New grant scheme supports charities faster

Charities would be able to access funding within five days as part of a new grant scheme.

The Guernsey Community Foundation said the new express grants scheme launched on Tuesday would award grants of between £500 and £5,000 to charities that need the money quickly.

The money could be used to buy important equipment or supplies, or to meet other one-off expenses unrelated to salaries.

Jim Roberts, the foundation's chief executive, said: "We also know that charities sometimes need help quickly, especially when faced with an unexpected cost."

Roberts added: "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."

As part of a pre-launch pilot, support was given to Shiloh Community Church, Wetwheels Jersey, and Guernsey Mind.

Shiloh Community Church was given £5,000 to restock its foodbank and purchase a fridge and a freezer.

Chrissy Salmon, team leader, said: "This extra support will make a huge difference."

Wetwheels Jersey brings an accessible boat to Guernsey every summer to give people with multiple, profound and complex impairments an opportunity to access the water.

The grant money it received helped volunteers to pay for their stay in Guernsey.

Wetwheels' chief operating officer, Dina Rogan, said: "The support of the foundation helped make these experiences possible."

A grant of £600 meant Guernsey Mind was able replace a laptop.

Chief executive Jo Cottell said: "We know that a new laptop isn't the most exciting project to support but it has an immediate impact.

"Up to date IT enables us to work safely and efficiently."

The Guernsey Community Foundation said because express grants were for smaller amounts the application form was shorter and fewer decision makers were involved in the application process.

The charity added applicants were still required to submit up-to-date accounts and other supporting documentation.

It said a decision could be made in three to five working days and there was no limit to how many times a charity could apply for funding.

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