Digicel Foundation and Shell Trinidad and Tobago renew EPIC Partnership

FRIDAY 19 JULY 2024, PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – Ten non-profit organisations will each receive TT$150,000 in funding to transform their communities through a renewed partnership between the Digicel Foundation and Shell Trinidad and Tobago (Shell T&T). For a second year, the two organisations will jointly channel TT$1.4 million into community development through the Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities (EPIC) programme.

This significant private sector partnership agreement was solidified on 4th July in the presence of Burt Bushell, Work Process Performance Manager, Business Transformation at Shell along with Digicel Foundation Chairperson Desha Clifford and Digicel TT CEO Abraham Smith.

“Partnering for Progress is the cornerstone of Shell’s Social Investment strategy,” shared Bushell. “This continued partnership with the Digicel Foundation enables us to drive sustainable innovation and create lasting positive impact. Together, we are committed to fostering growth and development that benefits communities, the country and the planet.”

The EPIC programme is open for applications until August 12th, with a call for applications in four thematic areas: (i) Renewable energy, (ii) Environment, (iii) Education, (iv) Technology and Agriculture. Registered non-profit organisations,  inclusive of faith based organisatiojns and schools, with innovative ideas and a corresponding budget are encouraged to apply for grant funding to implement sustainable community initiatives aligned with one of the above themes.

“Last year we offered TT$100,000.00 toward each project.  This year we’ll be adding some extra funds to projects that are really extraordinary,” shared Desha Clifford, Digicel Foundation Chairperson. “We will offer up to $150k in funding to some projects based on the merit of the initiative and the impact it will create.”

Shell T&T’s contribution to this year’s Digicel Foundation EPIC initiative amounts to TT$582,500; with over $1 million invested over the past two years. To date there are 150 EPIC projects impacting over 88,000 persons with an investment of TT $7.2 million. The application form can be found online at digicelfoundation.org/tt/en/apply-for-a-grant/epic-grant, and interested groups are welcome to contact the Digicel Foundation team via social media or email at digicelfoundationtt@digicelgroup.com.