Our Work
Supporting Research. Expanding Opportunity.
The Wilson Family Foundation’s principal research initiative is the Wilson Awards Programme, administered in partnership with the University of The Bahamas.
The Programme
The Wilson Awards Programme
The Programme supports scholars at different stages of their work, from the early development of research projects to the recognition of completed scholarship.
Together, the Wilson Grants and the Wilson Prize encourage the pursuit of original knowledge about The Bahamas.
Research in progress
Annual
The Wilson Grants
Financial assistance for research in progress.
Completed scholarship
Every five years
The Wilson Prize
Recognition of completed scholarly work of exceptional merit.
The Wilson Grants
Investing in Research and Discovery
Meaningful research requires time, resources and opportunity.
The Wilson Grants provide financial assistance to eligible scholars and creative researchers undertaking original work relevant to The Bahamas. The grants may assist with research expenses, including travel, research assistance and other academic costs, allowing promising investigations to progress toward completion.
The Programme welcomes eligible researchers based both within The Bahamas and internationally, recognizing that valuable contributions to Bahamian scholarship can emerge from institutions and scholars around the world.
Grant award, 2026 funding round
$6,000
Increased from $4,000 since the grants were introduced in 2021
| Open to | Eligible scholars and creative researchers in The Bahamas and internationally |
|---|---|
| Supports | Travel, research assistance and other academic costs |
| Administered by | University of The Bahamas |
Research Themes
Research with National Significance
The Wilson Grants encourage research across disciplines and on subjects relevant to the nation’s history, society and development.
Early research theme
A century of Bahamian nation formation
The Programme’s early research theme explored a century of Bahamian nation formation, including the historical, political, social and cultural developments that contributed to the emergence of the modern Bahamas.
Subsequent research themes
Development and sustainability
Subsequent research themes have focused on development and sustainability, encouraging examination of economic opportunity, environmental challenges, cultural preservation and other issues affecting the country’s future.
Economic opportunity
Environmental challenges
Cultural preservation
These themes provide opportunities for scholars to investigate important questions, develop new perspectives and contribute evidence that can inform public understanding and national decision-making.
Selection
How Grants Are Selected
Wilson Grant proposals undergo a rigorous review process designed to identify research of scholarly merit and national relevance.
The Wilson Awards Review Board draws upon independent scholarly and expert assessments to inform its evaluation. Grant recipients are invited to share their research findings through presentations at the University of The Bahamas, contributing to wider academic dialogue and public understanding.
Applications are considered for their
Originality
Academic quality
Contribution to existing knowledge
Potential significance to The Bahamas
Applications
How to Apply
The Wilson Grants are open to eligible scholars and researchers, both in The Bahamas and internationally, whose work contributes to a deeper understanding of the nation.
The University of The Bahamas administers the application process. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria, submission requirements and application deadlines.
1
Review the eligibility criteria
2
Check submission requirements and deadlines
3
Apply through the University of The Bahamas
Community
Beyond Scholarship
The Foundation’s commitment to national development extends beyond scholarly research. Guided by the Wilson family’s longstanding belief in faith, education and service, it also supports charitable and educational initiatives that create opportunities, strengthen communities and improve lives throughout The Bahamas.
[Insert approved initiatives, beneficiaries and examples of community impact.]
Updates
News & Events
The Foundation’s news and events highlight research achievements, scholarly presentations, award recipients and important programme milestones.
05
Nov 2026
Past event
Wilson Grant Research Presentations
University of The Bahamas
[Insert approved presentation details, participating scholars and research titles.]
Photographs from the presentations
10
Nov 2026
Past event
Memorandum of Understanding Signing
Charter Day · University of The Bahamas
[Insert approved announcement of the Memorandum of Understanding with the University of The Bahamas.]
Photographs from the signing
21
Nov 2026
Upcoming
Inaugural Wilson Prize Presentation
Government House, Nassau
[Insert approved event details and update with the inaugural recipient following the ceremony.]
