Jewelers for Children Grant Application

Jewelers for Children (JFC) is a charitable organization founded in 1999 by the U.S. jewelry industry, with the mission of supporting children in need. Since its establishment, JFC has contributed over $64 million to programs designed to help children who have faced social, physical, or psychological trauma. The organization's primary goal is to ensure that children who have experienced adversity receive the support they need to reach their full potential. JFC provides grants for initiatives that aim to empower children to thrive, grow, and embrace their identities, regardless of the challenges they face. The organization particularly focuses on addressing the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma, and the grants aim to mitigate the negative impacts of such experiences. JFC supports programs that help children in various ways, ensuring that they can overcome adversity and lead fulfilling lives. JFC grants are available to U.S.-based organizations that serve children in multiple states or regions. The organization emphasizes that it funds initiatives on a national level, meaning that grantees must be working in at least eight U.S. states. The grants range from $25,000 to $300,000 annually and are awarded for a one-year term. After this period, applicants may apply for a new cycle of funding, though not all applicants will receive funding. Certain expenses are excluded from funding under JFC's guidelines. These include fundraising activities, lobbying, propaganda, political efforts, capital projects, and religious promotion. General operating expenses are capped at 12% of the total grant amount, and JFC does not fund programs that serve only one individual or family. Additionally, grants cannot be used for reserve accounts, endowments, or to address deficits in an organization's budget. To qualify for a JFC grant, an organization must be a 501(c)(3) entity with an annual operating budget of at least $1 million for the last two audited fiscal years. Applicants must also submit an independent audit and a Form 990 from the most recent fiscal year. The organization must be based in the U.S. or affiliated with a U.S.-based national organization and must operate in at least eight U.S. states. Furthermore, applicants should be willing to collaborate with JFC and provide updates, including stories and pictures for social media and publications. Eligible organizations must also serve youth from birth through age 22 and should provide a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statement, ensuring they do not discriminate based on race, gender, ability, religion, or any other protected status. Additionally, grantees must not charge families for services provided to youth and must employ at least two full-time paid staff members. Compliance with all applicable regulations and the fulfillment of previous JFC grant requirements is also required. Applications for the 2025 grant cycle must be submitted by March 5, 2025, by midnight. Interested organizations that meet JFC’s criteria will be contacted in mid-March for further information. However, JFC notes that not all applicants will be funded, and applicants will be notified of the outcome regardless of whether they are selected.