.
Practical Training
Business and technical learning opportunities connected to each project’s needs, including planning, operations, production, financial management, marketing, communications, and organizational development.
Mentorship & Technical Guidance
Connections with experienced professionals who can provide practical advice, sector-specific expertise, and guidance as projects address challenges and develop their work.
Professional Connections & Services
Introductions to professionals, organizations, mentors, and potential partners who may help selected projects access knowledge, strengthen their strategy, develop products, improve communications, or pursue new opportunities.
Support varies according to each project’s needs, program priorities, available resources, and Island Impact Fund’s capacity to deliver the proposed assistance.
WHAT WE DO NOT PROVIDE
What Island Impact Fund Does Not Provide
Island Impact Fund does not provide money directly to applicants or selected projects. Instead, we purchase or coordinate resources and services approved through each selected project’s support plan.
At this time, Island Impact Fund does not:
Purchase, rent, or finance commercial premises.
Cover salaries, payroll, or recurring operating expenses.
Pay personal debts or reimburse previous expenses.
Resolve legal, licensing, or regulatory matters.
Support projects operating outside Cuba.
Requests involving transportation, infrastructure, software, digital platforms, or other specialized resources are reviewed individually based on feasibility, legal requirements, program priorities, and available resources.
SELECTION CRITERIA
What We Consider
Every application is reviewed individually. The following criteria help us assess whether a project aligns with Island Impact Fund’s mission and whether the requested support can be used effectively.
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Mission Alignment
The extent to which the project strengthens livelihoods, expands economic opportunity, provides meaningful community benefit, or advances one or more of Island Impact Fund’s areas of focus.
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Viability
Whether the project has realistic goals, a practical approach, and the organizational or operational capacity to move forward.
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Readiness
Whether the project is sufficiently prepared to use the proposed resources or services effectively within a reasonable period.
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Commitment
Evidence of sustained effort, preparation, active participation, and responsibility in developing the project.
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Community Impact
The project’s potential to create employment, strengthen livelihoods, preserve useful skills, improve access to services, or produce meaningful local benefit.
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Resource Fit
Whether the project’s priority needs align with the types of resources, expertise, partnerships, and support Island Impact Fund may be able to mobilize.
APPLICATION PROCESS
What Happens After You Apply
Every application follows a structured review process designed to promote fairness, consistency, and responsible use of Island Impact Fund’s resources.
01
Submit Your Application
Complete the online application and provide as much relevant information as possible about your project, current stage, goals, challenges, and priority needs.
02
Application Review
Applications are reviewed according to Island Impact Fund’s evaluation criteria, program priorities, available resources, and alignment with the organization’s charitable mission.
Every application is considered individually.
03
Follow-Up
We may contact you if additional information or clarification is needed during the review process.
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Decision & Support Planning
Every applicant will receive a response once a decision has been made.
For selected projects, Island Impact Fund will work to define a practical support plan based on the project’s priorities, readiness, expected outcomes, and available resources.
Selection does not guarantee that every requested item or service will be provided.
Important
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection or assistance.
Decisions are based on eligibility, evaluation results, program priorities, legal and logistical feasibility, and available resources.
Because Island Impact Fund’s capacity is limited, we may be unable to support every eligible project.
Information submitted through the application will be reviewed only by Island Impact Fund and authorized reviewers. Information will not be published without the applicant’s permission.
READY TO APPLY?
Start Your Application
Complete the online application by providing as much relevant information as possible about your project or initiative.
Before beginning, review the information above about what Island Impact Fund may support and what falls outside the program.
Estimated completion time: 10–15 minutes
Application language: Spanish
Applications accepted: Rolling basis
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection or assistance
QUESTIONS?
We're Here to Help.
Contact us before applying if you have questions about eligibility, the application process, or whether your project’s needs are compatible with the support Island Impact Fund may be able to provide.