The Barbados Government will not be able to afford all social services to its residents in the not-so distant future. Dwindling economic reserves, the pressures of an ageing population, and rising health concerns such as diabetes and other chronic illnesses indicate that this situation will likely intensify in the near future.

Multiple interviewees agreed on this point in the initial stages of our research project, Building a Better Third Sector in Barbados. The Third Sector Organisations (TSOs) encompassing non-governmental, non-profit, and community organizations, have become vital components in safeguarding the well-being of the future of Barbados. They are characterized as helping the public good.

Saving the island in a time of need is a compelling argument to support the Third Sector. There is another more fundamental reason; it is who we are. There is a rich culture of giving on the island and numerous organizations are dedicated to helping the less fortunate. This spirit of generosity and social responsibility is part of what makes the island not just a tourist destination, but also a compassionate community admired worldwide.

In the world of business, value is not always measured in financial terms. It encompasses experiences, community impact, and the well-being of stakeholders. In this definition of value, the third sector has a lot to give. The Building a Better Third Sector in Barbados project aims to strengthen the capacity of the Third Sector Organizations (TSOs) by removing barriers to growth and fostering collaboration. This will enable TSOs to maximize their impact and provide even greater value to the communities they serve. The value they provide to our community needs to be measured, acknowledged and paid for.

High-Impact Examples of TSO Contributions

There are highly visible examples of TSO impact in Barbados. In early October, in a sea of pink shirts, thousands participate in the Walk for the Cure in support of breast cancer awareness. The fundraising walk leverages the backing of CIBC Caribbean as a sponsor and garners significant attention.

However, behind the scenes, much of the work is sustained by volunteers, including administrative staff and medical practitioners. This illustrates how TSOs create both economic value by hiring staff and social value by ensuring that preventative healthcare services are accessible to people across all demographics.

There are many more TSOs that are much less visible yet provide value to those that they reach. The ASPIRE programme encourages a cohort of TSOs to build foundational pillars of governance, financial management, human resources, strategic planning, and communications. The incubator programme enables these TSOs to expand their reach and impact and add even greater value to the people that they serve.

A tangible example of this would be the Schoolhouse for Special Needs (Schoolhouse), whose mission is to educate, motivate, inspire, and enrich the lives of children and young adults with special needs. The school uses a variety of modalities that are student-centred and focus on social inclusion and emotional well-being. Their focus on lifelong learning benefits the students and their families for years to come. For the Schoolhouse, a well-established institution with 18 years of service, ASPIRE's Foundation Program acts as a vital system of checks and balances. ASPIRE ensures that the Schoolhouse is adhering to best practices in governance while meeting routine operational procedures, ultimately fostering a strong foundation for the Schoolhouse’s ongoing mission to improve the lives of students and, by extension, adults with special education needs while continuing to contribute to our community at large.

Addressing Funding Challenges

A significant challenge for TSOs in Barbados is the lack of consistent funding. Many organizations struggle to secure the financial resources needed to operate sustainably. Recognizing this issue, the Peter and Jan Boos Family Foundation has introduced innovative approaches to philanthropy. Through The Barbados Carers Circle (TBCC), the Foundation connects donors with individuals and organizations in urgent need of assistance. This model ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and where they are needed most.

In one example highlighted in The Foundation’s Giving Report, a recipient suffering for four years received the necessary medical care thanks to timely financial support. This intervention allowed the individual to resume a normal life, demonstrating the profound impact that targeted assistance can have. To further expand its reach, the Foundation is currently exploring the use of renewable energy as a sustainable source of funding. A feasibility study is underway to determine how income generated from renewable energy initiatives can support a broad range of TSOs, ensuring long-term financial stability for these organisations.

A Call to Action

The Third Sector offers immense value to Barbados, not only through the direct services it provides but also through fostering a sense of community and resilience. Supporting these organizations is not just beneficial – it is essential for the island’s future. As economic pressure continues to mount, it is in the best interest of both the government and citizens to collaborate and invest in the Third Sector.

The time to act is now. By creating an enabling environment for TSOs, through funding, capacity building programmes, and public-private partnerships, Barbados can empower these organizations to thrive. This will ensure that the Third Sector continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being of the population and maintaining the island’s reputation as a community-driven and compassionate society.

The Third Sector is poised to grow and deliver value to all who reside in Barbados.

We invite you to become part of the team to volunteer and donate to this vital developmental initiative.

For further details on ASPIRE please contact Beatrix Holder at beatrix@aspirebarbados.org.

To get further information on the Barbados Carers Circle, please get in touch with Natasha Boos at pm.pnboos@gmail.com