American Friends of Jamaica to issue over $145M in grants to 65 organizations within education, healthcare and economy sectors

$145 million will be awarded in grants to some 65 organisations within the education, healthcare and economy sectors.

The grants being issued by not-for-profit organisation, American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), will be awarded at a ceremony at the United States Embassy in Kingston tomorrow.

This year’s recipients include organisations supporting Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts, as well as initiatives focused on long-term community development and capacity building across the island.

Among the organisations to receive funding are Alpha School of Music, Christel House Jamaica, Jamaica Cancer Society – Ride for Life, May Pen Hospital, Mustard Seed Communities, University of the West Indies, Mona, and the University of Technology.

AFJ’s Executive Director, Caron Chung, said the group of recipients reflects the immediate needs across Jamaica and the ongoing work to strengthen communities over time.

The AFJ’s grant-making cycle begins each November, with discretionary grant awards selected once per year.

Grants are funded through proceeds from annual fundraising events in New York and Miami, in the U.S., as well as private foundations, and the AFJ online giving platform.