With just under two weeks to commencement, approximately 60 Jamaican non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are set to benefit from a high-impact capacity-building initiative under the prestigious Fulbright Specialist Programme, aimed at strengthening their ability to secure sustainable funding and communicate impact more effectively.

The initiative is being delivered through a partnership between American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) and the UWI Mona School of Business and Management Professional Services Unit (PSU), and will culminate in an intensive, in-person training workshop from May 11–15, 2026 in Kingston.

Across Jamaica, many NGOs delivering essential services in vulnerable communities face persistent funding constraints, not due to lack of impact, but because of challenges in clearly articulating their value to donors. This initiative directly addresses that gap by equipping organisations with practical tools to better communicate results, strengthen donor relationships, and position themselves competitively for funding.

Demand for the programme has been strong, with participation nearing capacity—underscoring both the urgency of the issue and the sector’s readiness to adopt more strategic approaches to sustainability.

The training will be led by Kevin Keenan, a Fulbright Specialist and globally recognised nonprofit leader with more than 30 years of experience. As founder of GROW Strategies LLC, he has supported organisations worldwide in expanding their reach and increasing financial sustainability. His previous leadership roles include senior positions at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, ACLU of San Diego, and the Vera Institute of Justice.