The Association of Jersey Charities (AJC) distributed almost £0.5 million in grants to local charities in the second quarter of 2023, the largest quarterly total it has distributed in more than five years – once again supporting a broad range of community initiatives.
Following the latest meeting of its Grants Committee in June, a total of £495,333 was awarded by the AJC as part of its Q2 2023 tranche of grants, the most since December 2017. That sum includes grants totaling £270,790 distributed from profits from the Channel Islands Lottery to:
- Durrell: £30,000 to support accessibility audit work
- Macmillan: £30,000 to support staff costs
- Maison des Landes Trust: £30,000 to support operating costs of its Community Hub
- James’ Ark: £28,000 to support operating costs
- Jersey Employment Trust: £30,000 to support staff costs
- Jersey Scout Association: £21,433 to support the costs of events, trips and equipment
- Jersey Trees for Life: £30,000 to support staff costs
- Relate: £21,357 to support staff training
- Sanctuary Trust: £30,000 to support staff costs
- St Mary’s Youth and Community Centre: £20,000 to support staff costs
In addition, a further £89,500 was awarded through conditional grants to charities where additional criteria or specific conditions need to be met, whilst a further £135,043 was distributed from private donations.
Commenting on the latest round of grants, Marcus Liddiard, Chair of the AJC’s Grants Committee, said: “Challenging conditions have persisted into the second quarter of this year for charities, with operating costs significantly impacted by the inflationary environment. To be able to distribute almost half a million pounds – the biggest quarterly total in more than five years – to such a broad range of charities working across the conservation, health, social, youth and disability sectors is therefore really pleasing. It reflects the significant impact charitable organisations are having in all corners of island life.”
James Cunningham, Founder and CEO of James’ Ark, one of the recipients of a grant this quarter, added: “We cannot emphasise how grateful we are to the AJC, not only for their amazing donation but also for the unwavering advice, guidance and support they have provided us. This donation will allow us to expand our programme, reach a wider audience and provide essential resources to those that depend on our services in the community.
“This funding will enable us to run our helpline which has seen calls more than double over the past 12 months, our peer support groups and our 1-2-1 mentoring programme. These programmes help lower the impact on families going through separation and reduce the number of children that lose access to their fathers, which is the primary purpose of James’ Ark. Thank you to the AJC. We are extremely appreciative of having them as a supporting partner that allows us to continue offering our vital services to those in need.”
The AJC’s Grants Committee will next meet in September, with a deadline of 22nd August for applications. Details of how to apply can be found here. The Grants Committee is made up of Officers of the Association and independent panel members.
The main picture shows the team from James’ Ark, one of the charities receiving a grant through the CI Lottery profits this quarter. Left to right, Chris Conning (Chairman), James Cunningham (Founder & CEO), Oliver Gray (Treasurer) at James’ Ark.
