FOJ Grants

Friends of Jamaica (FOJ) provides grants for a variety of projects, initiatives, activities, and events that seek to improve the quality of life for people living in Jamaica and for Jamaicans in the diaspora. Whether a project is focused on public health, agriculture, education, culture, or community development, grants provided have a shared goal: to facilitate the implementation of sustainable projects that strengthens and builds capacity in Jamaican communities. Although FOJ is associated with Peace Corps Jamaica volunteers, funding is not limited to Peace Corps projects. We encourage everyone with a suitable project to apply for funding.

2026 Grant Focus – Hurricane Melissa Recovery
For the 2026 grant cycle, Friends of Jamaica’s primary funding focus will be on projects that address recovery needs related to Hurricane Melissa. All proposed projects must demonstrate a clear connection to hurricane recovery efforts, including direct response, rebuilding, mitigation, or support for communities and organizations impacted by the storm.

Funding Amounts. FOJ provides funding up to $1,000 per project. FOJ is not always able to provide the full amount requested.

Please note FOJ cannot:

• Fund projects that promote political candidates, parties, or causes, nor promote religious beliefs or organizations.

• Provide grants, scholarships, or loans to individuals for personal use.

• Make contributions directly to governmental entities; however, we will contribute to schools and other government-funded community-based organizations.

• Provide funds for administrative costs. All funds donated must go directly to the project or activity, and may not be used for overheads, salaries, office supplies, or other general operating expenses. However, consumables directly related to the project may be funded, such as lunch for project volunteers.

Terms and Conditions:

• Funds must be used only for the approved project activities.

• If the project changes, FOJ must approve the changes or funds must be returned.

• Grants cannot be transferred to personal bank accounts; organizations must have a registered business or charity account. This account may also include a US account.

Application Instructions:

• Review the instructions before completing your online application.

• Complete the Eligibility Questions (below) to confirm your eligibility.

• Contact the Director of Grants ([email protected]) with questions to seek clarification prior to submitting proposals, if needed.

Eligibility Questions (completing all the questions below will either take you to the online grant application or direct you to the Director of Grants ([email protected]) for more information: 

1. Are you applying for funding for a political candidate, political party, or political cause?

☐ Yes ☐ No 

2. Are you applying for funding for a church, religious organization, or to promote religious beliefs?

☐ Yes ☐ No

3. Are you requesting funds for administrative costs such as salaries, office supplies, rent, or electricity?

☐ Yes ☐ No

4. Are you applying for a loan?

☐ Yes ☐ No

5. Are you applying for a scholarship?

☐ Yes ☐ No

6. Are you applying for administrative costs (salaries, office supplies, rent, electricity, etc.)?

☐ Yes ☐ No

If you answered “Yes” to any of the questions above, your project is not eligible for FOJ funding at this time.

Please contact the Director of Grants at [email protected] for clarification before submitting an application.