The JEM Project

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,514,411 (2024)
• Success Rate: Invitation-only (no public applications)
• Decision Time: 6-8 weeks
• Grant Range: $50 - $1,000,000 (median $20,000)
• Geographic Focus: USA-wide, with concentration in Southern California

Contact Details

• Website: https://thejemproject.org
• Email: info@thejemproject.org (Note: They do not respond to grant inquiries)
• Address: 1180 Rosecrans Street #528, San Diego, CA 92106

Overview

The JEM Project is a private independent foundation established in 2019 by San Diego entrepreneur Jessica Manning, who used proceeds from her success in the video game industry to create focused philanthropic impact. With assets of $33.7 million, the foundation distributes $3.5-8 million annually through strategic grants to nonprofit organizations. The foundation's mission centers on supporting "what is underserved: children, animals, women, and the environment." The JEM Project has rapidly scaled its giving from 41 grants in 2020 to 163 grants in 2022, demonstrating significant growth and impact. The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, working exclusively with selected nonprofit partners rather than accepting open applications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates two annual grant cycles:

• Spring Cycle: $50-$1,000,000 (Applications April 1-30, decisions by early June)
• Fall Cycle: $50-$1,000,000 (Applications August 1-31, decisions by early October)
• Application method: Invitation-only to selected returning partners

Priority Areas

The JEM Project focuses on four core program areas:

• Child Welfare: Access to education, healthcare, and family support services
• Animal Welfare: Rescue organizations, rehabilitation programs, and educational outreach
• Women's Empowerment: Local programs, loan accessibility, and entrepreneurship mentoring
• Environmental Sustainability: Conservation activities, research, and technology innovation

What They Don't Fund

• Capital campaigns (with limited exceptions)
• Endowments
• Re-granting or scholarship programs
• Lobbying activities
• Partisan research
• Government agencies and universities (direct applications)

Governance and Leadership

Jessica Manning - Founder and President. A Point Loma resident who built the foundation using proceeds from her video game business success. Manning emphasizes hands-on involvement: "I never wanted to just write a check and say, 'OK, good luck.' I wanted to be personally involved."

Rachel Shocket - Director of Operations

Kelly Larkan - Treasurer

The foundation name "JEM" represents Jessica Manning's initials, reflecting the personal nature of her philanthropic approach.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The JEM Project operates exclusively on an invitation-only basis. They invite "a limited number of selected, returning nonprofit partners" to apply during their spring and fall grant cycles. The foundation explicitly states they do not accept unsolicited applications and cannot respond to individual introductory messages or grant inquiries due to high email volume.

Organizations must:

• Be USA-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits
• Have been in operation for minimum three years
• Submit only one application per organization when invited
• Be invited as part of their selected partner network

Decision Timeline

• Spring Cycle: Applications due by April 30, notifications by early June
• Fall Cycle: Applications due by August 31, notifications by early October
• Total processing time: 6-8 weeks from deadline to notification

Success Rates

As an invitation-only funder working with selected partners, traditional success rates are not applicable. In 2023, the foundation made 81 grants; in 2022, they made 163 grants to their invited partner organizations.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation works with "returning nonprofit partners," suggesting successful grantees can be invited to apply in subsequent cycles. Organizations receive one grant per year maximum.

Application Success Factors

Since The JEM Project operates on an invitation-only basis, traditional application advice is less relevant. However, based on their giving patterns and founder philosophy:

• Personal Connection Matters: Jessica Manning emphasizes being "personally involved" rather than passive grant-making, suggesting the foundation values deep relationships with grantees
• Demonstrated Impact: Recent recipients like the Isabella Santos Foundation ($250,000) and Carolina Caring ($50,000) show preference for organizations with clear, measurable outcomes
• Alignment with Core Values: Successful partners clearly address one or more of the four focus areas: children, animals, women, or environment
• Geographic Proximity: While national in scope, many recipients are San Diego-based organizations where the founder can maintain personal involvement
• Crisis Responsiveness: The foundation made significant pandemic-era grants, showing flexibility during critical times
• Collaborative Approach: Partners who participate in matching campaigns and special initiatives appear to strengthen relationships

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The JEM Project is invitation-only; they do not accept unsolicited applications or respond to grant inquiries
• Focus on the four pillars: children, animals, women, and environment - organizations must clearly align with at least one
• Median grants are $20,000, though the foundation has capacity for transformational gifts up to $1 million
• The founder values personal involvement and hands-on relationships over passive check-writing
• Building visibility in San Diego's nonprofit community may be important for eventually joining their partner network
• Current partners receive consideration for annual grants, suggesting long-term relationship potential
• Government agencies and universities cannot apply directly but collaborative projects are acceptable

References

• The JEM Project Official Website (https://thejemproject.org) - Accessed February 2024
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The JEM Project Form 990 Data (2022-2024) - Accessed February 2024
• GuideStar Profile - The JEM Project (EIN 84-3344588) - Accessed February 2024
• "Isabella Santos Foundation receives $250,000 grant from The JEM Project" - Press Release, April 2020
• "Carolina Caring receives $50,000 grant from The JEM Project" - Organization announcement
• San Diego Humane Society donor recognition pages - Partnership with JEM Project
• The JEM Project Social Media Channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Various posts 2020-2024