The United Way of Jamaica (UWJ) announced at its monthly Executive Committee Meeting on April 24, 2014 that the organisation is now registered with the Charities Authority as stipulated by the CharitiesAct 2013.
The UWJ is an autonomous non-profit Private Voluntary Organisation and an affiliate of United Way Worldwide. The United Way of Jamaica is focused on the building blocks for a good life; education, health and income generation and seeks to mobilize resources which are used to positively impact and improve lives across Jamaica.
The United Way of Jamaica provides grant funding to support projects in the areas of education, health, income generation and community development. Through a network of volunteers, projects are monitored and evaluated to ensure accountability and transparency.
The UWJ has been advocating for an independent Charities Commission. Work therefore began in 2008 with the formation of a Charities Legislation Committee which developed a draft document regarding the establishment of a Charities Commission.
The first in a series of four (4) consultation sessions was held on February 19, 2014 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Other consultation sessions were held for the Central Region on March 12, 2014 at the Golf View Hotel and the Western Region on April 30, 2014.The final consultation is scheduled for May 20, 2014 in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.
Participating organisations have to date endorsed the proposal for an Independent Charities Commission.
