KINGSTON, Jamaica – As an organization, the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) has always been a philanthropic organization demonstrating its philanthropy through various projects, one of which has been the ISupportJamaica.com programme.
The ISupportJamaica.com initiative is a project which seeks to provide an easy and creative way for both Jamaicans in the Diaspora, and friends of Jamaica, to provide financial support to projects, both micro-enterprise and non-profit, that JNSBL and JN Foundation consider as worthy and reliable. Persons who visit ISupportJamaica.com are afforded the opportunity to either lend to a business or give to a non-profit project. They can do so with as little as US$25.00 and up to a maximum of US$500 per project.
“One of Jamaica’s biggest assets is the number of citizens it has residing overseas. Jamaicans have a strong tradition of supporting each other, especially at the lower income levels. The ISupportJamaica initiative allows persons living in the Diaspora to assist Jamaicans back home who need financial help in an efficient and transparent environment,” said Mr. Earl Jarrett, General Manager of JNBS.
Among the ISupprtJamaica.com aim is to use ICT as a platform to connect Jamaicans and friends of Jamaicans living anywhere in the world, with new or existing businesses or charities that are in need of financial assistance. It also seeks to encourage Jamaicans living here and overseas to take action and contribute to Jamaica’s growth and development via crowd-funding (peer-to-peer lending).
“We at Jamaica National, like many Jamaicans, are committed to the development of our country and this is one way we have contributed. We do this to allow Jamaicans in the Diaspora to aid in the empowering of Jamaicans. Through our foundation, we have also embarked on other philanthropic projects geared towards the development of our country,” Mr. Jarrett commented.
One other project that is administered through the JN Foundation is the Social Enterprise Boost Initiative (SEBI), a three year programme, which seeks to empower social enterprises, transforming them into highly sustainable businesses. The programme was launched in 2014, with support from the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
“To date SEBI has been involved in several projects. For example, it has worked with Superior Craft and More, a nonprofit entity which manufactures and repairs caned wicker and corded furniture and accessories. The staff there is made up of blind and visually impaired persons and they have been manufacturing furniture and accessories for hotels, schools and corporate entities,” he said.
Mr. Jarrett said the Jamaica National remained committed to Jamaica’s development and as the Society celebrated its 140th year, more projects will be undertaken.
For more information about JN Foundation as well its parent company, visit the JNBS website at www.jnbs.com. Persons can also call 1800-462-9003.
