Centennial Bermuda Foundation (“Centennial”) is a private philanthropic foundation providing several million dollars of grants to a wide range of organisations in Bermuda. Centennial also offers a number of different scholarships to Bermudian students to support post-secondary education. Centennial’s contribution to organisations and students contribute to the fabric of life in Bermuda.

In 2016 Centennial completed a two-year process to develop its Theory of Change. It was clear that the time is right to shift from being a charitable to a philanthropic organisation. For Centennial this meant a shift from addressing short-term, immediate needs (i.e. relieving the symptoms of social issues) to having a longer term, more collaborative and sustainable approach to solving problems (i.e. addressing the root causes of social issues).

What is a Theory of Change? Theory of Change is a rigorous yet participatory process whereby groups and stakeholders identify the conditions they believe have to unfold for their long-term goals to be met. These conditions are modelled as outcomes or, more precisely, desired outcomes, arranged graphically in a causal framework. A Theory of Change provides a clear and testable hypothesis about how change will occur and what it will look like.  — Source: ActKnowledge: Theory to Results

In 2021, Centennial sought to further refine its Theory of Change. Centennial engaged more than 50 external and internal stakeholders in determining its Focus Areas for Centennial’s grantmaking. Together we identified Bermuda-specific priorities and programme level outcomes. In a multi-layered approach we gathered community data, facilitated community-led meetings, and used research from subject matter experts and evidence-based models. Stakeholders who participated included Centennial’s grant review committees, staff, and our Board as well as local non-profit and charity partners, community stakeholders, government representatives, civic organisations, and subject matter experts.

Today, we refer to our ‘Community Investment Priorities’ which underpin our work.

VISION

We envision an equitable Bermuda where everyone, including Bermuda’s most marginalised, can thrive.

MISSION

We fund organisations, programmes and initiatives that respond to and resolve community and social needs, however complex they may be.

Identity Statement

Bermuda’s history of racial inequality and segregation has created systems of structural racism, socio-economic divide, and inequitable access to opportunities and outcomes. We acknowledge our historical institutional biases. Today, Centennial Bermuda Foundation embraces the responsibility of solving the complex and interconnected systemic challenges that have shaped inequity in Bermuda.

At Centennial Bermuda Foundation, we strive to find solutions that both alleviate symptoms and tackle root causes. Our transformative approach recognises that long-term improvement requires changes in systems, behaviours and mindsets, and that short-term relief is necessary in the meantime.

Centennial collaborates with a wide range of partners who share our vision. We believe in Bermuda’s collective strength, and we grow stronger by listening to others with respect and curiosity. We are committed to drawing on insights from those who understand the issues best, including individuals with lived and learned experiences.

As an integral part of the Bermuda community, we reflect the diversity of our island. We embed equity in all our practices and value research-driven, informed decision-making. We hold ourselves accountable as we strive to improve and support others in doing the same. We embrace our ongoing journey toward an equitable Bermuda where everyone can thrive.

Centennial, through extensive consultation with its stakeholders, has identified four Focus Areas for grantmaking. The intention is to help heal, improve, inspire and balance the Bermuda community to be a dynamic and fair-minded place to live and grow.

These priorities address community need, informed by essential service providers and support organisations with first-hand experience.

1. Community Health & Fundamental Needs
2. Cultural & Community Connections
3. Economic Participation
4. Public Education

Focus Areas and Identified Priorities

1. Community Health & Fundamental Needs – with an underlying theme to fund seniors

Aspiration: “People in Bermuda have complete physical, mental, social and material wellbeing.”

• Affordable & Accessible Healthcare
• Chronic Illness: Type 2 Diabetes
• Mental Health – Early Detection & Intervention
• Obesity
• Substance Abuse & Addiction – Residential – Short Term
• Food Insecurity
• Homelessness & Housing

2. Cultural & Community Connections

Aspiration: “The entire Bermuda community participates in activities that create a sense of belonging.”

• Arts & Culture
• Identity & Belonging
• Intergenerational Programming
• Natural & Heritage Sites Preservation
• Youth Engagement

3. Economic Participation

Aspiration: “All Bermudians have equitable employment opportunities, work satisfaction and financial security”.

• Career Advisement
• Financial & Digital Literacy
• Small Business & Entrepreneurship
• Workforce Development
• Workforce Equity

4. Public Education

Aspiration: “High-quality public-school system that supports the diverse capabilities of all learners and enables them to pursue post-secondary education” 

• Early Childhood Development 0-3
• Early Childhood Education 4-8
• Student Achievement 5-18
• Quality Public Education 5-18

Grants requests are now assessed and decided within this structure. Successful applications must address at least one of the Priorities within a Focus Area.

If you haven’t already, please review Centennial’s Centennial Community Investment Priorities and Grantmaking Guidelines. This is an essential criteria for funding applications and requires a clear understanding of the identified priorities and aligned outcomes.

Grantmaking focuses on the five key Focus Areas as listed below. All information is included in the full Guidelines document, however each Focus Area section can also be downloaded separately – click the heading:

1. Community Health & Fundamental Needs
2. Cultural & Community Connections
3. Economic Participation
4. Public Education