Dormant bank account funds to be distributed to local charities

Funds worth up to £2 million from dormant bank accounts are to be distributed to local charities.  
 
The funds will mainly go to charities working on projects that support Islanders’ health and help people to cope during the pandemic and its aftermath.
 
The funding may also help charities that have suffered temporary financial disruption due to COVID-19, depending on the individual circumstances of each applicant.
 
Charities can apply through the Jersey Community Foundation Limited (JCF), a member of the Jersey Funders Group. The JCF is an independent organisation that will distribute these funds and provide a delivery platform for charitable donations from individuals, families and businesses. 
 
External Relations Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, said: “I am pleased that up to £2 million will be released to help charities provide their important services to Islanders. We must support our charitable sector to ensure that these services will continue to be available to the community once restrictions have been lifted and we return to a greater degree of normality.  
 
“The work done by our charities has been phenomenal and I take this opportunity to thank again all those who have been working so hard to help the more vulnerable members of our community at this time.”
 
Heather MacCallum, the co-chair of the JCF, said: “Community Foundations are an established way to support local projects on a wide range of issues across the globe, and there are 47 across the UK. 

“Over the past 20 years donors have given more than £1 billion to local causes in the UK, through Community Foundations. This has secured long term, sustainable benefits for communities, and achieved lasting social change. 
 
“We look forward to using our experience in establishing and managing large charities, and in evaluating and distributing funds, to work with all charitable organisations in Jersey, big and small, to achieve the best outcomes and support those making a difference for Islanders.” 
 
For more information, or to apply for funding, please email:
grants@jerseycommunityfoundation.org