After reviewing hundreds of applications, the Desnoes and Geddes (D&G) Foundation has shortlisted 18 applicants for a chance to win $1 million in funding for community development initiatives across Jamaica.

Public voting to select six competition finalists via the D&G Foundation social media pages will close on October 14, 2022. Winners will be announced on October 25.

The initiative ‘6 for 60’ was launched in August as part of the Foundation celebration of Jamaica 60. The competition will award two entries from each county $1 million in grants to expand community development initiatives focused on sport, environmental conservation, education, or culture. To be eligible for ‘6 for 60’ funding, all projects must have started at least three months before the entry date. Entrants also had to demonstrate the progress achieved so far and the ability to begin expanding their project before the end of 2022.

“As soon as we opened the competition, applications came flooding in. It was inspiring to see how many ordinary Jamaicans are making a positive impact in their communities, even with limited resources,” remarked D&G Foundation Director Dianne Ashton-Smith. “Narrowing down the shortlist to just six entries per county was more difficult than expected, because of the sheer volume of viable projects. We invite everyone to visit our social media pages to support their favourite entries and help them win $1 million to take their project to the next level.”

Cornwall semi-finalists:

(1)The Treasure Beach Turtle Group in St Elizabeth to create nests and provide training to protect endangered Hawksbill Sea turtles.

(2)The Dumfries Moves project in St James to complete renovation to the community centre used to provide mental health and other support to community members.

(3)The Herbert Morrison Technical High NonProfit Organisation project in St James to renovate the school’s multipurpose physical education facility.

(4)Quickstep Community Playfield project in St Elizabeth to create a multipurpose court and community recreation space for the community.

(5)Thornton Community Club project in St. Elizabeth to complete renovations to the community centre.

Middlesex semi-finalists:

(1)The Scholars JA project in St Catherine to provide scholarship consultancy and advisory to low-income students.

(2)The Goat Rearing Training for Community Youth project in St Catherine to promote sustainable goat farming practices.

(3)The New Horizons Christian Outreach Ministries project in St Catherine to provide skills training and develop entrepreneurship among vulnerable community youth.

(4)The Bucknor Computer and Internet Centre project in Clarendon to create access to computers and Internet services for all community residents.

(5)The Eltham Acres Youth & Sports Committee project in St Catherine to provide literacy and mathematics support for students affected by the pandemic.

Surrey semi-finalists:

(1)The Increase the Peace project in Kingston to help build community resilience through sports, cultural, education and skills training for at-risk youth in Jones Town.

(2)The Majesty Gardens Life Skills and Basketball project in Kingston to engage youth in basketball and arts training.

(3)Social Work Training and Research Centre project in St Andrew to upgrade the facility at the University of the West Indies, Mona, to provide a sustainable, safe and comfortable environment for students.

(4)The Bent on Hope project in Kingston to use the art of dance to impact youth in the Seaview Gardens Community.

(5)The Cornerstone Ministries project in Kingston to provide training and certification for at-risk or unattached youth in the community of Allman Town.

(6)The Franklyn Town Community Development Project in St Andrew to improve the community plastic bottle collection and recycling initiative.

(7)The Jay Jay Book and Ball Academy project in Kingston to expand a safe haven programme for youth aged five to 18 that offers educational and other support services.

(8)The Eastwood Gardens Youth for Progress Club project in St Andrew to renovate and repurpose the library and community centre in Cassia Park used to host student classes, training and community events.

Visit the D&G Foundation Facebook and Instagram pages @dandgfoundation between now and October 14 to support your favourite projects.