Caribbean Philanthropy in Action Week 2024: Day 2

The second day of Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance’s Philanthropy Action Week brought together 106 participants to address two critical areas: climate resilience and arts funding. The event demonstrated the interconnection between environmental challenges and cultural development in the Caribbean, while highlighting innovative approaches to philanthropy. Discussions ranged from immediate disaster response strategies to long-term cultural funding sustainability, with emphasis on digital transformation, regional collaboration, and data-driven decision-making.

Session 1

Philanthropy Meets Climate Crisis  – The morning session examined multiple facets of climate crisis response, featuring presentations from regional disaster management, financial institutions, and humanitarian organizations. Discussions centered on Hurricane Beryl’s impact and recovery efforts, showcasing various approaches to disaster resilience and recovery. Speakers highlighted innovative financial instruments and community-based initiatives while emphasizing the need for coordinated regional responses.

Key Approaches to Building Resilience and Disaster Management were shared:

• All-Hazards Approach: CDEMA (Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency) utilizes a multi-agency, all-hazards approach to disaster resilience, addressing prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery phases. Collaboration with philanthropy and private sectors strengthens this framework.
• Case Study – Hurricane Beryl: Lasco Chin Foundation, Philanthropic leader in the Caribbean, demonstrated an agile, replicable model by conducting rapid assessments, supporting micro and small enterprises (MSEs), and partnering with local organizations to expedite relief and recovery.
• Funding Mechanisms- Tools like the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility provide parametric insurance and rapid payouts, aiding post-disaster rebuilding. Institutions like the Suriname National Development Bank support reconstruction financing, concessional loans for NGOs, and key sectors such as agriculture and tourism.

Notable Initiatives & Announcements:

• CDEMA’s enhanced All Hazard regional response framework 
• Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) parametric insurance products
• Lasco Chin Foundation’s small business disaster relief recovery program
• It is Not a Cause (ITNAC) & Response Caribbean regional disaster relief efforts 
• Suriname National Development Bank Ltd Innovative Disaster risk financing
• International Organization for Migration (IOM) Climate Induced Displacement and Migration Responses 
• Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance Trusted Partners Initiative to support hurricane recovery
• Fundadora de Techos Pa’ Mi Gente – Disaster Relief Programme

Key Recommendations:

• Build Economic Resilience and develop flexible funding mechanisms and streamlined processes are essential.
• The Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance should partner and work towards the development of a disaster relief fund to accelerate funding and build stronger partnerships.
• Data-driven decision-making is vital for ensuring targeted and effective interventions.

Session 2

Funders Spotlight: Where Philanthropy Meets Creativity -A New Era for Arts and Culture in the Caribbean.  The afternoon session focused on sustainable funding strategies for Caribbean arts and culture. Presentations highlighted successful models from both Caribbean and African contexts, emphasizing digital fundraising innovations and diaspora engagement. Discussions explored practical approaches to cultural philanthropy, with particular attention to data-driven decision-making and regional collaboration frameworks.

Challenges in Arts and Culture Philanthropy

• Data and Measurement: A lack of comprehensive data and standardized metrics limits the ability to measure the long-term impact of arts and culture initiatives. Establishing frameworks to track outcomes can enhance accountability and attract investment.
• Balancing Commercial and Artistic Goals:Artists and organizations face challenges in maintaining artistic integrity while pursuing commercial success. Developing hybrid models that respect both priorities is essential.
• Securing Sustainable Funding: Consistent funding remains a significant hurdle. New approaches to diversify revenue streams are critical for the longevity of arts initiatives.
• Climate Change Advocacy: Creative projects such as public art installations and performances using clean energy serve as compelling tools to raise awareness and drive climate action.
• Cultural Exchange: Initiatives fostering cross-cultural dialogue can bridge divides, promote mutual understanding, and strengthen regional identities.
• Economic Development: The arts and culture sector plays a critical role in job creation, tourism, and economic growth, demonstrating its value beyond creative expression.
• Community Building: Arts programs enhance social cohesion, provide a platform for marginalized voices, and foster community resilience.

Key Themes 

• Regional coordination and collaboration to meet climate crisis
• Digital transformation in philanthropy to support Arts & Culture
• Funding mechanisms should be sustainable funding and use data-driven decision making
• Diaspora engagement

Key Learnings 

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Collaboration with government agencies and private sector entities can unlock scalable funding opportunities for the cultural sector.
• Matching Funds: Leveraging donor matching programs can amplify the impact of individual contributions and attract broader support.
• Digital Engagement: Online fundraising, digital storytelling, and diaspora-focused campaigns are expanding the financial reach of cultural projects, democratizing access to philanthropy.
• Impact Investing: Integrating social and financial returns into arts and culture projects enables sustainable funding and demonstrates the tangible benefits of cultural investment.
• Philanthropic Foundations: Partnering with foundations for long-term support ensures financial stability and the growth of the cultural ecosystem.

Notable Initiatives & Announcements

• Caribbean Culture Fund’s second funding call
• Africa Culture Fund
• CariPhil & Culture Fund Convening & Funder Database Partnership

Key Recommendations

• Financial Support: Diaspora communities can provide vital financial contributions to support Caribbean arts and culture organizations.
• Knowledge Sharing: Sharing expertise, best practices, and networks helps strengthen cultural initiatives and enhances global collaboration.
• Advocacy: Diasporic advocates are uniquely positioned to promote policies and initiatives that bolster the arts and culture sector.
• Indigenous and Cultural Preservation:

• Respect Indigenous Art Forms by ensuring indigenous art and cultural practices are integrated into mainstream projects while respecting their origins and values.
• Training in Indigenous Knowledge Systems for philanthropy by prioritizing cultural education and training programs that sustain traditional practices and bridge indigenous wisdom with contemporary arts.
•   Cultural Sensitization for stakeholders by deconstructing colonial language and frameworks to promote respect for Caribbean cultural diversity and foster an equitable arts ecosystem.</

By integrating innovative funding strategies and centering on climate, cultural heritage, and diaspora engagement, philanthropy can propel the Caribbean arts and culture sector into a transformative era, driving economic resilience, social cohesion, and sustainable development.

Speaker Highlights