The Social Investment Fund’s Small Grants Programme is open for applications for 2024 funding, aimed at assisting charities and non-profit organisations that support Bailiwick residents.
Since the programme was launched in 2021, 76 small grants have been awarded totalling over £829,000.
Applications are open to registered charities or NPOs operating within, or to benefit, the Bailiwick of Guernsey and applications should be focused on people in our community, on the services and support they need, or are of benefit to our community.
Under the programme, organisations can apply for a grant of up to £25,000 to put towards one-off projects, capital expenses, or running costs of up to a year’s duration. Applications for salary costs within specific projects, usually of up to one year’s duration, will be considered and any other salary costs may be considered on an exceptional basis for no more than one year.
Applications must support one of the following 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
- An inclusive community that challenges the barriers causing disadvantage or discrimination
In 2023, 29 charities received a total of £320,513, across a wide range of causes. Citizens Advice Guernsey received £19,434 towards their IT platform and fees, to enable accurate records to be kept securely and advisors to work effectively from the office or home; Les Voies Parent Teacher Friend Association was awarded £20,196 towards providing school lunches for one school year; and a further substantial grant of £19,075 was awarded to Guernsey Boxing Club (pictured) towards equipment for ladies’ sessions, exhibition shows and essential roof repairs.
Alderney organisations also benefited, with Alderney Broadcasting Company LBG receiving a grant of £10,000 towards replacement software and equipment, and Alderney Bird Observatory being awarded £2,500 towards running costs for one year.
£10,000 was awarded to the Guernsey Eisteddfod for running costs, with £5,000 to the Offender Deposit Assistance Scheme towards lending rental deposits. The Cheshire Home received £12,500 towards utility costs and in Sark, the Sark Art Gallery and Museum was awarded a £5,000 match fund grant towards start-up costs.
Sadie Siviter de Paucar, Lead Officer of the Social Investment Fund, said: “This is our first round of small grants funding in 2024 and we encourage charities of any shape or size across the Bailiwick to apply for support. Small grants play an important role in helping charities with running or project costs that they might find difficult to fundraise for”.
Picture Credit: Guernsey Boxing Club
