Charities in urgent need of modest funds could get help in as little as 72 hours under a new Express Grants Scheme being launched today by the Guernsey Community Foundation.
The Scheme awards grants of between £500 and £5,000 to charities that need the money quickly to buy important equipment or supplies, or to meet other one-off expenses unrelated to salaries.
As the name suggests, the turnaround time for applications is measured in days, whereas normally charities might have to wait months.
The Foundation’s Chief Executive, Jim Roberts, said: “When we launched our Major Grants Scheme in 2010 we wouldn’t accept applications for less than £10,000. We lowered that to £5,000 a few years ago, but we would still hear of charities – especially smaller ones – whose relatively modest needs meant they couldn’t come to us for help.
“We also know that charities sometimes need help quickly, especially when faced with an unexpected cost. Every year we run four rounds of our Major Grants Scheme, and while that’s more often than many other funders it still means that some charities have to wait three months for a decision. The new Express Grants Scheme addresses these issues.”
As part of a pre-launch pilot the Foundation helped Shiloh Community Church, Wetwheels Jersey, and Guernsey Mind.
Shiloh was given £5,000 to restock its foodbank and purchase a fridge and a freezer. “We are so grateful for the funding received from the Foundation,” said Chrissy Salmon, Team Leader. “It will allow us to support more families who are struggling and to offer a wider range of fresh produce. The fridge and freezer means we can support families with fresh fruit and vegetables and help them provide a healthier option for mealtimes and lunch boxes. This extra support will make a huge difference.”
Wetwheels Jersey brings an accessible boat to Guernsey every summer to give people with multiple, profound and complex impairments an opportunity to access the water. Wetwheels’ Chief Operating Officer, Dina Rogan, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Guernsey Community Foundation for its support, which enabled us to bring Wetwheels Jersey to Guernsey for another very successful week.
“During our visit we took 132 passengers out on 17 trips, giving disabled and disadvantaged Islanders the opportunity to experience the freedom, excitement and enjoyment of being out on the water. What makes the trips particularly rewarding is the feedback from passengers, families, carers and the organisations we work with. It is consistently so positive. We hear time and again about the difference these experiences make – whether that is seeing someone enjoy an activity they never thought they could take part in, building confidence, creating a special memory with family, or simply having the opportunity to enjoy the sea without barriers.”
Funding provided by the Foundation – arranged at speed as part of the Express Grants Scheme – enabled Wetwheels’ volunteers to pay for their stay in Guernsey.
“The support of the Foundation helped make these experiences possible,” said Dina, “and we are extremely thankful for their belief in what Wetwheels is trying to achieve. We look forward to continuing to bring the Wetwheels experience to Guernsey and creating many more memorable moments for the people we are privileged to welcome aboard.”
Finally, a grant of £600 meant Guernsey Mind could replace a laptop.
“We know that a new laptop isn’t the most exciting ‘project’ to support,” admitted Chief Executive Jo Cottell, “but it has an immediate impact. Up to date IT enables us to work safely and efficiently. The funding landscape is very challenging presently, so we are grateful to the Foundation for its support, and for turning the application around so quickly.”
Because express grants are for smaller amounts than those offered through the Foundation’s Major Grants Scheme – which will continue as normal – fewer decision makers are involved in the application process. The express grants application form is also shorter. Applicants are still required to submit up-to-date accounts and other supporting documentation, but once the Foundation has received all the information it needs a decision can be made in three to five working days. There is no limit to how many times a charity can apply for funding.
The launch of the Express Grants Scheme coincides with the Foundation unveiling a revamped grant application procedure. A brand new grants management system built using the latest software now makes applying for a grant under either scheme quicker, easier, and simpler. Charities can apply using an online form, pause, save their progress, and return at a later date.
Supporting documentation is easier to upload, and applications can be signed and submitted electronically, meaning there is no need to print off or scan paperwork.
“We’re really excited about the new software,” said Mr Roberts. “Understandably, charities would rather be delivering services than filling out forms or grappling with creaky technology. The new system is designed to make their lives easier.”
