The JCK Industry Fund, one of the jewelry industry’s longest-running sources of grant funding for education, development, and advocacy, has begun to accept submissions for 2027 grants.
Over nearly three decades, the program has awarded more than $8 million to organizations pursuing initiatives designed to strengthen the jewelry trade and address challenges facing the industry. As it begins its 2027 grant cycle, the fund’s advisory committee said it remains focused on supporting programs capable of creating lasting impact and meaningful change.
“One of the most rewarding parts of the JCK Industry Fund is seeing the incredible work being done throughout our industry and knowing that JCK’s support is playing an integral role in helping these organizations accomplish their missions,” said Sarin Bachmann, senior vice president of the RX Jewelry Portfolio (parent company of JCK magazine and JCKonline.com) and chair of the JCK Industry Fund Committee.
“Every application represents an opportunity for JCK’s Industry Fund to support organizations that are making a real difference, whether through education, sustainability, security, workforce development, or other initiatives that benefit the jewelry community. We encourage eligible organizations to share their vision with us and apply.”
Eligible applicants include nonprofit businesses and 501(c)(3) organizations operating within the jewelry industry. Proposals may focus on areas including industry development, consumer confidence, ethical business practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Grants are not available for projects intended to support the development of for-profit businesses.
Applications will be reviewed by a committee that includes Bachmann; Lisa Bridge, industry expert and jewelry retailer; John Green, president and CEO of Lux Bond & Green; Michael Lerche, president of Goldstar Jewelry LLC and pavilion chairperson of the Plumb Club; Eddie LeVian, CEO of Le Vian; and Roger Forman, president of Marathon Company.
The fund’s most recent grant cycle illustrates the wide range of projects it supports. In 2026, the BIJC Education Fund received support for the Future Jewelers Academy, which is expanding technical jewelry training programs in bench work, gemology, and CAD design. The Black in Jewelry Coalition received funding to support emerging designers and expand opportunities for underrepresented talent.
The Jewelers Security Alliance received funding to modernize its national jewelry crime database and related technology tools, while the Jewelers Vigilance Committee received support to continue maintaining its tariff-tracking resource for the industry. The Jewelry Edit Foundation was awarded funding for educational videos and mentoring programs for emerging designers, and Partners In Health received support for maternal healthcare initiatives in Sierra Leone, a nation with historic ties to the diamond trade.
Other recipients included the Diamond Council of America, which is launching a workforce initiative aimed at veterans and returning parents; Diamonds Do Good, which received support for consumer-facing campaigns promoting natural diamonds; and Gem Legacy, which is funding infrastructure improvements in Tanzania to support education, nutrition, and vocational training in mining communities.
Organizations interested in applying for 2027 funding must submit an application by Nov. 13, 2026. Recipients will be notified in early 2027. More information is available at lasvegas.jckonline.com/en-us/jck-industry-fund.html.
The JCK News Desk uses AI to help research and produce the first draft of articles. This story was then reviewed by staff writer David Blomquist.
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