Empowering Community Mediation Through the JAMS Foundation-NAFCM Mini-Grant Program

The upcoming JAMS Foundation/NAFCM mini-grant focus is community leadership.  Cultivating leaders who can listen and learn and hold potentially transformative conversations regarding issues of public interest and concern is essential for good governance. The need to embed Conflict Resolution Skills within the modus operandi of elected officials and other community leaders is key to productive engagement and community safety.  This grant opportunity is for two years and will award $15,000 per year.  A meeting to find out more will be held on January 31, 2025 at 3:30 PM ET. Read more and register for the meeting below. 

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The JAMS Foundation, in partnership with the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM), has announced its 2025-2027 funding cycle for the Community Mediation Mini-Grant Program. This initiative is designed to foster innovation and strengthen the field of community mediation through systemic change, collaboration, and shared learning.

Register here for the informational meeting on January 31st, 2025 at 3:30 PM ET.

Program Goals and Impact
The Mini-Grant Program emphasizes creativity, research-driven strategies, and community engagement. Participants will develop service strategies guided by the "Listening for Action" Leadership Process and implement policy or procedural changes over two years. A cornerstone of the program is the Learning Community, a collaborative working group where participants share resources, exchange ideas, and co-create solutions to enhance community mediation practices.

The program's broader impact extends beyond the grant period, with materials and resources developed through these efforts being distributed nationally. This ensures that the knowledge and tools created reach community mediators across the continent, amplifying their ability to facilitate justice, peace, and engagement.

Focus Areas for 2025
This funding cycle highlights three NAFCM Hallmarks:

1. Inclusion: Ensuring community mediation services are accessible to all individuals, regardless of background (Hallmark 2).
2. Systemic Change: Promoting initiatives that foster connection, engagement, and thriving communities (Hallmark 8).
3. Public Awareness: Educating the public on the value of mediation for resolving community issues (Hallmark 9).

Funding and Participation
Grants of $15,000 per year will be awarded to up to five organizations, with the potential for a second year of funding. The funds support program development activities, including needs assessments, pilot programming, training, and stakeholder engagement.

The application process is divided into two phases:

1. Phase 1: Open to organizations that align with the NAFCM Hallmarks and submit a response by February 24, 2025.
2. Phase 2: By invitation, applicants refine their proposals for final consideration.

Building Community Leaders
A unique aspect of this program is its focus on cultivating leaders equipped with conflict resolution skills such as coaching, de-escalation, and mediation. These leaders will be better prepared to address disruptions and foster productive community engagement.

Get Involved
If your organization is committed to advancing the principles of community mediation, this Mini-Grant Program is an excellent opportunity to enhance your impact. For more details and submission guidelines, visit the JAMS Foundation and NAFCM websites or contact NAFCM directly.

Together, let's mobilize communities, amplify voices, and advance the transformative power of mediation.

Find more information here, or in the PDF document below.

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