Call to local charities to apply for a grant from the Lloyds

Monday 30 December 2019

Eligible local charities are being encouraged to apply for a grant from the Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands (LBFCI) next year to help the Foundation achieve the significant grant-giving milestone of £20 million since being established.

2020 will be the 35th year that the Foundation has supported charities of all sizes that help disadvantaged people play a fuller role in the community.

Commenting on the opportunity presented to local charities, Foundation Executive Director, Jo Le Poidevin said: “Each year we support incredible organisations of all sizes that help disadvantaged people in our Island communities.

"Where we are different from some foundations is that we fund salaries and core operating costs for up to three years. In doing so we provide valuable breathing space to charities, giving them the time to develop sustainable funding channels. Many charities are unaware that we do this, and we are keen to see applications from those who may not have applied previously as we enter our milestone year of grant giving.”

LBFCI conducts three rounds of grants each year. Full details of eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on the Foundation website: www.lloydsbankfoundationci.org.uk/

Pictured: Lisa, Loans Administrator & Executive Assistant at Community Savings. 

On average, LBFCI supports 30 charities per year across the Channel Islands with grants ranging from £2,000 to £100,000. Support doesn’t stop at financial assistance and LBFCI also facilitate help from Lloyds Banking Group staff with business skills, mentoring and matched fundraising initiatives. This has a dual benefit of helping the chosen charity whilst providing enriching experiences for the Lloyds Bank team.

Commenting on the impact LBFCI’s support has had on the charity, Community Savings Executive Chairman Brian Curtis said: “Our Loans Administrator Lisa takes the time to understand everyone’s financial situation and possible challenges and to explore all the ways that we can help them, even if it’s just signposting them to other agencies who can assist them. 

“A recent comment from a service client sums up the impact our work has had on their lives: ‘Community Savings were very kind to me. I got the confidence out of that kindness and six years later everything is fantastic. Most of it is down to the way they helped me.’

“Without the support of the Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands, we wouldn’t have been able to grow Lisa’s post to the vital role it is today in the successful delivery of Community Savings services and we thank them for their support and guidance over the past three years.”

Pictured top: Alan, part of the Community Savings team, who have been supported with three years of grants from Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands, in action with customer.