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Grants of £25,000 and over are available for charities and non-profit organisations, with applications now open for eligible groups to apply.
The Social Investment Fund was established in 2020 following an agreement by the States as part of the 2018 Budget Report, as a way of using both public and privately-donated funds to invest in the third sector while improving joint working between the government and the third sector.
The public funds come from the net proceeds of the Channel Islands Lottery and the Guernsey Probate Registry. Following a States decision in 2021 SIF also receives a percentage of all seized assets proceeds to apply for community investment.
Last year the SIF saw more than £1.39million awarded, with the total shared between fourteen different organisations.
Pictured: The net proceeds of lottery scratch cards goes to the Social Investment Fund for re-distribution among the island's good causes.
The SIF Major Grants Programme is particularly aimed at investing funds with organisations that need assistance with running costs or specific projects which cater towards enhancing specific outcomes:
Improving the lives of people with specific needs, disadvantages or vulnerabilities.
Employment, education or training opportunities.
The protection of our natural environment, culture and heritage.
Improved health and wellbeing for our community.
So far this year, the SIF has awarded seven major grants totalling £500,000, with provisional agreement for a further five grants totalling another £500,000.
The next round of grants is now open, with applications encouraged from those focused 'on people in our Bailiwick community, on the services and support they need and be of benefit to our community'.
To date, most recipients have received multi-year grants to enable the continuation of key services. Several of these have reported difficult financial circumstances over the last few years, particularly during covid and now during the cost of living crisis.
Other recipients have been awarded funds to develop, increase or introduce new services, responding to different community needs.
Pictured: St James was one past recipient of funds from the SIF.
Recipients include the Guernsey Voluntary Service; which received £93,059 towards salary costs for the Manager and Administrator of the Russels Day Centre for three years, and the Lihou Charitable Trust; which received three years support with a grant of £60,370 towards the Warden’s salary.
Liberate and St James also received funding for three years towards salaries and general running costs, with grants of £112,549 and £98,500 respectively.
The Cardiac Action Group benefited from a £45,875 grant towards the work of the Community Resuscitation Development Officer in 2023.
Vive La Vallette was awarded £40,000 towards salary costs of the Community Lead for a year and the GSPCA a grant of £49,267 towards the Shelter Manager’s salary for two years.
The full list of major grants recipients, and details regarding application criteria, can be viewed on SIF’s website HERE.
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