Places of great beauty, rich cultures, and diverse ecosystems, islands captivate the hearts of residents and visitors alike. However the size and isolation of small island developing states make them vulnerable to significant economic and environmental pressures as well.

The Small Island States Foundation is an independent private sector non-profit organization whose purpose is to encourage and support applied public policy research into the unique economic, environmental, social, and cultural challenges of sustainable development confronted by small island states, with a particular focus on economic development.

Small island nations span the globe, with clusters found in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The Foundation provides grants to researchers and institutions whose work focuses on the sustainable development of these islands. Funding and grant support comes from a wide range of charitable foundations, governments, private corporations and individuals.