Jersey Community Foundation has launched a new Social Mobility Fund to help address barriers to social mobility in Jersey.
Seeded with an initial investment of £50,000, and a further £100,000 pledged for 2026 and 2027, the fund is designed to grow over time through further contributions from those committed to improving social mobility on the island.
The fund is now open for applications, offering grants of £500 to £5,000, to schools and charitable bodies working to expand access to extra-curricular education, cultural and sporting activities for young people. Funding is also available for research programmes that seek to improve understanding of social mobility challenges and potential solutions for Jersey.
Social mobility can be upward or downward and refers to the ability of individuals to move along the social and economic ladder through education, employment, financial stability, wealth building, strong social networks, mentorship and access to opportunity. When social mobility is high, people can improve their circumstances based on talent and hard work rather than their early years experience.
Beyond individual success, greater social mobility strengthens communities and economies. It helps to create a skilled workforce, encourage innovation and reduce reliance on welfare, benefitting businesses and public services. Societies with higher mobility also tend to experience greater stability, trust and civic engagement, making them fairer, more financially secure and more resilient for future generations.
However, in Jersey, many barriers prevent young people from reaching their full potential. These include high housing costs, language barriers, the expense of higher education, limited access to extracurricular activities and the highly selective education system.
Sir Mark Boleat, who has led the initiative to establish the fund, acknowledges that many social mobility challenges require long-term policy solutions. However, he emphasises that the Social Mobility Fund is designed to focus on immediate, practical steps to expand access to opportunity.
He said: “Investing in social mobility is an investment in Jersey’s future. We need to harness the potential of all our young people, not just those fortunate enough to be born into wealthier families. By providing grants to organisations that break down barriers to opportunity, this fund aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of children, young people and adults in Jersey.”
Anna Terry, CEO of Jersey Community Foundation (JCF), added: “Talent and potential exist in every corner of our island, but unfortunately opportunity does not. The Social Mobility Fund is a small step towards helping people, regardless of their background, to access experiences and resources they need to succeed. We look forward to working with organisations that share our vision to create a more inclusive and thriving Jersey.”
Pictured: Every Child Our Future Dual Language workshops, supported by Jersey Community Foundation
