Journalism for Adventist Solutions Grant

The Versacare Foundation has launched the Journalism for Adventist Solutions (JAS) grant to support ethical journalism within the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. This new funding initiative aims to foster journalistic integrity and creativity, specifically through projects and programs that encourage diverse storytelling and principled reporting. By creating a dedicated fund, the foundation seeks to enhance the journalistic capacity within the Adventist community, elevating communication standards beyond conventional best practices to advanced models of media engagement. The initiative operates under the guidance of a designated committee chaired by Jim Walters and vice-chaired by Charles Sandefur, with other key members including Ezrica Bennett, Garrett Caldwell, Alva James-Johnson, and Ray Tetz. The JAS grant reflects the broader mission of the Versacare Foundation, an independent private foundation dedicated to funding projects aligned with the values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The foundation, comprised of both laypersons and current or former Adventist Church employees, has awarded over 2,400 grants totaling more than $39 million since its inception in 1990. The JAS grant represents a targeted effort to support journalism that aligns with the denomination’s principles while fostering innovation and accountability in church-affiliated media. The program is open to 501(c)(3) organizations located in North America that fall into one of three eligible categories: Seventh-day Adventist publications, Seventh-day Adventist universities and academies, and independent organizations that support or report on issues affecting the denomination. Funding awards range from $5,000 to $15,000 and may support a variety of activities, including journalistic storytelling projects, educational coursework, collaborative initiatives, workshops, and assessments. The grant encourages projects that not only inform but also uplift and constructively address challenges within the Adventist community. The JAS grant application process is open on a rolling basis, allowing applicants to submit proposals at any time during the year. However, grant awards are made biannually, with disbursements anticipated in March and September. A final report on fund usage is required after the grant is awarded, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to transparency and measurable impact. While no pre-application steps such as letters of intent are required, proposals should reflect a clear alignment with the initiative’s ethical and creative aims. Applicants are encouraged to prepare submissions that demonstrate journalistic rigor, innovative approaches, and a focus on solutions-oriented communication. While the foundation does not specify detailed application components, proposals will be reviewed based on their relevance, integrity, and potential for impact within the Adventist media ecosystem. Applicants should also be prepared to provide evidence of their nonprofit status and organizational alignment with the stated eligibility criteria. For questions or further information about the JAS grant program, interested applicants may contact Kelly Jackson Daugherty, the program director, by phone at 951-343-5800 or via email at [email protected]. This open-cycle funding opportunity is expected to recur annually, with grant rounds continuing in March and September of each year.