Islanders are being asked for their views on the Island’s first Philanthropy Policy, which aims to strengthen the way charitable giving contributes to local needs.

The public consultation is being launched by the Jersey Community Foundation, with individuals and organisations across the Island being invited to contribute.

The Government of Jersey endorsed the development of the policy in autumn 2025, with JCF subsequently working with representatives from the charity, philanthropy, finance, business and community sectors.

Among the issues being considered are how to make giving easier, how donors can better understand where help is needed and how charities, businesses, the government and philanthropists can work more closely together.

JCF Chief Executive Anna Terry said Jersey was already well placed to develop its philanthropic sector.

“Jersey already has a strong tradition of generosity, as well as many of the ingredients needed to develop a thriving philanthropic community,” she said.

“The Philanthropy Policy is about building on those strengths rather than starting again.”

She said the policy would explore ways of connecting donors more closely with local needs and creating stronger links between the government, charities, businesses and donors.

“We want to hear from Islanders and understand what they think could help philanthropy make an even greater contribution to Jersey,” she added.

What has shaped the policy?

The policy is intended to provide a long-term framework for philanthropy, with a focus on making it easier to give, helping donors understand local need and strengthening the charitable sector.

The JCF says potential areas of focus include making local needs more visible to donors, strengthening the charitable sector and developing a more consistent approach to understanding impact.

Earlier this year, JCF brought together representatives from Government, charities, philanthropy, finance, business and community organisations to explore what Jersey needs from a stronger philanthropic environment and where there are opportunities to build on the Island’s existing strengths.

The discussion highlighted the importance of stronger partnerships between Government and the charitable sector, the opportunity to build on Jersey’s international finance expertise, making local needs more visible to potential donors, and developing a more consistent approach to understanding impact.

The discussions were used to help shape the first draft of the policy, alongside research and international experience.

JCF has also worked with Jersey-based impact economics firm DERROS throughout the development process, drawing on its expertise in research, stakeholder engagement, impact analysis and policy development.

Islanders invited to have their say

The public consultation now gives Islanders the opportunity to contribute to that work.

Individuals and organisations across Jersey, including charities, businesses, professional advisers, philanthropists and members of the public, are invited to share their views and help shape the policy.

The completed Philanthropy Policy is expected to be published in early 2027.

The survey can be found here.