In the six Caribbean islands that are part of the Dutch Kingdom, there are many creative ideas and people with the knowledge and talent to realize them. However, what is often the case is a lack of connection between the creators and the institutions, partners, and funding.This situation is valid for various reasons; many organizations, whether public or private, that want to contribute to the development of the island communities often do not know where to start, which partners are reliable and transparent, and who are capable of executing projects on time and within budget.The Across The Isles Foundation is an organization founded and based in Bonaire to fill this gap. Across The Isles Foundation does not implement programs or projects itself but acts as a facilitator and program developer. Across The Isles helps draft project proposals and assists individuals and organizations with fund management.Fund management, in particular, is crucial; the members of the Across The Isles Foundation live and work on the islands. They understand the context and can evaluate ideas before submitting proposals. If necessary, they provide guidance and make adjustments together with the project owner.The Across The Isles Foundation is an organization with a broad network of connections. Although the foundation is relatively new, it is supported by experts with decades of experience in the fields of social-cultural research, the arts and cultural heritage, museums, journalism, public governance, (re)construction, literature, and education.For all topics that deserve attention in the Caribbean islands, Across The Isles chooses to focus on these areas: art and culture, nature and climate, democracy, the rule of law, citizenship, and also a professional and pluralistic media with a clear separation between commercial direction and editorial content.For the Across The Isles Foundation, open dialogue, transparency, and inclusivity are essential.As part of our introduction week, we held conversations with the team to elaborate on the importance of strengthening the civil sector.
We also asked them what they expect from Across The Isles in the future.

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The Across The Isles Foundation (ATI), was designed to carry out the bridge gaps in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. On the islands, many individuals and groups with transformative ideas lack the formal legal entities required to access funding. Their voices, rich in knowledge, creativity, and cultural insight, risk being excluded from processes designed to honor and heal the past.ATI bridges this gap. By acting as a trusted intermediary, the foundation provides a framework for channeling resources into meaningful projects while respecting the unique context and needs of the islands. It empowers those without formal structures to bring their visions to life—whether through storytelling, cultural preservation, environmental initiatives, or education—ensuring that no voice is left unheard. We do this by co-creating with the people behind the initiatives.ATI’s local presence allows it to assess proposals realistically and guide projects effectively.This foundation is not just about funding; it’s about building a system that acknowledges the islands’ history, fosters equitable opportunities, and strengthens civil society. ATI creates a space where individuals, regardless of formal status, can access support to bring their projects to fruition.The Across The Isles Foundation is deeply thankful for the trust placed in it by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) and for the intensive, collaborative process undertaken with its representatives. This partnership and co-creation has been instrumental in shaping ATI’s mission and approach, enabling the foundation to align resources with the realities of the islands.Through partnerships like this and collaborations with academic institutions, ATI ensures that its projects—spanning arts, heritage, democracy, and sustainability—are impactful and empowering. Always focused on amplifying local voices and fostering resilience, ATI represents a bridge between history and hope.This is an invitation to collaborate, to dream, and to build together, ensuring that this moment of reckoning becomes a foundation for resilience and renewal, where apologies lead to action, and action leads to a brighter, more inclusive future for all of us.