The JN Foundation created a social enterprise franchise called The Source and implemented 5 centres across the island. SEBI was created as a result of the infrastructural gap that existed for social enterprises. Established in 1990, the JN Foundation is mandated to carry out the Corporate Social Responsibility of the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), and by extension, the JN Group of companies.

Built on the concept of mutuality, JNBS gives back to the Jamaican people and communities across the island, by providing financial and technical support to empower projects and programmes both at the community and at the national level.JN Foundation’s mission is to empower Jamaican communities by funding and developing projects that aim to bring about sustainable development. The main areas of focus include:

•  Economic & Community Development
•  Arts, Culture & Heritage
•  Youth & Education
•  Health, Safety & Security

The JN Foundation works with internal and external partners to identify, develop and provide technical and financial support to projects and programmes that focus on issues relating to rural development, health, housing, education, youth, community, crime and safety. Spearheaded by General Manager, Saffrey Brown and her team, the major projects of the JN Foundation include:

The Social Enterprise Boost Initiative              

Having supported the role and importance of Social Enterprises within Jamaica for many years, the Foundation believed that it was time to create an environment for growth and development, and SEBI was conceptualized in January 2013, geared at developing the third sector as a viable sector within the Jamaican economy.

The Source Community Resource Centres               

The development and implementation of a Social Enterprise franchise across Jamaica. There are five Source Centres, each developed to meet the specific needs and requirements of its host community. The Source franchise located in Sav-La-Mar in Westmoreland has been selected as one of the projects under the SEBI Programme.

Bridging the gap to financial services for rural communities in Jamaica

Aimed primarily at addressing gaps in financial service provisions to rural folk and fostering development, the Project is focused on increasing the participation of individuals and small businesses in targeted rural communities of Jamaica, to become formally engaged in the financial system.

The Jamaica National Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the JN Group of Companies, which comprises the following subsidiaries: Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS); Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA); JN Fund Managers (JNFM); JN General Insurance Company Limited (JNGI); JN Money Services Limited (JNMS); JN Small Business Loans Limited (JNSBL); Management Control Systems (MCS); Manufacturer’s Credit and Information Services Ltd; National Building Society of Cayman; JN Finance; and The Creative Unit.