Bank of Bermuda Foundation has launched a new website that will soon enable online funding applications, while also unveiling what it describes as “bold new goals for grant-making”.

The changes, which has been two years in the making, are described as being part of a “more deliberate approach” to supporting the Bermuda community.

The foundation’s long-term vision for Bermuda is that “all people are healthy, independent, financially secure and connected to community, with equitable opportunities for all”.

The foundation’s new grant-making strategy focuses on four new areas of funding: economic participation, education, healthy families and connected communities.

The new website offers extensive information on the foundation’s funding guidelines and details the new areas in which it intends to focus its grant-making. The website also provides clear information about the process of applying for grants.

Designed and developed locally by Sebastian Matcham of Subtropik, the new website provides information on the foundation’s background, the people involved and the process of developing the foundation’s new direction.

Soon the site will also feature an online grant application system, enabling local organisations to make paper-free applications.

Tom Conyers, the foundation’s chairman, added: “Our areas of funding, consistent with our vision, represent a focus on economic equity; education for independent thinking and productive engagement; health and wellbeing for all age groups and an inclusive and welcoming community.

“The new website provides an in-depth guide to our new grant-making goals and assists potential grantees through the application process online.”

The non-profit sector has been included in several ongoing presentations this year, introducing the new grant-making system and has responded eagerly to the Foundation’s new goals. With a December 1 deadline for the first round of applications for 2018 grants, non-profit organisations are urged to visit the new website to learn more about the new focus areas for grant-making and the new application form. Application form orientation is scheduled for early October and all non-profits are invited to attend.

Under the new restructure, the foundation is supported by key people in spearheading the foundation’s new goals for grant-making.

David Lang, managing director, oversees the overall relationships with the community and community organisations as well as the general business affairs of the foundation. Vivien Carter, programme officer, is responsible for developing resources and relationships to assist in implementing the foundation’s new direction. And Kim Pratt, senior trust officer, Butterfield Trust (Bermuda) Ltd, handles all inquiries and organisational administration.

The Bank of Bermuda Foundation website can be found at www.bankofbermudafoundation.bm