JCK's Jewelry Industry Fund, now in its fourteenth year, was established to enhance the image of the jewelry industry and to foster development and research of programs that would benefit the industry. On an annual basis, grants are distributed from this Fund to individuals, groups or associations who work towards the betterment of the overall industry. To date, the Fund has awarded over $5 million in grants to those organizations or individuals who have created programs that improve the industry's image. The JCK Industry Fund is underwritten by JCK.
The JCK's Industry Fund Mission
To help aid, assist and improve the jewelry industry. As global leaders in the jewelry industry, JCK strongly believes that it is an essential element and part of our corporate responsibility to give back and continue to nurture an industry that has given so much to so many.
Who can apply:
Companies who will utilize the grant to exemplify one or more of the main objectives of the program:
- To improve the image of the jewelry industry in the eyes of the consumer
- To aid jewelry industry organizations in addressing serious problems faced within the industry
- Or, to assist internal organizations and associations in developing training materials.
Congratulations to our 2011 Industry Fund Award Recipients
- Jewelers' Security Alliance (JSA): "In a difficult economic climate, the JCK Industry Fund provided JSA with the resources to successfully complete an innovative project entitled "A Proposal to Monitor Merchandise Offered on eBay to Identify Stolen Jewelry and Watches." There are over three million jewelry, gem and watch items listed on eBay, and it is a marketplace that fences seek to use. With the support of the JCK grant, JSA provided training on jewelry crimes and investigations to eBay's senior security staff, and JSA received training on eBay security procedures. eBay then provided JSA with special software to help find patterns of fraudulent sales and to help identify stolen product in order to assist law enforcement and the jewelry industry. As a result of JSA's help to law enforcement in January 2011 on a case involving allegedly stolen product listed on eBay, a search warrant was executed and an eBay seller was arrested in the New York area. The JCK Industry Fund is helping to protect and advance our industry." - John Kennedy, President, Jewelers' Security Alliance.
- American Gem Society (AGS): "We are extremely appreciative to be a beneficiary of JCK's grant. Because of this grant, the AGS continues to bring an array of top talent business leaders to Conclave to share their best practices. It also allows us to provide training and hands-on workshops that are unrivaled, which in turn, benefits not only our membership, but benefits the industry at large by raising the bar of excellence." – Ruth Batson, Executive Director & CEO, AGS.
- Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC): provides legal compliance education and self-regulation to the jewelry industry. This year, JVC put the grant money towards our INDUSTRY PROTECTION PROGRAM which provides compliance guidance and consulting on the various regulatory requirements for jewelers. According to Cecilia Gardner, President & CEO and General Counsel, "JVC is able to provide compliance services to the entire industry only with the support of the JCK Industry Fund. We are grateful for their continuing support."
- Women's Jewelry Association (WJA): The annual "Women in the Know" conference continues to grow through the increasing demands of WJA's expanding international membership as well as its reputation among the industry at large. "The JCK Industry Fund allows us to meet these increasing demands with even stronger, more inspirational speakers as well as travel incentives, corporate discounts and special student rates." - Kendra Bridel Weinman, Lusciouss International, Inc. and International President, The Women's Jewelry Association (WJA).
How to apply:
In order to be considered for this grant program, applicants must submit their formal proposal in writing directly to JCK and include all of the following elements by December 15, 2011:
- The purpose of the grant
- The amount requested
- Timing for allocation of monies and a plan for its allocation
- Historical budget data
- Measurable expected benefits
- An agreement outlining JCK's right to conduct financial auditing of funds allocated to ensure suitable usage.
- Copies of the proposals should be sent directly to Dave Bonaparte, Group Vice President, JCK, 383 Main Avenue, Norwalk , CT 06851.
How recipients are selected:
All applications will be reviewed and final recipients will be chosen by a Fund Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from the manufacturing and retail segment, as well as JCK. The recipients will be chosen based on their synergy with the overall core goals and intentions of the Fund.
When are recipients announced?
The Industry Fund recipients will be announced in early 2012 at a location and time to be determined.