New matched-giving initiative launched to encourage “stronger culture of philanthropy”

A new Matched Giving Challenge could unlock up to £1 million for local charities and community projects, with Jersey’s charity sector urging Islanders to continue giving.

The new initiative, designed by the Jersey Community Foundation will lead to donations being matched pound-for-pound, in the hopes to help increase the overall funding available for Jersey’s charitable sector.

Through the use of Dormant Bank Account funding, a total of £500,000 is available to match individual donations between £10,000 and £50,000.

If the funding is fully utilised, the initiative could generate £1 million for charitable causes across the Island.

Similar initiatives have seen success internationally, such as the Covid-19 UK Government’s Community Match Challenge Fund, which successfully unlocked £40 million of support for charities by matching government and philanthropic funding.

This enabled hundreds of organisations to continue delivering essential services when communities needed them most during the pandemic.

Anna Terry, chief executive of Jersey Community Foundation, said: “Jersey has always had a strong culture of generosity, and this initiative gives us an opportunity to build on that. Every matched donation not only supports a cause that matters to the donor, but also helps strengthen the wider charitable sector by unlocking additional funding for communities across the Island.

“We hope it will encourage even more people to experience the impact that philanthropy can have in Jersey. This is about growing a stronger culture of philanthropy in Jersey.”

External Relations Minister Ian Gorst, said: “This partnership between Government and the Jersey Community Foundation will help to ensure that funds are distributed independently and transparently to where they can make the greatest difference. I know how generous Islanders are, and hope this initiative will encourage more Islanders to consider how their generosity can contribute to the long-term wellbeing of our community.”

The Matched Giving Challenge is currently open and running until 31 October 2026, or until the available match funding has been fully allocated, if earlier.

Anyone interested in making a matched donation, or learning more about the scheme, can contact Jersey Community Foundation at development@jerseycommunityfoundation.org.