(NORWALK, Conn.) – JCK announced it has opened submissions for the 2023 JCK Industry Fund application process.
The mission of the JCK Industry Fund is to support the jewelry industry’s long-term success and growth by providing grant funding to impactful organizations with the vision and programming to drive sustainable improvements across the industry. Since 1997, the fund has awarded over $7 million towards program grants to benefit the jewelry industry at large.
“We encourage any organization that is looking to make a positive impact in the overall industry to apply,” states Sarin Bachmann, Group Vice President, RX Jewelry Portfolio, and JCK Industry Fund Committee Chair. “By offering grants to a wide range of initiatives and organizations, we can collectively do more to accelerate the growth and health of our industry at large.”
JCK has donated $250,000 or more into the Industry Fund every year since inception, including in 2020 when JCK was not able to have a show. With face-to-face shows back and the majority of exhibitors and many attendees contributing to the fund, the JCK Industry Fund granted nearly $300,000 to recipients this year – the highest amount awarded in over five years. Supporting both developed and small businesses, the JCK Industry Fund’s contributions have made otherwise impossible tasks achievable.
The recipients are selected due to their synergy with the core goals of the fund, as determined by a committee comprised of the following jewelry industry leaders: Sarin Bachmann, Group Vice President, RX Jewelry Portfolio; John Green, President & CEO, Lux Bond & Green; Michael Lerche, President, Goldstar Jewellery LLC; Eddie LeVian, CEO, Le Vian; and Sam Sandberg, Chairman, A. Jaffe. The committee will review all applications and select the final recipients. Winners will be announced in early 2023.
Recipients of grants develop initiatives, projects, and overall business ventures that support the sustainability, health, and growth of the jewelry industry at large. Recipients’ initiatives include supporting inclusion and diversity, developing innovation in sustainable processes in jewelry production, education on industry regulations and best practices, to name a few. In 2022, JCK Industry Fund provided grants to the following organizations:
- American Jewelry Design Council
- Black in Jewelry Coalition
- Diamonds Do Good
- Gem Legacy
- International Colored Gemstone Association
- Jewelers of America
- Jewelers Security Alliance
- Jewelers Vigilance Committee
- Mercury Free Mining
- MJSA Education Foundation
- Women’s Jewelry Association
Companies, organizations, and nonprofit associations who have a project or initiative that will benefit the industry as a whole through commerce, development, consumer confidence, advancing business practices, or diversity and inclusion, are encouraged to apply.
To apply for the 2023 JCK Industry Fund, visit jck2023.com/industryfund. Applications must be received by November 18, 2022. Each year JCK donates a percentage of event registration fees towards the building of the JCK Industry Fund, along with contributions made by independent donors. If you are passionate about supporting the jewelry industry through the work at the JCK Industry Fund, you may donate at jck2023.com/donate. Donations to the fund are also accepted during attendee and exhibitor registration each year. Registration for JCK & Luxury invited retailers will be open soon.
