JAMS Foundation–ACR Initiative for Students and Youth 2026 (US)

The JAMS Foundation–ACR Initiative for Students and Youth provides funding to promote conflict resolution education (CRE) in middle schools, focusing on multicultural understanding, non-violent communication, and system-wide adoption of CRE practices. Grants support projects that improve student interactions, reduce bullying, and encourage peaceful engagement across cultural divides. Funding for the first year is up to $20,000, with a potential second-year continuation of up to $40,000.

Overview of the Initiative

The Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR), in partnership with the JAMS Foundation, has announced funding for the 2026 cycle to enhance conflict resolution education (CRE) among middle school students. This initiative focuses on fostering cultural understanding, non-violent communication, and systemic adoption of conflict resolution strategies in schools.

Key Objectives:

• Improve cross-cultural communication among students.

• Promote non-violent behavior and reduce bullying incidents.

• Encourage adoption of CRE approaches by both students and school personnel.

• Influence school or district policies to institutionalize conflict resolution practices.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Middle schools, school districts, or educational institutions serving grades 5–9.

• Organizations or educators proposing measurable CRE interventions.

• Applicants able to demonstrate capacity for implementation and evaluation of conflict resolution programs.

Ineligible applicants:

• Projects not targeting middle school youth (grades 5–9).

• Initiatives without measurable objectives related to cross-cultural communication, non-violent behavior, or CRE integration.

Why It Matters

• Enhances cultural competence: Students learn to appreciate and navigate diverse environments.

• Reduces violence and bullying: Implementing CRE decreases incidents of fighting and aggressive behavior.

• Fosters systemic change: Encourages schools to embed CRE into policy and practice, benefitting faculty, students, and communities.

• Builds lifelong skills: Equips students with communication and conflict resolution tools essential for personal and academic success.

Funding Details

• Year 1 Funding: Up to $20,000 to implement initial project activities.

• Year 2 Continuation: Up to $40,000, contingent upon demonstrated progress and meeting benchmarks.

• Funding Purpose: Support the design, implementation, and evaluation of CRE programs in middle schools, including staff training, curriculum development, and program assessment.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Develop a Project Proposal: Focus on conflict resolution strategies for grades 5–9 that promote multicultural understanding and non-violent communication.

2. Set Measurable Goals: Include metrics to evaluate improvements in student behavior, communication, and system-wide adoption.

3. Submit Funding Request: Specify Year 1 funding up to $20,000 and justify continuation funding for Year 2.

4. Provide Evaluation Plan: Outline methods for tracking outcomes, including surveys, observations, or behavioral metrics.

5. Demonstrate Integration Potential: Explain how CRE approaches will be institutionalized or scaled across the school or district.

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly link CRE interventions to measurable outcomes.

• Include strategies for staff and student training.

• Emphasize cultural competency and reduction of bullying incidents.

• Align proposals with potential system-wide adoption of CRE policies.

• Provide a realistic budget and timeline for both Year 1 and potential Year 2 activities.

FAQ

1. Who can apply for this funding?
Middle schools, school districts, or educational organizations working with grades 5–9 students.

2. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to $20,000 for Year 1, with continuation funding up to $40,000 for Year 2 based on progress.

3. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects that improve cross-cultural communication, non-violent behavior, and system-wide adoption of conflict resolution practices.

4. Are individual teachers eligible to apply?
Applications must come from schools or organizations, not individuals.

5. What outcomes are expected?
Measurable improvements in student behavior, enhanced cultural understanding, and adoption of CRE practices in school systems.

6. Can funding be used for staff training?
Yes. Funding can cover activities including training, curriculum development, and evaluation.

7. How will proposals be evaluated?
Proposals are assessed based on alignment with CRE objectives, measurable outcomes, scalability, and potential for system-wide impact.

Conclusion

The JAMS Foundation–ACR Initiative for Students and Youth offers a unique opportunity to implement conflict resolution education programs that improve multicultural understanding, promote non-violence, and encourage system-wide adoption in middle schools. By leveraging this funding, schools can create safer, more inclusive, and culturally competent learning environments for grades 5–9 students.