Providing Essential Support

At The Jamaica Long Island Fund Incorporated (THE FUND), our mission is to provide essential support to the African Methodist Episcopal Churches in the Jamaica Long Island District, which include Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties, as they face the challenges of aging buildings and an aging congregation. We are a 501(C)3 nonprofit corporation established during the pandemic in 2022, committed to ensuring that these historic congregations continue to be a vital community resources.

Our Purpose: THE FUND was created with a clear purpose in mind - to assist and empower these churches with emergent building repair needs, offering them the means to maintain their infrastructure and continue their invaluable service to their communities.

Our Approach

1. Financial Assistance: We provide grants to churches in the Jamaica Long Island District through a thoughtful application process. The grant amounts are determined based on the specific needs of each church and the availability of funds, ensuring that our support is tailored to their unique requirements.

2. Educational Empowerment: In addition to financial assistance, we offer periodic training and information workshops to equip trustees with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain and manage their facilities effectively. We believe that well-informed leadership can better serve their congregations and communities.

3. Caring for the Community: We acknowledge the broader role that these congregations play in their communities. They serve as beacons of hope and support, offering food through their food pantries and soup kitchens, hosting annual giveaways during holidays, and providing informational workshops and conferences on critical issues such as gun violence, economic development, educational and job training, and more.

4. Preservation of History: We recognize the historical significance of these churches, including cemeteries dating back to the 1800s. We are dedicated to preserving this rich heritage and ensuring that these sites continue to be accessible and well-maintained.

5. Community Engagement: Some of our congregations are deeply involved in community initiatives, such as operating a farm that provides produce to local residents. We support these endeavors that enrich the lives of those in the area and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

Meet the Board

  • Rev. Dr. Jo-An L. Owings

    PRESIDENT

  • Rev. Dr. Keith Hayward

    TREASURER

  • Rev. Dr. Evelyn Miller-Suber

    SECRETARY

  • Dianne M. Hodnett

    MEMBER