The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) is a non-partisan, non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization established in 1993, dedicated to education, advocacy and action on issues that impact on Caribbean -Americans. The purpose of the Institute is to provide a forum for the public and private sector, the non-government organization community, scholars and others interested in promoting a dialogue; and assist in the execution of actions that result from that dialogue.

Since its inception, ICS has been on the forefront of the challenge to bring attention to the issues of critical importance to the Caribbean American community, which is estimated at near 10 million. ICS represents an important role in history as the first Caribbean-American community organization in the Washington DC area devoted to the successful inclusion of Caribbean-Americans in US policy making, and the economic development of the Caribbean region. ICS location in Washington DC makes it an ideal interlocutor, advocate and intermediary between the US government, multilateral agencies, the private sector, Caribbean-American communities, and Caribbean governments.