The Sandals Foundation

The Sandals Foundation is a UK-registered non-profit organization (charity number 1158252) established in March 2009 as the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International. Its mission is to create positive and sustainable impacts on Caribbean communities through targeted investments in education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and community development.

History and Mission

Founded to support Sandals Resorts International's commitment to social responsibility, the Sandals Foundation focuses on projects that uplift local communities across the Caribbean. It emphasizes empowerment through improved access to education and skills training, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and promoting environmental stewardship. The foundation's work aims to enhance the quality of life and foster sustainable development in the region.

Programs and Activities

The Sandals Foundation operates a range of initiatives across multiple sectors:

• Education and Skills Training: The foundation runs programs to improve educational access and enhance learning environments. A notable initiative is the "Power of 15" project, which installs solar panels in Caribbean schools to provide renewable energy, ensuring uninterrupted learning and supporting technological access.

• Healthcare: The foundation supports community health clinics by building capacity and providing free medical services. It collaborates with local hospitals and health authorities to supply essential medical equipment, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants.

• Environmental Conservation: Programs include supporting marine protected areas through school-based education and community workshops, promoting the humane treatment of animals, and creating green spaces within communities.

• Community Development: It aids economic development and poverty relief through various community-based projects that address accommodation, housing, and employment opportunities.

Fundraising and Partnerships

The foundation engages in fundraising events such as the Sandals Foundation Island Challenge, which involves endurance sports and has successfully raised over £100,000 to enhance pediatric healthcare services. Partnerships with governmental bodies like the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, local tourism authorities, and UK-based affiliates enable the foundation to amplify its impact.

Governance

The Sandals Foundation is governed by a board of six trustees and operates under comprehensive policies encompassing financial controls, risk management, safeguarding vulnerable beneficiaries, and volunteer management. It maintains transparency and adheres to regulations prescribed by the UK Charity Commission since its registration in August 2014.

Geographic Reach

The foundation's efforts span various Caribbean countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. By tailoring its programs to the unique needs of each locale, it fosters inclusive growth and resilience throughout the region.

The Sandals Foundation exemplifies corporate social responsibility through its dedicated support of education, health, and environmental sustainability, directly contributing to the welfare and empowerment of Caribbean communities.

[1] https://sandalsfoundation.org/about [2] https://sandalsfoundation.org [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1158252&subid=0 [4] https://www.sandals.co.uk/sandals-foundation-the-power-of-15/ [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5047278/full-print