A new grant scheme has launched, offering Guernsey charities money to help buy supplies, equipment, or other one-off expenses.

The Guernsey Community Foundation said its ‘Express Grants Scheme’ can help smaller charities in particular with sums of between £500 and £5,000 available.

“When we launched our Major Grants Scheme in 2010 we wouldn’t accept applications for less than £10,000,” explained Jim Roberts, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation.

“We lowered that to £5,000 a few years ago, but we would still hear of charities – especially smaller ones – whose relatively modest needs meant they couldn’t come to us for help. We also know that charities sometimes need help quickly, especially when faced with an unexpected cost.

“Every year we run four rounds of our Major Grants Scheme, and while that’s more often than many other funders it still means that some charities have to wait three months for a decision. The new Express Grants Scheme addresses these issues.”

Trialling the new scheme, the Foundation gave grants to Shiloh Community Church, Wetwheels Jersey, and Guernsey Mind.

Guernsey Mind was given £600 to replace a laptop.

Jo Cottell, Chief Executive, said that while it “isn’t the most exciting ‘project’ to support”, the replacement had an “immediate impact”.

“Up to date IT enables us to work safely and efficiently. The funding landscape is very challenging presently, so we are grateful to the Foundation for its support, and for turning the application around so quickly.”

Shiloh Church was given £5,000 to restock its food bank and to buy a fridge and freezer.

Team Leader Chrissy Salmon said the money “will make a huge difference,” allowing them to support more families, adding: “The fridge and freezer means we can support families with fresh fruit and vegetables and help them provide a healthier option for mealtimes and lunch boxes.”

Wetwheels is a Jersey based charity, giving people with profound and complex impairments the opportunity to access the water.

A visit to Guernsey allowed 132 passengers to take 17 trips with the charity.

Dina Rogan, Chief Operating Officer, said: “The support of the Foundation helped make these experiences possible and we are extremely thankful for their belief in what Wetwheels is trying to achieve.

“We look forward to continuing to bring the Wetwheels experience to Guernsey and creating many more memorable moments for the people we are privileged to welcome aboard.”

The new scheme coincides with the launch of a new grant application procedure, making applications easier, quicker and simpler said Mr Roberts.

“We’re really excited about the new software,” he said.

“Understandably, charities would rather be delivering services than filling out forms or grappling with creaky technology. The new system is designed to make their lives easier.”