Charity status 'assists' football funding goal

Sunday 08 March 2020

Jersey's key footballing body will be getting a funding boost after it became one of the island's first organisations to gain charitable status following changes to the law.

The Jersey Football Association's (JFA) Finance Director has since welcomed the move, describing it as a step forward in its mission to provide "football for all".

The law governing charities' activities was changed in 2018, and paved the way for more entities to register as charities. Even though registration is voluntary, it is necessary to access certain tax reliefs.

Now as a registered Jersey charity (number 286), the JFA qualifies for several tax benefits, which will ensure more financial support for the game.

Previously as a non-profit organisation, the JFA became a charity after succeeding in the Charity Commissioner’s ‘test’ by proving its benefit to the public.

“As an existing NPO, it was the next logical step for us,” said JFA CEO Jean-Luc Desbois.

Pictured: The JFA's Finance Director said the status supported its mission of providing "football for all".

In the context of donations to charities, the lump sum and deed of covenant scheme operate to provide a 25% increase in the value of qualifying donations made by Jersey taxpayers.

Brian McCarthy, the recently appointed Finance Director of the JFA, added: “This is really good news and supports the JFA’s mission of ‘football for all’. 

“The Jersey FA is dedicated to the cause of governing, promoting and providing opportunities to play football in Jersey for all and the advancement of public participation for all ages, abilities, races and genders.” 

“I am sure charitable status will encourage both businesses and individuals to increase donations to the Association, which will be used wisely to sustain and create further footballing opportunities to all areas of the community.”