JCK Industry Fund Now Accepting Applications
for 2025 Grant Funding
JCK Industry Fund Now Accepting Applications for 2025 Grant Funding
Norwalk, CT (September 10, 2024) – JCK, the premier global jewelry trade event, is accepting submissions for the 2025 JCK Industry Fund Grant now through November 15, 2024.
For almost three decades, the JCK Industry Fund has been dedicated to supporting the success and growth of the jewelry industry by presenting over $7 million in grants. This past year, the Industry Fund reached a new milestone granting over $340,000 to worthwhile causes. The Advisory Committee hand-selected the following organizations for their innovative practices in sustainability, transparency, inclusivity, security, and more. They are proud to continue the JCK Industry Fund’s mission of propelling the jewelry industry into a successful future through impactful initiatives.
"JCK is committed to investing in the future of the jewelry industry through annual Industry Fund grants. 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 as a whole, we invite you to apply for our 2025 grant funding," states Sarin Bachmann, Group Vice President of the RX jewelry portfolio and Chair of the JCK Industry Fund's Advisory Committee.
2024 Grant Recipients
- Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) received funds once again for their emerging designer participation in JCK.
- Diamonds Do Good (DDG) received grant monies for the consumer-confidence broadcast campaigns, targeted media distribution to drive consumers to buy diamonds.
- Gem Legacy, JCK’s Industry Fund grant fueled their 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) was granted 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, supported by the JCK Industry Fund along with large and small-scale jewelers around the world, 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, Pure Earth received funds for their 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 supported 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.
Applications must align with the larger industry-related goals and will be reviewed by a committee of industry leaders, including: Sarin Bachmann, Group Vice President, RX jewelry portfolio; Lisa Bridge, President & CEO, Ben Bridge Jeweler; John Green, President & CEO, Lux Bond & Green; Michael Lerche, President, Goldstar Jewelry LLC; Eddie LeVian, CEO, Le Vian; and Sam Sandberg, Chairman, A Jaffe. The committee will evaluate all applications, and the chosen recipients will be notified in early 2025.
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, 2024.
Media Contacts
Jen Cullen Williams, Luxury Brand Group
[email protected]
MJ McGrath, Marketing Director, JCK & Luxury
[email protected]
About JCK
Considered the most important jewelry exhibition in the world, the award-winning JCK show provides the global jewelry trade community the optimal stage for business growth by uniting the industry to buy, sell, network, learn and discover. A one-stop destination with the most diverse selection of professionals and products, JCK is jewelry’s most important gathering. Having been a launchpad for jewelry trends, products, and brands for three decades, JCK offers unrivaled access to quality buyers and sellers with 18,000 attendees and over 1,900 exhibitors annually. This is where the jewelry industry and its media partners unite to do business, make vital connections, and get inspired during multiple days of product discovery and exceptional experiences. Visit lasvegas.jckonline.com.
About Luxury
The jewelry event that defines Luxury. An ultra-curated and exclusive jewelry buying experience, Luxury caters to the niche, high-end jewelry market. Only the most prestigious and affluent jewelers are invited to this two-day program of appointments, relaxed networking and amenity-packed shopping experience. Luxury attendees receive convenient access to exhibitors from across the globe at JCK, considered the most important jewelry exhibition in North America, to discover trends and meet all their sourcing needs under one roof, from settings and findings, to loose stones, to equipment and technology, from high end to fashion, and everything in between. Luxury provides the best place to do business in a high-end, secure environment. Visit luxury.jckonline.com.
About RX
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organizations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.
About RELX
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.
*Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors.