£2m charity boost from unused bank accounts

Monday 15 June 2020

Charities dedicated to supporting islanders' health and helping them cope during the pandemic are due to receive a portion of £2million windfall from unused bank accounts.

The bank account boost also aims to help those that have suffered temporary financial disruption due to covid-19.

The money was able to be collected due to the Dormant Bank Accounts Law, which allows funds to be collected from bank accounts that have been left unused for around 15 years, and distributed among local causes. 

Charities can apply for a chunk of the £2million funding via the Jersey Community Foundation (JCF), an independent group organisation and member of the Jersey Funders Group.

Pictured: The £2m will be aimed at charities supporting islanders affected by covid-19, as well as those whose operations have been hit by the pandemic.

External Relations Minister Senator Ian Gorst said he was "pleased" the funding had been released to help charities, adding: "We must support our charitable sector to ensure that these services will continue to be available to the community once restrictions have been lifted and we return to a greater degree of normality."

JCF Co-Chair Heather MacCallum added: "Community Foundations are an established way to support local projects on a wide range of issues across the globe, and there are 47 across the UK.

“Over the past 20 years, donors have given more than £1billion to local causes in the UK, through Community Foundations. This has secured long term, sustainable benefits for communities, and achieved lasting social change."

She continued: “We look forward to using our experience in establishing and managing large charities, and in evaluating and distributing funds, to work with all charitable organisations in Jersey, big and small, to achieve the best outcomes and support those making a difference for islanders.” 

Those who wish to apply or want more information should email grants@jerseycommunityfoundation.org.