SUPPORT ENTREPRENEURS.
STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES.
Island Impact Fund brings together supporters, partners, mentors, and organizations to help selected entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community initiatives in Cuba access concrete resources, practical knowledge, technical guidance, and professional connections.
Support is provided through Island Impact Fund’s application and review process and is tailored to each selected project’s stage, priorities, and needs, subject to program priorities and available resources.
A U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
Entrepreneurship Creates Lasting Impact
Entrepreneurship has become one of the most important sources of economic opportunity in Cuba. Entrepreneurs, producers, skilled professionals, artists, and community initiatives create jobs, preserve knowledge, serve local needs, and strengthen families and communities.
Yet developing a project in Cuba requires overcoming challenges that many entrepreneurs elsewhere rarely encounter. Limited access to equipment, materials, technology, practical training, reliable supply chains, financing, and professional networks can make sustainable growth extraordinarily difficult.
Imagine what could become possible if a food producer had the professional equipment needed to increase production, a carpenter had reliable tools, a community fitness project had proper exercise equipment, or a small business could continue operating during power outages.
These are practical barriers with tangible solutions. Access to the right equipment, knowledge, technical support, and professional relationships can help a project improve its operations, expand its capacity, and increase its economic or community impact.
Island Impact Fund works to identify priority needs and mobilize practical support for projects selected through our review process.
YOUR IMPACT
How Support Can Help
As funding, partnerships, and resources become available, support for selected projects may include the following:
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Equipment & Tools
Professional equipment, production tools, technology, and other concrete resources that can help selected projects improve quality, increase productivity, strengthen service delivery, or expand capacity.
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Materials & Supplies
Clearly defined materials, inputs, and supplies needed to support production, operations, or delivery of services.
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Practical Training
Business and technical learning opportunities connected to each project’s needs, including planning, operations, production, financial management, marketing, communications, and organizational development.
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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.
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Professional Networks
Introductions to professionals, organizations, mentors, and potential partners who may help selected projects access knowledge, strengthen their strategy, and pursue new opportunities.
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Responsible Program Delivery
Project assessment, resource coordination, documentation, follow-up, and oversight designed to support responsible use of charitable resources.
What Island Impact Fund Does Not Provide
Island Impact Fund does not provide direct cash grants or unrestricted financing.
At this time, we do not:
Give money directly to applicants.
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.
RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP
Entrepreneurs and community initiatives apply directly to Island Impact Fund. Applications are evaluated through a structured review process, and Island Impact Fund determines which projects are selected for support.
For each selected project, we develop an approved support plan based on its priorities, readiness, expected outcomes, program guidelines, and available resources.
Island Impact Fund is responsible for:
Selecting projects through its review process.
Determining the type and scope of support.
Allocating charitable resources according to its mission and program priorities.
Purchasing or coordinating approved equipment, tools, materials, training, mentorship, and professional services.
Documenting delivery and following project progress.
Island Impact Fund does not provide money directly to applicants or selected projects. Instead, we purchase or coordinate the resources and services approved within each project’s support plan.
Island Impact Fund retains responsibility for the approval, allocation, purchase, delivery, and oversight of all charitable resources used to advance its mission.
How Support Is Managed
GOVERNANCE
Island Impact Fund is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to responsible governance, thoughtful decision-making, and careful stewardship of charitable resources.
Our Board of Directors provides strategic oversight of organizational priorities, project-selection policies, partnerships, and the responsible use of resources.
Built on accountability.
GET INVOLVED
Choose How You’d Like to Contribute
Whether by staying connected, exploring a partnership, or sharing professional expertise, there are several ways to help Island Impact Fund prepare to support entrepreneurs and community initiatives across Cuba.
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Join Our Community
Receive updates about selected projects, organizational progress, and future opportunities to support Island Impact Fund.
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Partner With Us
Collaborate with Island Impact Fund to expand access to equipment, expertise, training, services, and professional opportunities.
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Share Your Expertise
Contribute professional knowledge, mentorship, technical guidance, or specialized skills that may strengthen selected projects and future programs.
Join our community, explore a partnership, or contribute your expertise as Island Impact Fund builds the resources and relationships needed to support entrepreneurs and community initiatives across Cuba.