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The American Friends of Jamaica is stepping up efforts in the wake of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, implementing a US$1 million matching‐fund drive to support relief and recovery efforts. Following the storm’s landfall as a Category 5 system, this U.S.-based charity is actively supporting nonprofits in Jamaica and promoting a dollar‐for‐dollar match to donors contributing via its official channels.
Organization Overview
Founded in 1982, American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) is a registered U.S. 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to supporting Jamaican organizations in the areas of education, health care, and economic development. Over the decades, AFJ has raised nearly US$20 million for Jamaican non-profits, directly impacting communities across the island.
The organization’s latest fiscal reports show annual revenue surpassing US$2.6 million, with most funds directed toward health and educational initiatives. Its transparent governance structure and focus on measurable outcomes have helped the foundation maintain a strong reputation among donors and partners both in the United States and Jamaica.
Latest Relief Effort: Hurricane Melissa Response
In late October 2025, Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Jamaica with sustained winds reaching 185 mph, causing widespread flooding, high storm surges, and severe damage to housing, roads, and utilities. In response, the American Friends of Jamaica launched a US$1 million matching‐fund campaign, doubling every donation received to strengthen on-the-ground disaster relief operations.
The fund supports emergency shelters, food distribution, rebuilding infrastructure, and assisting local hospitals struggling with power and supply shortages. AFJ’s goal is to engage both individual donors and U.S. corporations willing to contribute through matching gift programs, multiplying the total resources available for recovery.
Programs and Ongoing Development Work
Beyond emergency relief, American Friends of Jamaica continues its long-term development programs that improve the quality of life for Jamaicans in key sectors.
Major Programs Include:
- Oral Health Initiative: A preventive dental care project that has provided essential treatment to hundreds of children across rural and urban areas.
- STEM/STEAM Education Support: The “RAISE” initiative focuses on improving mathematics skills and boosting students’ confidence in science and technology subjects.
- Handheld Ultrasound Project: This program distributed 50 portable ultrasound devices across hospitals in Jamaica, enabling early diagnosis and treatment for tens of thousands of patients annually.
- Scholarship and Grants: AFJ awards grants and scholarships each year to students and community-based organizations advancing social welfare and education.
These ongoing projects demonstrate the organization’s balanced approach—addressing immediate humanitarian needs while supporting Jamaica’s long-term development.
Why U.S. Donors Should Pay Attention
For U.S. readers considering charitable giving or engagement, American Friends of Jamaica offers a trustworthy and impactful channel for contributing to Caribbean development.
Key Reasons to Support AFJ:
- It is a U.S.-registered nonprofit, ensuring all contributions are tax-deductible.
- The organization has over four decades of experience in managing aid, guaranteeing funds reach credible local partners.
- The matching fund doubles donor impact during this critical recovery period following Hurricane Melissa.
- Many donors have personal or cultural ties to Jamaica, making AFJ an ideal platform to give back to the island responsibly.
Through AFJ, donors can track the progress of relief efforts and see real outcomes in areas such as education, health, and disaster response.
Impact Snapshot
| Category | Recent Data |
|---|---|
| Total Grants Awarded (latest cycle) | Over US$740,000 to Jamaican charities |
| Annual Revenue | US$2.63 million |
| Annual Expenses | US$2.29 million |
| Years of Operation | Over 40 years |
| Focus Areas | Health, Education, Community Development |
This data highlights AFJ’s consistent performance and fiscal responsibility, reinforcing its position as one of the leading U.S.-based organizations supporting Jamaica.
How U.S. Donors Can Engage
- Donate Directly: Contributions can be made through the official AFJ donation channels, where the Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund is currently active.
- Corporate Matching: Employees of U.S. companies can check if their employer offers matching gift programs to double the impact.
- Volunteer or Partner: AFJ occasionally collaborates with volunteers, professionals, and corporations to organize drives and fundraisers across the U.S.
- Stay Informed: Donors can follow AFJ’s updates for transparent reports on how funds are distributed and which programs are currently active.
Challenges and Considerations
While AFJ’s track record is strong, ongoing challenges remain:
- Jamaica’s recovery will require sustained funding beyond the initial hurricane response phase.
- Donors are encouraged to support both short-term relief and long-term resilience projects to ensure the island’s sustainable recovery.
- Ensuring transparency in disbursements remains a key focus, as the organization aims to maintain trust and accountability with its international donor base.
By addressing these issues proactively, AFJ continues to reinforce its credibility among both Jamaican and U.S. supporters.
Looking Ahead
As Jamaica transitions from emergency response to rebuilding, the American Friends of Jamaica will remain central to channeling U.S. support into effective, community-driven projects. The organization plans to expand its partnerships in healthcare, technology, and youth empowerment to strengthen Jamaica’s long-term resilience.
Its mission continues to connect the generosity of the U.S. public with the real needs of the Jamaican people—one project, one family, and one community at a time.
If you want to make a tangible difference in Jamaica’s recovery and future growth, now is the perfect time to get involved and stay updated on AFJ’s evolving impact.