Frequently Asked Questions

FBB Scholarship Program:

At Full Basket Belize, we believe that financial constraints should never stand in the way of a student’s potential. Since 2005, our scholarship programs have provided a bridge to the future for hundreds of deserving students across the country. Whether you are a prospective scholar, a concerned parent, or a partner school, the following frequently asked questions will help you navigate our application process and academic requirements.

How many scholarships has FBB awarded over the past 20 years?

Since 2005, generous donations have allowed FBB to provide 557 scholarships to deserving Belizean high school students who otherwise would not have the financial means to attend school.

What does a FBB scholarship cover?

The scholarship is comprehensive, covering tuition and fees, required textbooks and supplies, and school uniforms.

Who is eligible to apply for a FBB scholarship?

Scholarships are available to Belizean students who will enter Form II, III, or IV in the upcoming academic year.

How do I apply for a FBB scholarship?

FBB works with “partner schools” to identify deserving students. In February, these schools select students to complete the FBB scholarship application. Completed applications—including grade transcripts and teacher recommendations—must be submitted by the deadline specified on the form.

Can I renew my scholarship?

Yes. Students who have previously received an FBB scholarship and remain in good standing are eligible to apply for a renewal scholarship.

What are the academic requirements to keep the scholarship?

To receive and retain their funding, scholars must:

Continue to have financial need.

Maintain at least a 3.0 / 80% grade point average.

Maintain a good attendance record.

When are the scholarship recipients announced?

FBB Scholars are officially announced each year in June.

How does a school become a “partner school”?

Schools are invited to become partners early in the year. Partner schools agree to identify students in need, disperse scholarship funds, and provide periodic grade reports and year-end financial reports.

When are funds released to the schools?

Funds are dispersed to the partner schools only after FBB receives signed confirmation forms and contracts from the school, student, and parent/guardian.

What is the Shawn Hunton Memorial University Scholarship?

This is a post-secondary scholarship program dedicated to supporting deserving Full Basket Belize (FBB) high school graduates. The scholarship honors the memory of Shawn Hunton, the son of former FBB Board member Jane Hasenmueller.

Who is eligible to apply for the Shawn Hunton Memorial University Scholarship?

To be eligible, new applicants must:

Demonstrate leadership and the value of their expected degree to the community.

Be graduates of a high school supported by Full Basket Belize.

Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.3 or better.

Provide a personal statement and career goals.

Include letters of reference.

FBB Community Grant Program

At Full Basket Belize, we believe that communities are best positioned to identify and address their own needs. Our Community Grants Program provides funding to support locally led initiatives that strengthen education, health, and overall community well-being across the country. Whether you are a school, nonprofit organization, or community group, the following frequently asked questions will help you understand our application process and funding priorities.

What is the Full Basket Belize Community Grant program?

The Community Grant Program supports small, community-based projects in Belize.  Grants are awarded to grassroots projects focused on at least one of the following:

  1. Grassroots Economic Development – Developing job skills and financial stability

2. Education – Enhancing learning opportunities or school resources

3. Health – Promoting public health, including projects related to HIV/AIDS and domestic abuse

4. Environment – Protecting natural resources or addressing the impacts of climate change

5. Youth Leadership Development – Creating opportunities for young Belizeans to build leadership skills

What thematic areas does FBB fund?

To be considered, your project must focus on one or more of the following areas:

  1. Education: Enhancing learning opportunities or school resources.

2. Environment: Protecting natural resources or addressing climate change impacts.

3. Health: Promoting wellness, including projects related to STDs or domestic abuse

4. Grassroots Economic Development: Supporting local livelihoods and financial stability.

5. Youth Leadership Development: Building skills and opportunities for young Belizeans.

Who is eligible to apply for a grant?

Applicants must be non-profit organizations operating within Belize. This includes registered non-governmental organizations (NGOs), schools, and village councils. Projects must be community-based and implemented in Belize for the direct benefit of Belizeans. Additionally, applicants must have an official organizational bank account. If your group does not have its own account, you may use a qualified “Fiscal Agent” (a registered organization that agrees to manage the funds for you). You will be required to provide bank details or fiscal agent information during the application process.

Do I need a bank account to receive a grant?

Yes. All grantees must have an official organizational bank account. If your group does not have its own account, you may use a qualified “Fiscal Agent” (a registered organization that agrees to manage the funds for you). You will be required to provide bank details or fiscal agent information during the application process.

How long does the project have to be?

Projects are generally expected to be completed within a single calendar year. For example, grants awarded in late 2025 are intended for projects that start and finish during the 2026 calendar year.

What is the maximum amount of funding I can request?

The Community Grant Program awards funding for up to $2,000 BZD per project. FBB focuses on high-impact, small-scale projects where a modest amount of funding can make a significant difference in a community.

What expenses are NOT covered by the grant?

FBB funds are intended for project-specific costs. They cannot be used for:

* Lobbying or political activities.

* Staff or subcontractor salaries and benefits.

* Direct financial support or benefits to individuals.

* Promotion of religious beliefs or political parties.

When is the application deadline?

The Community Grant Program runs on an annual grant cycle with one round of awards each year.. The “Call for Proposals” typically opens in early August and closes at the end of September.  Please sign up for our newsletter to receive the announcement of the upcoming grant cycle’s specific dates.

How are grant recipients selected?

Our volunteer review team evaluates proposals and selects projects that demonstrate a clear community need, have well-defined goals, and provide a detailed budget showing exactly how FBB funds will be spent. Successful applications demonstrate a direct, positive impact on the local community and a clear plan for implementation.

Can I get help with my application?

Yes! FBB is committed to supporting grassroots efforts. We usually offer a window of time (typically until mid-September) where applicants can email grants@fullbasketbelize.org to request advice or clarification on their applications before the final submission deadline.

When is the application deadline?

The Community Grant Program runs on an annual grant cycle with one round of awards each year.. The “Call for Proposals” typically opens in early August and closes at the end of September.  Please sign up for our newsletter to receive the announcement of the upcoming grant cycle’s specific dates.

Can I submit more than one application in a grant cycle?

Yes.  There is not a limit on the number or proposals an applicant can submit.  Each proposal is judged on its own merit and will not be helped or harmed by the other.

Can current grantees apply for next year’s grant cycle?

Yes.  All past grantees remain eligible for future grants.  It is common for a grantee to apply for a new project that builds off the success of their previous grant.