American Friends of Jamaica to present over $145m to 65 organisations

The American Friends of Jamaica, Inc (AFJ) will present a total of 69 grants valued at J$145.2 million at its annual Grant Award Ceremony today.

The invitation-only ceremony will be hosted by Chargé d’Affaires Scott Renner at the United States Embassy in Kingston.

The AFJ’s annual grant cycle closed in February 2026, with awards supporting both new discretionary grants and ongoing commitments to long-standing partner organisations. In total, 69 grants will be presented across 65 organisations.

This year’s recipients span education, healthcare, and economic development, and include organisations supporting recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, 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; The University of the West Indies, Mona; University of Technology, Jamaica; and Eve For Life.

The full list of grant recipients will be announced at the ceremony.

“This year’s group of recipients reflects both the immediate needs across Jamaica and the ongoing work to strengthen communities over time. From organisations responding to Hurricane Melissa to those focused on long-term development, it highlights the breadth of impact taking place across the island. This ceremony gives us an opportunity to recognise and support that work,” said Caron Chung, executive director of the AFJ.

The AFJ’s grantmaking 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, as well as private foundations, corporate partnerships, direct donor contributions, and the AFJ online giving platform