Introducing the Gemfields Foundation

Borne organically as a result of increasing demand from donors, the Foundation is the charitable arm of Gemfields, through which donors can contribute funding to directly support community and conservation projects in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a charitable vessel to manage and scale-up activations that have been carried out by Gemfields over the last decade. The Gemfields Foundation functions quite unlike most charities: 100% of donor funds are directed, in full, to the underlying charitable projects. All overhead, administration, travel and management costs are borne fully by Gemfields Limited and its subsidiary companies. The result is a charitable endeavour that enjoys, at no cost to donors, excellent in-country experience, personnel, infrastructure, support and community liaison teams, uniquely positioning Gemfields Foundation to deliver impactful projects. Over the years, Gemfields has facilitated several charitable initiatives requested by third parties and has provided both expertise and management to bring them to life alongside its core business activities. Examples include a new classroom block for the Chapula primary school in Zambia, funded by a private individual and further extended by Gemfields in later years. To date, the Foundation has facilitated the gifting of footballs to primary school pupils and the creation of a toilet block at the Kapila primary school with generously donated funds from private individuals. “Having seen first-hand the difference Gemfields’ community projects have made to people’s lives and having witnessed the depletion of African wildlife within my own lifetime, it is clear that more must be done. Gemfields’ team has proven on-the-ground expertise in complex projects, and in offering up this skill-base, coupled with a commitment to cover overheads and managerial cost, our Foundation presents a unique opportunity for passionate donors. It is an honour to join forces with such dedicated and knowledgeable trustees to scale and accelerate our activations, bringing greater benefit to communities and conservation in Africa.” Emily Dungey, Managing Director, Gemfields Foundation. The Foundation is a UK registered charity, with an international board of trustees to govern activities. It will run alongside Gemfields’ conservation and community projects in the fields of health, education and livelihoods, increasing Gemfields’ already significant role in the rise of African gemstones and the benefit these gemstones bring to their place of origin and their host communities. Further information about the Gemfields Foundation can be found at www.gemfieldsfoundation.org