JAMS Foundation

Words Change Worlds

Founded in 2002, the JAMS Foundation is the world’s largest private funder of conflict prevention and dispute resolution initiatives. Our work is 100% supported by contributions from the JAMS community, reflecting our shared belief that effective communication creates brighter futures.

$14M

in grants

years of support

100%

self-funded

Key Programs

Major Dispute Resolution Initiatives

"Of all the training I have taken in 17 years at the NYPD, this is the only one I use every day."

—NYPD officer

Through our Major Dispute Resolution Initiatives, the JAMS Foundation supports innovative, community-centered approaches to preventing and resolving conflict, strengthening trust and collaboration where it’s needed most.

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To help repair relationships between police and community members, we have funded trainings in some of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas, including mediation and de-escalation training for law enforcement in New York and Los Angeles; community engagement programs with law enforcement in Detroit and Los Angeles; and mediation of citizen complaints against law enforcement in Chicago and Oakland.

Community Mediation

“The JAMS Foundation has been the brightest light of guidance for the growth and sustainability of community mediation in the United States and Canada … [Its support] has been essential in creating positive change.”

—D.G. Mawn, President, National Association for Community Mediation

Dozens of two-year mini-grants helped frontline peace advocates develop the programs their communities need most. These were provided in partnership with the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM).

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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we awarded a $30,000 grant to the NAFCM to purchase and distribute 200 Zoom licenses to community mediation centers across North America.

Student/Youth Initiatives

“I feel like it’s going to help me. I haven’t gotten into any conflict since the training, but I guarantee that if I get into a conflict in the future, I’ll know how to handle it better.”

—Program Participant, Boston

Early training in dispute resolution lays the groundwork for more peaceful futures. The JAMS Foundation/Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) Initiative for Students and Youth funds conflict prevention and dispute resolution programs for K-12 students and the adults working with them.

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Grants were given to provide conflict resolution education in foster homes, youth shelters, youth correctional settings, and school and after-school programs at the Center for Justice Innovation in New York and Magnolia Public Schools in Los Angeles in 2022.

The Weinstein JAMS International Fellowship

“With 150 Fellows from 90 countries, the Fellowship Program truly constitutes an inspiring global network for collaboration and dispute resolution around the world.”

—Ellen Bass, Director, Weinstein JAMS International Fellowship Program

The Weinstein JAMS International Fellowship Program brings ADR professionals from around the world to study dispute resolution practices in the U.S. Fellows use their training and skills to promote peace and reconciliation in post-conflict countries and address urgent challenges like climate change and forced migration.

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Three Fellows from Rwanda have joined forces with the support of the former chief justice of the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice to institutionalize mediation in Rwanda’s civil justice system.

Warren Knight Distinguished Service Award

“The Warren Knight Award honors both our history and our hope for the future. The Foundation is proud to recognize the work of these extraordinary people and organizations in helping to create a more peaceable world.”

— David Brandon, Managing Director, JAMS Foundation

The Warren Knight Distinguished Service Award honors organizations demonstrating outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact in advancing peaceful and effective conflict resolution. Named for JAMS founder Hon. H. Warren Knight (Ret.), the award supports exemplary programs that strengthen communities and expand the reach of dispute resolution worldwide.

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In 2022 the JAMS Foundation honored the Alliance for Peacebuilding with the Warren Knight Award, recognizing its exceptional work bringing together public-policy leaders and cross-sector partners to address the root causes of violence and build sustainable peace worldwide.

JAMS Foundation's Commitment

The JAMS Foundation is one of the world's largest and most longstanding funders of conflict prevention and dispute resolution programs. We are proud to be 100% funded by the JAMS neutrals and staff members who share our desire to use our skills for a more peaceful world.

“The Foundation is a strong reflection of the mission of JAMS— to do good in the world by encouraging and fostering the prevention and resolution of disputes of all kinds.”

— Chris Poole, CEO Emeritus