Member-At-Large

Sharon Bourges-Jones

Greetings:

It is indeed a pleasure for me to serve as the Southeastern Region Member-At-Large. As part of the regional leadership team, we are committed to providing a rich and rewarding experience that will be most beneficial to the members of the Southeastern Region. Working together, we will succeed in improving the quality of our programs and service to our communities.

On behalf of the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support. Without your contributions, the Foundation would not be able to fulfill its mission of providing financial support to organizations that promote leadership development for children and young adults. I would like to encourage you to make a concerted effort to increase your contributions to the Foundation, grant applications and community service projects. There is more work to be done to empower young people to reach their maximum potential.

The Foundation’s focus includes Grants, Loose Change Campaign, Fundraising and Community Service.

Grants

The Foundation directs the majority of its funds to youth through chapter or community based awards. It has five award categories:

National Foundation Project

Donates funds to projects that have a community-wide focus. This project is imitated by the Foundation to address an issue of particular concern of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Projects may be funded up to three consecutive years. The goal is to encourage participation from all seven (7) regions on a rotational basis. Grand awards vary and cannot exceed $40,000.

Independent Grant

Funds community-supported projects of nonprofit organizations around the world. This iniative must demonstrate community support by securing additional funds for execution of the project. Grant is normally $5,000. This grant is open to 501(c)3,501(c)4 and Jack and Jill chapters.

Jacqueline Robinson Regional Competition Award

Responds to regionally selected chapters of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. that serve community projects. Typical award is $3,000. This grant is open to Jack and Jill chapters, mothers and teen groups.

Violet D. Greer Teens-Associates Award

Supports programs that teens or associate members of a chapter believe promote and enhance the development of youth leadership skills. Award does not exceed $2,500. This grant is open to Jack and Jill teens and associate groups.

Special Projects

Distributes funds directly to chapters or regions for special projects based on the Foundation’s programmatic emphasis at the time of the request. Amount of award varies. By invitation only.

Loose Change Campaign

This is a worthwhile program that teaches our children the value of helping others through philanthropy and the rewards of charitable giving. Over the last two years, the Loose Change Campaign has generated over $10,000 to support the New Orleans Public Library. The funds are used to restore and purchase much-needed children’s books for the library. The campaign runs from November 1, 2007 until March 31, 2008. Children ages 2-12 can begin collecting and/or saving their loose change in piggy banks or other decorative containers, shoeboxes, milk jugs. Recognition will take place at the Spring Clusters.

Fundraising

Fundraising is limited to those activities that advance the philanthropic goals of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Chapters should avoid any fundraising activities, or the appearance of fundraising activities that jeopardize the public charity status of Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc. Please refer to the Fundraising Code and Guidelines for more information.

Community Service

Community Service promotes satisfaction, responsibility, pride, and helps to strengthen your community. It teaches kids tolerance and empowers them to believe that one person can make a difference. Community Service Projects provide a great opportunity to give back to the community in which we live. It is also an excellent character building tool as well as marketing exposure for our organization.

Please visit the Foundation’s website for additional information: www.jackandjillfoundation.org

Sharon Bourges-Jones