In 2003, the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded the Virgin Islands an EPSCoR RII grant to strengthen the capability of researchers in the USVI to conduct nationally competitive research.  These monies were augmented by grants from the Virgin Islands government, local business and industry, and private non-profit foundations. In 2008, the Territory received its second major grant from NSF, to further develop its original research thrust. The Biocomplexity of Caribbean Coral Reefs (BCCR) expanded and grew into the Integrated Caribbean Coastal Ecosystems program (ICCE).

A key component of the Virgin Islands EPSCoR program is start-up and incubator funding to develop new research directions related to the VI-EPSCoR research thrust on Integrated Caribbean Coastal Ecosystems. VI-EPSCoR start-up and incubator grants support activities that advance research to the point at which it can attract competitive funding.

VI-EPSCoR also works with the UVI Office of Sponsored Programs to provide technical assistance to the VI community and to EPSCoR affiliated researchers with acquiring and managing competitive research grants. The Office of Sponsored Programs can assist researchers in developing research ideas, in identifying potential funding sources, and in proposal development.