Market & Industry

JCK Industry Fund Awards Over $330,000 to Nine Organizations for Industry Advancement

JCK Industry Fund committee members present during a grant announcement. - nationaljeweler.com

Key Initiatives Funded by 2026 Grants

The JCK Industry Fund has announced the recipients of its 2026 grants, allocating more than $330,000 to nine organizations dedicated to fostering growth and progress within the global jewelry industry. The grants will support a diverse range of initiatives, from promoting diversity among emerging designers to enhancing industry security and uplifting communities linked to the diamond trade.

Sarin Bachmann, senior vice president of the RX Jewelry Portfolio and chair of the JCK Industry Fund Committee, expressed enthusiasm for the selected projects. She stated, “We’ve seen firsthand how investing in visionary programs transforms lives and drives industry progress. This year’s recipients exemplify the spirit of innovation and dedication, expanding access to education, supporting emerging designers, strengthening our industry’s workforce, and uplifting communities around the globe.”

Supporting Diversity and Emerging Talent

Several grants focus on enhancing diversity and providing opportunities for new talent in the jewelry sector.

The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) will receive funding to support diversity among emerging jewelry designers, ensuring equitable representation. Funds will cover designer showcases, travel, lodging, marketing, and operational costs associated with trade show participation for designers who might otherwise be unable to afford it.
The BIJC Education Fund will utilize its grant for The Future Jewelers Academy, an initiative offering hands-on training, mentorship, and career pathways in jewelry design and manufacturing for students.
The Jewelry Edit Foundation will create a four-part video series titled “Inside the Jewelry Trade Show” and expand its mentoring program. This program educates emerging designers, with a specific focus on those from underrepresented backgrounds, on navigating the complexities of trade shows from preparation to post-show success.

Workforce Development and Security Enhancements

Addressing industry-wide challenges such as workforce shortages and security concerns, the grants will also fund critical programs in these areas.

The Diamond Council of America is launching the Second Spark Workforce Initiative with its grant. This program will provide subsidized certification, career support, and job placement for 100 veterans and returning parents, aiming to mitigate the industry’s workforce shortage.
The Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA) will use its funding to modernize its national jewelry crime database. This includes integrating the database with their mobile app and enhancing capabilities for analytics, visualization, and real-time crime prevention.
The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) will continue its work providing essential legal guidance to industry members concerning tariffs and trade issues.

Global Community and Consumer Engagement

Beyond industry-specific needs, the grants also extend to global community support and efforts to strengthen consumer trust.

Diamonds Do Good (DDG) will leverage its grant to amplify consumer engagement and promote the positive impact of natural diamonds through broadcast and digital campaigns, retailer collaborations, and storytelling initiatives, thereby strengthening industry trust.
Gem Legacy plans to use the funds to construct a water well for sustainable school meal funding and retaining walls for safe infrastructure at its campus in Tanzania. This facility supports education, nutrition, and vocational training for local mining communities.
Partners In Health will support the final stages of the Maternal Center of Excellence in Sierra Leone. This initiative aims to enhance maternal care through workforce training, advanced medical equipment, and expanded patient-centered services in a country historically linked to the diamond industry.

A Legacy of Support

Since its inception in 1997, the JCK Industry Fund has awarded over $7 million in grants, supporting innovative initiatives that drive meaningful improvements and contribute to the long-term growth of the global jewelry trade. The recipients were selected by a committee of industry leaders based on their alignment with the fund’s mission and their capacity to drive sustainable progress in crucial focus areas.