A new fund which will allow islanders, businesses and charitable trusts a direct way to support health and wellbeing projects in Jersey has been launched.
The Jersey Community Foundation is a registered local charity which links donors with local causes to support. It operates as part of a global network of more than 1,800 foundations.
The new fund is not intended to replace government-funded healthcare, but instead complement it by providing additional philanthropic funding alongside it to create opportunities and support innovation to improve healthcare for islanders.
Philanthropy already enhances healthcare in other jurisdictions – such as in the UK where more than 220 local and specialist NHS charities support hospitals, community health services, mental health trusts, funding research and equipment and more.
Jersey does not have a dedicated health fund like the UK but the new ‘Island Health Fund’ aims to provide a trusted and dedicated way for those who want to support island healthcare to do so.
Areas which the fund could potentially improve include advanced medical technology, clinical innovation, enhanced patient facilities, community health initiatives, therapeutic spaces, specialist training, pilot programmes and more.
Anna Terry, chief executive of the Jersey Community Foundation, said: “We are delighted to launch the Island Health Fund and create a dedicated way for people to contribute to better health in Jersey.
“This is not about replacing government funding. It is about what additional philanthropic support can make possible.
“Some of the challenges and opportunities we face will require different organisations and funders to work together, with philanthropy connected to expertise, evidence and a clear understanding of local need.”
An independant Health Fund Panel will be created to establish the Fund’s priorities going forward and oversee future funding decisions – these priorities will be informed by public health data, evidence of need, clinical expertise and Jersey’s wider health matters.
JCF will begin to work with healthcare providers, charities, government, businesses and other partners to identify areas of unmet demand where additional funding could help.
The fund will not replace existing JCF funds or compete with Jersey’s health and community charities – all funding decisions will be made independently.
Health Minister Tom Binet said: “I welcome the establishment of the Island Health Fund and the opportunity it creates to attract new philanthropic support for health and wellbeing in Jersey.
“This is a new opportunity for individuals, families, businesses and others who want to contribute to the future of health in our Island. I look forward to seeing the Fund develop and to Health working constructively with Jersey Community Foundation as it identifies opportunities where additional support could make a difference.”
The Island Health Fund will operate as a restricted charitable fund within the Jersey Community Foundation – benefiting from JCF’s existing charitable status.
Those interested in supporting the Island Health Fund, including through gifts, corporate giving or legacy giving, can visit the about section of the Jersey Community Foundation wesbite or contact Jersey Community Foundation at development@jerseycommunityfoundation.org.
