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Norwalk, CT--The JCK Industry Fund provided grants totaling $340,000 to causes related to the jewelry industry in 2024. In addition, the fund is now accepting applications for 2025 grant funding until November 15.

“Our mission is to empower innovative organizations that aim to drive positive change and elevate our industry to new heights. If you are involved in initiatives centered around sustainability, transparency, responsible sourcing, inclusivity, security or growth of the industry,” said Sarin Bachmann, group VP of the RX jewelry portfolio and chair of the JCK Industry Fund’s Advisory Committee.

The 2024 grant recipients are as follows:

• Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) received funds once again for its emerging designer participation in JCK.
• Diamonds Do Good (DDG) received grant funds for the consumer-confidence broadcast campaigns, targeted media distribution to drive consumers to buy diamonds.
• Gem Legacy, JCK’s Industry Fund grant fueled its mission to ensure sustainable, responsible practices in the gemstone supply chain. The actions funded included equipping small-scale miners with essential tools for self-protection, contributing to college scholarships for children of mining communities and sending traveling gemologists to artisanal mining regions for training.
• Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) received grants for advance software and technology including i2 Analyst's Notebook, LexisNexis Accurint for Law Enforcement and TLOxp, to aid their efforts in helping law enforcement with crime prevention and identification of criminals.
• Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), for the funding of the development and launch of an ADA Compliance Guide for industry members. An inaccessible website can exclude people just as much as steps to an entrance of a physical location. This along with guides on compliance for physical locations was funded by the grant and included in an online guide and training materials to assist industry members in complying with the ADA.
• Mercury Free Mining, for the scaling of GOLDROP technology and the development of a responsible gold supply chain. This transformational initiative marks a significant shift towards sustainable mercury-free gold mining and community empowerment in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities.
• MJSA’s grant helped fund the MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program intended to assist with the unprecedented labor shortage of bench jewelers. This grant allowed MJSA to develop 150 hours of related educational training and information to be made available throughout the industry as well as to trade schools and community colleges to supplement existing jewelry programs and add new ones.
• Pure Earth was a first-time recipient of the fund that will go towards its workshop that raises awareness on the benefit of harmful effects of mercury. This is a presentation of alternative technology for mercury-free gold extraction, marketing and commercialization training.
• Women’s Jewelry Association’s (WJA) grant supports WJA in holding their Generating Community Impact Breakfast event at JCK. The session focused on increasing access to the industry through diversity, equity and inclusion, specifically as it relates to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Eligibility and Application Details

Companies, organizations, and nonprofit associations that implement projects or initiatives aimed at benefiting the jewelry industry by driving consumer commerce, building consumer confidence, advancing sustainable business practices, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and enhancing security practices are encouraged to apply. Personal business development initiatives are not eligible for consideration.

To apply for the 2025 JCK Industry Fund grant, visit the JCK Industry Fund website to download the official application. Submissions must be received by November 15.