Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation supports job training, education, public health, community development, and environmental protection efforts in regions where the cruise industry has a significant presence.
IP TAKE: This funder accepts applications online, but its geographic eligibility requirements are not entirely transparent. The grant process can be burecreatic and this is not exactly a hands-on funder who provides long-term support. Perhaps it may increase environmental funding, particularly in the climate change space as the foundation addresses the industry’s deep environmental impact.
PROFILE: The Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation (CICF) was established in 1998 by a partnership of cruise lines—including Disney, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and others—in order to “enhance [the] industry's contributions in those communities where [it has] extensive partnerships with state and local businesses.” The foundation does not only serve port cities, but will fund organizations operating in any area where the cruise industry “maintains vessel operations, employs significant numbers of individuals, or purchases products and services from strategic business partners.” It currently focuses its giving in four main areas: civic and community development, education and training, public health, and environmental preservation.
Grants for Community Development, Work and Economic Opportunity
The foundation’s community development grants support “programs designed to enhance community economic development through job creation and training, and provide assistance to local community improvement projects.” It also funds organizations and programs that increase access to basic services (including disaster relief or emergency service assistance), promote civic education, and self-sufficiency. Past Grantees include Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation, Women of Color Cultural Foundation, Inc., and Boys and Girls Clubs.
Grants for Education
The Cruise Foundation’s educational and training programs grantmaking supports the “creation and expansion of learning experiences and opportunities at the primary, secondary and higher education levels.” It prioritizes programs that “improve literacy,” “teach basic life skills,” “promote good citizenship and public service,” and “increase reading, math and science proficiencies.” Past Grantees include the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation, and City Year Seattle/King County.
Grants for Public Health
CICF makes grants that support public health to “facilities that provide patient treatment or support services for patients and their families.” The foundation also funds medical research projects for disease prevention. Past Grantees include Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Diabetes Association, and National Children’s Cancer Society.
Grants for Environmental and Marine Conservation
These grants fund nonprofits and programs that “promote environmental awareness and public education, as well as the development of enhanced environmental technologies for the maritime sector.” Past Grantees include North American Marine Environment Protection Association, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and Coast Guard Foundation.
Important Grant Details:
Grants generally range from $2,500 to $15,000. The Cruise Foundation reviews applications on a quarterly basis and accepts unsolicited requests for funding. The foundation warns that the application review process can take up to six months. CICF makes multi-year grants for up to three years.
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