Community Committees Must Apply by July 15 for First SDC Administrative Grants

The Social Development Commission (SDC) is accepting applications from qualifying Community Development Committees (CDCs) and Parish Development Committees (PDCs) under the opening round of the Government of Jamaica's Administrative Grant Programme for fiscal year 2026/27.

This first submission window closes on July 15. A second opportunity will run from December 29, 2026, to January 20, 2027.

Application forms are available on the SDC website and at any SDC parish office.

Committees must hold verification from the SDC Registry Department and meet several other conditions. These include having an active constitution, functioning for more than one year, maintaining an active bank account, and providing minutes from their last three meetings.

Funding limits depend on committee type. Verified CDCs may receive grants of up to $30,000 per round, while verified PDCs can access up to $500,000 per round. The support is meant for administrative work, such as keeping committee secretariats running and meeting utility expenses.

SDC Executive Director Omar Frith told JIS News that "these grants are about empowering communities to take charge of their development. We want to support their administrative needs so they can continue making a positive impact".

He said the programme forms part of a wider effort to strengthen community governance and encourage greater citizen involvement in local development.

"At this juncture, the SDC is advanced in its thrust to re-energise the meaning of community participation by building the capacity of groups and individuals to participate meaningfully at the community level. This process ensures that the grants go to organisations that are committed and have a track record of community service," Mr. Frith added.

Groups that pass the review will receive formal written notification once the assessment process is complete.

For further details, contact the SDC Registry by email at [email protected] or by telephone at 876-577-6979.