With nearly J$395 million raised through public and institutional donations, the N.C.B. Foundation’s ‘Building a Better Jamaica’ (BBJ) Fund is already driving impactful recovery efforts in communities affected by Hurricane Beryl.

The fund surpassed its initial target of J$150 million, raising over J$199 million to date. Honouring its commitment, National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCBJ) matched donations up to J$150 million.

“A few corporate donors then contributed an additional J$49.5 million towards the matching of donations, bringing the total to nearly J$395 million,” shared Sheree Martin, CEO of N.C.B. Foundation. “These funds are being used to directly support families in the affected communities as they work to rebuild and recover from the hurricane’s impact,” Martin explained.

Since its launch in July, the Fund has distributed J$144.6 million to support key disaster recovery projects, improving an estimated 30,000 lives so far. From restoring homes to supporting local farmers, fisherfolk and supplying essential resources, the initiative is providing critical aid and making a tangible difference in communities particularly in the ravaged zone of the southern parts of the island.

In St Elizabeth, where the impact was severe, BREDS Treasure Beach Foundation (BREDS), one of the BBJ Fund’s execution partners, allocated J$59.8 million to support recovery efforts. This funding provided care packages to over 5,000 people, restored water supply to 3,000 households, and facilitated repairs on 459 homes. BREDS also provided essential materials, including wire and generators, to support the local economy’s recovery. Mustard Seed Communities directed J$9.2 million towards restoring roofs and greenhouses at key facilities such as My Father’s House and Jerusalem.

In addition, another of the Fund’s execution partners Food for the Poor Jamaica utilised J$48.7 million to repair 120 roofs and assist local farmers, providing essential tools and supplies to 238 farmers, and aided 16 families with back-to-school expenses in Clarendon and St Elizabeth.

Another of the Fund’s major donors and executing partners, MycoMeditations/Blue Marlin, has directed J$57.6 million towards roof repairs, food and water distribution, fishery and farmer support in Great Bay, benefiting nearly 500 individuals in the area.

“What we’ve been able to accomplish through the Building a Better Jamaica Fund has provided much needed rebuilding in the aftermath of Beryl and also laid the groundwork for a longer-term recovery,” noted Justin Townsend, Chief Executive Officer at MycoMeditations/Blue Marlin. “The commitment to each home, each family and overall community infrastructure is allowing our neighbours to rebuild their livelihoods and regain their hope for the future.”

In the coming months, N.C.B. Foundation will continue allocating funds to support various projects led by the executing bodies, including Breds Treasure Beach Foundation (BREDS), American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), Food for the Poor (Jamaica and Canada), Jamaica Social Stock Exchange (JSSE), MyCo Meditations, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), Mustard Seed Communities, and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). Upcoming initiatives will focus on improving infrastructure, supporting educational needs, and assisting micro-farmers with resources to sustain their communities.

“This Fund is about making a difference for the long term, restoring not just what was lost but building a stronger foundation for future generations,” said Martin added. “The impact we’ve made so far truly demonstrates the strength of collective action, bringing together partners and donors to support meaningful recovery and lay the groundwork for lasting progress in communities across Jamaica.”