FUNDS from dormant bank accounts totalling £1 million have been allocated to the Jersey Community Foundation, which supports charities and community and voluntary groups.
The government has transferred the money to the organisation from the Jersey Reclaim Fund, which is made up of balances from accounts where there has been no contact with the customer for over 15 years.
The £1m is to be distributed to charitable organisations to support Islanders and the community, which the JCF said was especially important due to the rising cost of living.
JCF chief executive Anna Terry said: ‘The criteria for grants from the JCF are broad in terms of providing support to the community, with priority currently given to organisations supporting people who are likely to be disproportionately affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
‘We commissioned Jersey’s first local-needs assessment last year, and will use its insights to place funds where they will have the greatest impact. Our evidence-based approach, coupled with the advice of our experienced advisers and board, will ensure this funding is quickly and efficiently distributed to make a real difference to the lives of Islanders in need.’
She added: ‘This allocation of £1 million from the Jersey Reclaim Fund is a welcome opportunity for us to continue working with local charities and organisations to support Islanders.’
Assistant External Relations Minister Elaine Millar said: ‘I am pleased that we are able to make a further distribution from the Reclaim Fund in order to support Islanders and our community.
‘The Jersey Community Foundation will enable the million pounds to be distributed effectively and quickly and to reach those most affected by the current cost-of-living crisis.’
Deputy Millar added: ‘I recognise the many people who give countless hours on a voluntary basis to numerous charitable causes in order to help others, and I hope that this distribution supports them and their organisations in that invaluable work.’
Organisations have until Sunday 21 May to apply for a grant.
To apply, charities and voluntary groups should click on ‘Apply for funding’ on the JCF website and select the ‘Jersey Community Fund’. Applicants can also discuss their submission by emailing JCF’s grant manager, Trudy Le Bas, at grants@jerseycommunityfoundation.org.
