JLI Closure: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why has JLI decided to close?
JLI’s Board made the difficult decision to initiate an orderly wind-down following an extensive strategic review and sustained efforts to identify a financially sustainable future.
Although several partners expressed willingness to provide continued or additional support, JLI faced an immediate shortage of confirmed funding beyond October 2026 and no sufficiently clear path to long-term financial viability.
After considering the financial situation, associated risks and possible alternatives, the Board concluded that an orderly closure was the most responsible course.
2. Were other options considered before deciding to close?
Yes. JLI’s leadership and Board explored several possibilities, including operating with a substantially reduced organizational structure, alternative institutional and partnership arrangements, and temporarily suspending operations.
These possibilities offered different opportunities, but none had reached a sufficiently certain and financially viable stage to enable JLI to continue responsibly.
3. Does the closure mean JLI’s mission is no longer relevant?
No. JLI’s mission of strengthening evidence, learning and collaboration around the role of faith actors in humanitarian action, development and peacebuilding remains highly relevant.
JLI’s closure reflects its financial circumstances, not a diminished need for its work or a lack of appreciation from its partners and community.
4. What has JLI contributed over the years?
JLI has advanced research, evidence-based learning and collaboration through its research initiatives, Learning Hubs, Regional Hubs and international network.
It has helped connect researchers, practitioners, policymakers and faith-based organizations across geographic, institutional and religious boundaries, bringing evidence and lived experience into conversations about humanitarian action, development and peacebuilding.
5. What will happen to JLI’s knowledge and research?
The Board is committed to seeking ways to preserve JLI’s research, publications, learning resources and other knowledge products wherever practicable.
Planning is underway to explore a publicly accessible digital archive so that these resources may continue benefiting the wider community.
Further details will be shared as arrangements are confirmed.
6. Does JLI’s closure mean the end of its community and relationships?
Not necessarily. JLI has brought together organizations and individuals who share a commitment to evidence, learning and collaboration.
Although JLI as an organization is closing, its relationships, knowledge and approaches to collaboration may continue through other institutions, partnerships and community-led initiatives.
The Board is exploring how these connections and resources might be carried forward, without making commitments about arrangements that are not yet confirmed.
7. What exactly happens on October 31?
JLI’s active operations are expected to conclude on October 31, 2026.
The organization will not, however, be legally dissolved on that date. Necessary financial, legal and administrative close-out activities will continue afterward under the Board’s oversight.
8. Will JLI’s website remain accessible?
JLI is working with one of JLI’s partner organizations on arrangements to create an open access digital archive of JLI’s work over the years that would remain available to the JLI community and others interested in its research.
It is possible that this archive would be accessed via JLI’s existing website/URL although some updates will be needed to explain that JLI is no longer operating and to ensure that the website accurately reflects its new purpose.
The practical arrangements are being finalized.
9. What will happen to Weave, Navigator, IDG × FAITH and the Regional Hubs?
Weave, developed using the Sutra platform, brought together JLI’s Navigator knowledge resources, IDG × FAITH learning pathway and Regional Hubs.
JLI is exploring possible arrangements to preserve these resources and, where feasible, continue opportunities for learning and connection.
Potential pathways include institutional partnerships and community-led approaches. No final arrangements have yet been agreed.
10. What happens to ongoing projects, grants and partnerships?
JLI is reviewing its existing commitments and communicating directly with relevant partners and funders.
Where projects or activities cannot continue under JLI, the team will work with the organizations concerned to address reporting, contractual obligations and possible handover arrangements.
Any future collaboration involving former JLI colleagues would need to be arranged separately.
11. What happens to JLI’s staff and consultants?
Current employment and consultancy arrangements are ending as part of the closure of active operations.
The Board has expressed its appreciation for the dedication, creativity and commitment of JLI’s colleagues, past and present, including the considerable efforts of the current team to sustain JLI’s work and explore possible futures.
Where possible, colleagues are being supported through professional references, introductions and connections to future opportunities.
12. Who should people contact after October 31, and how can they help?
Arrangements for handling inquiries after October 31 are being finalized, and contact details will be shared once confirmed.
Partners and community members who wish to help preserve JLI’s knowledge, resources or relationships are encouraged to remain connected. Opportunities for future involvement may emerge as discussions about JLI’s legacy progress.
