JN Foundation
The JN Foundation was established in 1990 as the charitable arm of the, then, Jamaica National Building Society and, subsequently, the JN Group.
With a mandate to enrich lives and build communities, the Foundation develops and executes the philanthropic efforts of the JN Group and contributes to the developmental needs of Jamaica.
The focal areas for the Foundation are:
- People first – to enrich lives and connect people by improving their outcomes through community building interventions, improvement in knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and to empower Jamaicans to be financially free and educated.
- Digitalization – to innovatively serve our members through strategic partnerships to increase use and enhancement of digital tools.
- Sustainability – to build for the future by equipping Jamaicans with knowledge and tools to conserve water and proactively protect the environment; and to improve knowledge, skills, and attitudes of Jamaican road users.
JN Foundation and Chevening
JN Foundation is sponsoring one award for a candidate from Jamaica to study a master’s course at any UK university in the fields of:
- social justice (to consider focus areas including international development, social leadership/advocacy, human trafficking, applied politics, business, social entrepreneurship, charity management, bioethics, and corporate ethics)
- public administration
- data analytics and information technology (actuarial science, computer science, mathematics, and education).
Why is JN Foundation partnering with Chevening?
‘The partnership with Chevening strengthens the JN Group’s efforts to identify and support the development of outstanding Jamaicans who embody excellence and who act intentionally to improve the outcomes for themselves and for other Jamaicans.
‘The programme’s focus on skills sharing and networking provides a solid foundation for continued development and leverages the competence of beneficiaries to enrich lives and build Jamaican communities.’
The partnership with Chevening strengthens the JN Group’s efforts to identify and support the development of outstanding Jamaicans who embody excellence and who act intentionally to improve the outcomes for themselves and for other Jamaicans. ‘The programme’s focus on skills sharing and networking provides a solid foundation for continued development and leverages the competence of beneficiaries to enrich lives and build Jamaican communities.
This partnership positions the JN Foundation as an organisation that values strategic engagements which enrich lives and build communities. The past beneficiaries of the Chevening programme are valuable contributors to Jamaica and have made a great impact in social and technological support areas. We are excited to do our part to support this tradition of excellence.
The year 2023 marks 40 years of the JN’s commitment to providing scholarship opportunities for Jamaican students, a unique anniversary that is shared with Chevening as they celebrate 40 years as well. This is a fitting opportunity to empower a student and to impact their family and community.
Did you know?
The JN Group is an international conglomerate which established Britain’s first fully owned Jamaican bank, JN Bank UK. Located on Brixton Road, JN Bank UK was officially launched in October 2020 and was the recipient of a British Bank Award for 2022.
Notable alumni
Omar Wright, Lead, Environment and Community Development Programmes at the JN Foundation, was a Chevening Scholar. His solutions-focused approach to leadership demonstrates the benefit scholars gain from programmes and networks such as Chevening.
Being a Chevening Scholar has undoubtedly been one of the most profoundly enriching encounters in my life, to date. Beyond its role as a transformative academic experience, it has been a journey of global encounters that constantly challenged, reshaped, and broadened my perspectives through meaningful interactions with fellow Cheveners. In my current role at the JN Foundation, I find immense fulfilment in living up to the commitment I articulated in my application essay; leveraging my experience, expertise, and vigorously seeking ways to enhance the quality of life for my fellow Jamaicans while actively contributing to the sustainable development of our vibrant communities.