American Friends of Jamaica Raised $12 Million
The nonprofit plans to support regional economic and health programs following a record fundraising effort.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy

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The American Friends of Jamaica has raised $12 million to fund initiatives across the nation. The organization has deployed $7.2 million of these funds into programs focused on education, health care, economic development, and disaster recovery.
Why it matters
This capital injection provides essential operational support for Jamaican community development. The funds are channeled through targeted grants to address specific socio-economic needs in the region.
The organization raised $12 million total and deployed $7.2 million to Jamaican programs. Additionally, it awarded 34 grants valued at $641,202 to local entities.
The players
American Friends of Jamaica
A nonprofit organization that coordinates charitable programs and funding for Jamaican economic and social development.
Adam Stewart
A business leader recognized with the International Achievement Award for his contributions.
Sheryl Lee Ralph
An award-winning performer honored with the International Humanitarian Award.
Andrew Holness
The Prime Minister of Jamaica expected to attend the organization's fundraising event.
The details
The nonprofit directs resources by partnering with local entities to manage program implementation. This year, grants were awarded to recipients including the Jamaica 4-H Foundation and the Clifton Boys' Home. The organization will host its annual Hummingbird Gala in New York City to sustain these efforts through a combination of auctions, dinner events, and awards.
Timeline
The Hummingbird Gala takes place on October 16, 2026.
The gala will be hosted at The Plaza Hotel in New York City.
Market Landscape
The Hummingbird Gala follows a pattern of annual event-based philanthropy used to sustain regional charitable outreach. This development underscores the reliance of international development organizations on high-profile New York City fundraisers to secure programmatic capital.
Operators interested in international corporate social responsibility should monitor the organization's grant cycles for potential partnership opportunities. Review the list of current grant recipients to understand the specific community programs currently prioritized by the foundation.
The takeaway
Large-scale philanthropic efforts remain a key driver for localized infrastructure and social service delivery in Jamaica. Businesses should track which organizations receive recurring support to gauge regional development priorities.
What happens next
The Hummingbird Gala will occur at The Plaza Hotel on October 16, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in the sector at Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by South Florida Caribbean News.
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