JCK's Jewelry Industry Fund, now in its ninth year, was established to enhance the image of the jewelry industry and to foster development and research of programs that would benefit the industry. On an annual basis, $400,000 is distributed in grants from this Fund to individuals, groups or associations who work towards the betterment of the overall industry. To date, the Fund has awarded over $2.8 million in grants to those organizations or individuals who have created programs that improve the industry's image. The JCK Industry Fund is underwritten by JCK Events and the JCK Publishing Group.

The JCK's Industry Fund Mission
To help aid, assist and improve the jewelry industry. As global leaders in the jewelry industry, JCK strongly believes that it is an essential element and part of our corporate responsibility to give back and continue to nurture an industry that has given so much to so many.

Who can apply:
Companies who will utilize the grant to exemplify one or more of the main objectives of the program:

1. To improve the image of the jewelry industry in the eyes of the consumer
2. To aid jewelry industry organizations in addressing serious problems faced within the industry
3. Or, to assist internal organizations and associations in developing training materials.

2005 recipients of the grant have included:

• American Gem Society has been awarded $65,000 to assist with the educational program at the AGS International Conclave
• American Gem Trade Association has been awarded $74,600 for the purchase of a LIBS machine (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) to aid in the identification of the artificial treatment of gemstones to enhance the color
• Jewelers' Security Alliance has been awarded $100,000 for organization of local crime prevention networks for jewelers
• Jewelers' Vigilance Committee has been awarded $75,000 for regional outreach for legal compliance
• Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America has been awarded $35,000 to fund and expand the "Safe and Secure" Outreach program.
• The Gemological Institute of America has been awarded $25,000 for the investigation of recent treatments of nacreous pearls

How to apply:
In order to be considered for this grant program, applicants must submit their formal proposal in writing directly to JCK Events and JCK Publishing Group and include all of the following elements:

• The purpose of the grant
• The amount requested
• Timing for allocation of monies and a plan for its allocation
• Historical budget data
• Measurable expected benefits
• An agreement outlining JCK's right to conduct financial auditing of funds allocated to ensure suitable usage.
• Copies of the proposals should be sent directly to Dave Bonaparte, Vice President, JCK Events, 383 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06852 and Mark Smelzer, Publisher, JCK Publishing Group, 360 Park Ave South, New York, NY 10010.

How recipients are selected:
All applications will be reviewed and final recipients will be chosen by a Fund Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from the manufacturing and retail segment, as well as JCK Events and JCK Publishing Group. The recipients will be chosen based on their synergy with the overall core goals and intentions of the Fund.

When are recipients announced:
The Fund recipients will be announced at The JCK Invitational, February 4-6, 2007, at the Hilton Hotel in New York, New York.