The Channel Islands’ Coop will give more than £22,000 to charities and community initiatives across the Bailiwick, this spring.
The Coop Community Fund announced 21 grants ranging from £500 to £2,500 to local projects delivering “meaningful impact” for people living in the islands.
It focuses on a range of initiatives that improve things like mental health support, arts and culture, accessibility for disabled people and environmental sustainability.
Guernsey Street Festival said it was “incredibly grateful” to receive £1000 to help deliver its programme.
A Street Festival spokesperson said the money would “help us champion local artists, promote fair pay, strengthen community spirit, boost tourism and town footfall, and create international opportunities for island talent”.
“Every penny raised goes directly towards delivering the festival and supporting our performers,” they added.
Guernsey-based singer Egita Strauta told Express performing at the Street Festival had been “really meaningful to me as an artist”.
She said it had given her “the chance to grow in confidence and connect with the community”.
Miss Strauta continued: “Seeing the streets come alive with music and watching people stop to enjoy the performances is always special.
“I’m so grateful to be part of an event that brings so much joy and energy to town.”
£430k donated
In total, the fund has distributed nearly £430,000 over the five years it’s been in existence across the Channel Islands.
Carl Winn, the Coop’s Head of Sustainability & Community, said: “This funding round highlights the incredible breadth of community-led work taking place across Guernsey.
“From supporting vulnerable individuals and families to enabling cultural, environmental and wellbeing initiatives, these projects are helping to build a stronger, more connected and more resilient island for everyone.”
Anyone wanting to apply for future funding rounds can find information and apply online at: www.channelislands.coop/communityfund
Who was supported?
The full list of recipients is:
- The Lihou Charity LGB – £2,500
Install a weather station on Lihou Island recording environmental data. Supports educational sessions for Bailiwick schools. - Guernsey Counselling Service – £2,400
Provides counselling for individuals facing financial hardship, housing issues and stress. Enables access for those unable to afford support. - Stay and Play Guernsey – £1,500
Weekly inclusive playgroup for children, especially those with additional needs Funding for equipment and venue hire. - Guernsey Caring for Ex-Offenders – £1,050
Provides sleeping equipment for individuals leaving prison without accommodation. Supports safer reintegration and reduces reoffending risk. - Adult Disability Services – £1,000
Activity packs for residential care settings. Encourages engagement through interactive games. - Explore the Bailiwick Environment – £1,000
Environmental learning course for adults. Expands access to community-based participation. - La Houguette Primary School PTFA – £1,000
Restore playground equipment lost to storm damage. Supports physical and social development. - Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association – £1,000
Structured activities for carers and people with dementia. Promotes wellbeing and engagement. - Wellbeing Activities with Music – £1,000
Music-based therapy for dementia patients and adults with learning difficulties. - Home Start Guernsey – £1,000
Early support programme for parents and newborns. Focus on wellbeing, attachment and development. - La Société Guernesiaise Bat Group – £1,000
Research linking bat activity with environmental data. Supports sustainable land-use planning. - Relationships Guernsey – £1,000
Counsellor supervision to ensure safe, high-quality family counselling services. - Floral Guernsey Foundation – £1,000
Environmental planting and restoration around St Apolline’s Chapel. - Guernsey Child Contact Centre – £1,000
Refurbishment of outdoor contact area for family visits. - Guernsey Street Festival – £1,000
Community arts festival promoting accessible culture and local performers. - Alderney Eel Project – £1,000
eDNA research to detect critically endangered European eel populations. Supports conservation awareness. - Guernsey Dynamics FC – £800
Team kits to promote inclusion and participation in sport. - Alderney Children’s Centre – £800
Development of children’s farm for learning about sustainability and animal care. - Floral Forest – £600
Nature-based learning project supporting children and families. - Choices – £560
Sensory boxes for clinic spaces to reduce anxiety and aid communication. - St John’s Churchyard – £500
Maintenance of a valued community green space.