FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) 

1.          What is Cat Island United?

Cat Island United (CIU) is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of Cat Island.  It leads environmental preservation on Cat through volunteerism and bringing new resources to the Island—educational, technical, and financial.    While CIU began as an environmental organization, our activities encompass traditional arts and crafts, farming and culture.  CIU is incorporated in the Bahamas as a not-for-profit organization and is led by a diverse board of directors.

2.    What is Friends of Cat Island United (FCIU)?

FCIU was formed in 2020 as a US based supporting organization to accept donations to support CIU.   It is recognized as a US charitable organization under   IRS 501(c)3 and donations may qualify for tax deductibility.

3.     What are CIU’s accomplishments?

  • Cat Island Annual Earth Day Festival is the capstone following three months of environmental activities in local schools.

  • Climate Smart Farming (2021) This award-winning project aims to improve food security and reduce carbon emissions by supplanting traditional “slash and burn” farming and expanding the growing season through water management and solar power pumps. The youth in the two high schools are responsible for the Solar Tutorial Gardens. This project was made possibly by the Global Environment Fund (GEF) Small Grants Program (SGP)

  • Small Island Solar Solutions: CIU designed and installed economical small island solar solutions to provide electricity to unserved homes, irrigate farms, heat water and provide hurricane recovery. This project was made possible by the Global Environment Fund’s Small Grant Program, volunteer time and individual donations.   It was selected for the 5th Global Video Book “300 World Best Practices on Sustainability and Innovation”. 

  • Healthy Lives (2020-22) During the COVID pandemic, CIU equipped all four clinics with diagnostic equipment, therapeutic devices and PPE. This was made possible with the support of the Rotary Club and private donors.

  •  Young Entrepreneur Workshops train local teens to design and pitch a sustainable local business, which are challenged and judged in the local “Shark Tank” competitions   Winners participate in environmental enrichment education at summer camps and abroad.

  • Youth Cultural Exchanges:  Since 2015, Cat Island High School students participated in cultural student exchanges with Bell High School in Washington DC in what has proved to be a life changing experience for many.

  • Recycling:  CIU set up and runs an aluminum can recycling activity, collecting cans from 12 recycling depots across Cat Island.  Other projects target plasic and beach clean ups.

4.      How can I help?

  •  To make a financial donation, go to Cat Island United at the local Bank of Bahamas branch or by wire.   USD donations can be made by credit card on our website.  To donate, go to https://catislandunited.com/support-usdonation.

  • To volunteer or if you are interested in serving on the board of directors, contact a Cat Island United board member.