JCI – Crocodile Foundation Ltd. SDG Community Grant

1. Executive Summary & Vision

The JCI – Crocodile Foundation Ltd. SDG Community Grant represents a landmark strategic partnership between JCI (Junior Chamber International) and the Crocodile Foundation Ltd. (CFL).

This grant is designed to unlock the potential of young global citizens in local communities globally. The primary objective of this grant is to help develop our members into effective community leaders who drive initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

By combining the Crocodile Foundation Ltd.’s financial commitment to social progress with JCI’s global grassroots network, we aim to deploy capital where it is needed most. The grant specifically targets high-impact, sustainable community projects that address the root causes of poverty and inequality.

Key Objectives:

• • Youth Empowerment: To develop JCI members into effective community leaders capable of driving positive change.
  • Sustainable Local Impact: To implement projects that deliver lasting, tangible benefits to local communities globally, moving beyond temporary relief to long-term sustainability.
  • Accountability: Rigorous governance ensuring every dollar creates measurable impact while aligning to proper corporate governance and reporting standards
  • Multiplier Effect: A unique “1-to-1 Matching” model that ensures project ownership and 
  • Alignment to the new framework: Working closely with the Local Organizations in the awareness and implementation of the new Action Framework 2.0 and Impact Reporting

2. Strategic Focus: Pillars of Impact & Metrics

Aligned with Crocodile Foundation Ltd.’s mandate and focus areas, the Grant will strictly support projects within designated pillars and the corresponding Primary United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). 

To facilitate aggregation of impact data, applicants are encouraged to adopt the suggested Standardized Metrics.

A. Immediate Activation (Phase 1)

Projects in these categories are eligible for the immediate grant cycle.

B. Future Expansion (Phase 2 – Case-by-Case Basis)

These pillars will be activated in a later phase. Applications in these categories are currently subject to review on an exceptional case-by-case basis only.

3. Grant Information and Mechanics

The Grant Information

• Grant Cap: Up to USD $10,000 per project.
• Volume: Highly selective process targeting the Top 3 high-potential projects from each of the four JCI Areas (Africa & Middle East, Asia & the Pacific, Americas, Europe).

The “Multiplier” Matching Model

• To ensure local ownership and sustainability, the grant utilizes a 1-to-1 Matching Requirement.

  • Concept: For every $1 requested from CFL, the applicant must secure $1 from other sources (local sponsors, government grants, or internal fundraising).
  • Benefit: This transforms a $10,000 grant into a minimum $20,000 project impact, demonstrating the applicant’s commitment and capability.
  • Flexibility: Applicants must demonstrate that at least 30% of matching contributions have been secured at the time of the progress report to release the second tranche.

Eligible & Ineligible Expenses (Negative List)

• To protect the integrity of the grant, funds must be used strictly for direct project costs.

  • Eligible Expenses: Construction materials, medical supplies, educational materials, specialized contractor fees (if local expertise is unavailable), logistics for beneficiary delivery.
  • Ineligible Expenses (Negative List):
  • International travel or accommodation for JCI members.
  • Alcohol or entertainment expenses.
  • Political lobbying or religious proselytizing activities.
  • Administrative salaries (for infrastructure projects) exceeding 15% of the total budget.
  • Cash handouts to beneficiaries without structured programming.

Disbursement Schedule

Funds are released in tranches to incentivize performance and mitigate risk.

4. Eligibility & Compliance Criteria

To ensure fairness and impact, all applications must strictly adhere to the following mandatory compliance criteria. Failure to meet any of these will result in disqualification.

Mandatory Grant Criteria Checklist

Due Diligence Layer

1. Level 1 (JCI HQ): 
   • Verification of chapter good standing
   • Verification of membership data, and basic legal checks.
   • Basic AML (Anti-Money Laundering) checks
   • Review of the 5-year track record documentation.
2. Level 2 (Crocodile Foundation Ltd.)

• • Compliance verification in line with Singapore Government Regulation

5. Governance Structure

To maintain the highest ethical standards, a Joint Review Committee will be established.

Joint Review Committee Functions

Composed of representatives from JCI and the Crocodile Foundation Ltd., this body acts as the primary gatekeeper.

1. Evaluation: detailed scoring of proposals against the matrix.
2. Validation: Conducting virtual interviews with project leads.
3. Oversight: Monitoring the mid-term and final reports.

Personnel from JCI

• JCI Secretary General 
• JCI Executive Director
• JCI G&D Directors (from each area)

Personnel from Crocodile Foundation

• To be determined 

Conflict of Interest Policy

To ensure impartiality, strict recusal rules apply:

• Committee members must recuse themselves from voting on or scoring any proposal submitted by their own Local Chapter or National Organization.
• Committee members must declare any personal or professional relationship with key vendors or partners involved in a proposed project.

6. Visibility & Knowledge Transfer

Branding Requirements

Grant recipients must strictly adhere to the following visibility guidelines to acknowledge the partnership:

• Logo Usage: The Crocodile Foundation Ltd. and JCI logos must appear on all marketing materials, press releases, and permanent physical assets (e.g., a plaque on a renovated building or vehicle).
• Media: All press releases must explicitly mention “Supported by the JCI – Crocodile Foundation Ltd. SDG Community Grant.”
• Social Media: Mandatory use of designated hashtags (e.g., #JCICrocodileGrant #JCIImpact) in all project updates.

Knowledge Transfer: The “Project Playbook”

To multiply impact beyond the funded project, the Final Report must include a “How-To Guide” or Playbook.

• This document should outline the steps taken, challenges faced, and solutions found.
• Goal: To create a repository of successful project models that other JCI chapters globally can replicate.
• The document will be used in our Impact Report and in our Social Media including our website.

7. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preparation (Jan 2026)

• Review Pillars: Ensure your project fits primarily into Children, Elderly, or Healthcare.
• Secure Partners: Begin discussions with local sponsors to secure your “Matching Contribution” commitment letters.

Get Endorsed: Present your plan to your JCI National President to secure their formal endorsement.

Step 2: Submission (Feb 2026)

• Access Portal: Log in to the designated JCI Grant Portal via Airtable
• Complete Form: Fill out the “Project Proposal Form” covering Objectives, Timeline, and Budget.
• Upload Documents:

• • Proof of Organization Registration (5+ years).
  • Bank Statement/Proof of Account.
  • National Endorsement Letter.
  • Matching Contribution Plan.

Step 3: Validation (March-April 2026)

• Respond to Queries: Watch your email for questions from the JCI HQ team during the vetting phase.
• Interview: If shortlisted, prepare a 15-minute presentation for the Joint Review Committee interview.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

9. General Timeline

9. Comprehensive Timeline (2025 – 2026)

10. Next Steps & Action Items

1. Documentation: Finalize the Grant Application Form and Scoring Matrix. (2nd Tab)
2. Legal: Draft the Grant Agreement Template.
3. Marketing: Develop social media assets for the December launch.