About Us

Our Islands

Raizal people are stewards of the lands and seas of Old Providence, San Andrés, and Santa Catalina, descendants of the English, Spanish, and African peoples who first settled permanently in the archipelago as a product of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Old Providence and Santa Catalina are home to a racially, ethnically, and linguistically varied population. Historically, Raizales have been fisherpeople, farmers, pastoralists, and traders. Raizal people have a rich history of music, dance, craftsmanship, and Afro-Caribbean gastronomy.

The archipelago was designated as part of UNESCO’s Seaflower Biosphere Reserve in 2000 due to its incredible coastal and marine biodiversity, including sea turtles, crabs, coral reefs, tropical forest, and much more.

History of FIOPSC

Founded in 2017, FIOPSC exists to promote and preserve our unique island heritage, by initiating, fostering and developing programs to benefit our greater Raizal family in order to prioritize programs based on island needs and future goals.

Our work has included supporting ecotourism businesses, boat and marine services, traditional gastronomy classes, agroecological farming, exploration of island and marine ecosystems, deep water fishing, cultural games, festivals, and competitions, as well as ecologically sound energy production, fresh water infrastructure and recycling, organic and hydroponic agriculture, solid and liquid waste disposal and recycling, and promotion of the islands’ unique culture and history through the arts.

We have also provided direct aid and hurricane relief support.

Our Development

Over the past year, FIOPSC has taken intentional steps to evolve from a responsive grassroots initiative into a strategic, future-ready organization. Guided by community voices and strengthened through partnerships with Emerging Equity, we developed a holistic strategic plan, formalized governance practices, and built a digital operations infrastructure to support long-term growth. While our early years were defined by rapid, responsive action—particularly in moments of crisis such as Hurricane Iota—we have now shifted toward a proactive, integrated approach to community-based development. This includes clarifying our mission, vision, and theory of change, setting measurable goals, strengthening communications, and preparing for sustained engagement with a broad network of funders.

Today, FIOPSC stands at an exciting inflection point, where years of community organizing meet the systems needed for lasting sustainability. Looking ahead, we are laying the groundwork to transition from a private to a public foundation, expanding our eligibility for philanthropic support through external audits and diversified funding.