The JCI Foundation provides development grants to organizations to support their work and empower local JCI members to increase their impact.
Leadership Training
To support the implementation of the National Presidents Meeting and American Leadership Academy, the American Development Council received US $5000 in 2015. Nearly every JCI National Organization in the Americas was represented at both of these events, inspiring, motivating and preparing National Officers to align with JCI and lead growth initiatives in their countries. Several newly affiliated countries also received special trainings at these events.
To support the implementation of the European Growth and Development Academy, the European Development Council received US $15,000 from the JCI Foundation. There were 25 participants from 17 National Organizations, which included both newly established to more experienced. During this Academy, participants gained the tools and experience necessary to design a local or national strategy in line with the JCI Mission, Vision, 2014 – 2018 Strategic Plan and Plan of Action. They also received follow up support to ensure the success of implementation.
Infrastructure
In order to establish a permanent national secretariat, JCI Nigeria received US $10,000 to rent and furnish office space, providing a professional setting for members to meet and work toward creating positive change in their country. The secretariat has improved the organization’s visibility and strengthened stakeholder relationships within the community. The grant also allowed JCI Nigeria to enhance their services to members and improve management of the National Organization’s affairs.
In order to develop national administrative support, JCI Italy received US $9600 from the JCI Foundation to supply paid administrative support over a three-year period. JCI Italy is working to make this position sustainable, but with the size of their National Organization they needed initial support to start the initiative. Having administrative support has provided stability to the National Organization and allowed the Secretary General and Executive Committee to focus on strategic planning.
Skills Development
The JCI Foundation contributed US $3000 to JCI Australia to enhance their national growth and development initiatives. In addition to developing three potential Local Organizations, they also provided essential support to three existing Local Organizations. JCI Australia conducted five JCI Official courses reaching 25% of their members and saw a 20% national membership increase.
The Africa and Middle East Development Council (AMDEC) received a US $12,000 grant to provide a variety of JCI Official courses to JCI Potential and Provisional National Organizations. Additionally, council members traveled to seven countries to conduct courses and promote the JCI Active Citizen Framework. Two of those countries visited joined the JCI network and became Potential JCI National Organizations that same year.
Membership Recruitment
JCI Iceland received a US $5000 grant from the JCI Foundation to form new partnerships and grow the organization in their country. With this grant, they were able to not only develop new partnerships, but also created a variety of marketing materials, which resulted in a 15% membership growth. Additionally, a dedicated team in east Iceland was formed to start a new JCI Local Organization.
Local and National Events
The Africa and Middle East Development Council (AMDEC) received a grant of US $20,000 to enhance the 2015 Africa and the Middle East National Presidents Meeting. Through this grant, AMDEC provided National Presidents with the tools and skills necessary to understand the JCI Strategic Plan and successfully lead its implementation in their National Organizations. This event also motivated the national leaders and gave them a clear understanding of how to unite all sectors of society at the local and national level.