The programme was launched last month and successful applicants began receiving their grants on Monday, October 12, 2020.

"In these trying times a little goes a very far way and I am thankful to the Rotary Club of Tortola for this grant," noted one recipient of the grant.

The Rotary Club of Tortola noted in a press release that 103 applications were received.

President of the BVI Cancer Society Ms Gloria A. Fahie, right, receives a donation from the Rotary Club of Tortola.

Charity organisations also received donations

President of the Club, Dion A. Stoutt said: “We are extremely grateful to the donor of these funds, which have enabled our Club to fulfill one of its objectives, that of providing economic support to the BVI community and specifically to businesses adversely impacted by COVID-19. I sincerely wish that we could help all the applicants but unfortunately with limited funds this was not possible.”

The Rotary Club of Tortola said it took the decision to use 50% of a donation of $200,000 to help small businesses.

The club also made sizable donations to the BVI Cancer Society and the Family Support Network (FSN) from the balance of the $200,000.

The remainder is being used to support other COVID-19 related causes.