The newly formed Social Investment Fund is launching an appeal for donations to support local charities assisting in the Bailiwick’s broader COVID-19 coronavirus response.

The work of the third sector and the voluntary sector is a critical part of the community’s response to the virus – but some of those charities providing vital services are themselves facing financial difficulty because of the impact of the pandemic.

As the Bailiwick deals with the extraordinary circumstances and many challenges that the virus presents, the Social Investment Fund (SIF) is making this appeal its first priority.

SIF is coordinating with the Association of Guernsey Charities, charitable grant givers and the States to ensure that funds raised through this appeal are used to support charities and voluntary organisations to the best possible effect.

Jurat Stephen Jones OBE, Chair of the Social Investment Fund said:

“Our ability to get through this incredibly difficult period depends in many ways on the services provided by charities, who are often the best-placed organisations to respond to some of the new issues that the pandemic throws up.  Making sure they have the funds they need to survive and respond to this crisis is essential.  So we’re now appealing to the community who want to support the third sector, to do that through this appeal.  That way we can work with our local partners and charities to identify where the funds are best directed.

“We invite those who are able to support our Bailiwick charities to do so by making a donation. The SIF has agreed that we will join with those who can support this appeal by investing in the short-term pressing needs of our local charities, while remaining conscious of our role in the long term support and development of the charitable sector in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.”

Malcolm Woodhams, Chairman of the Association of Guernsey Charities said:

“The Association of Guernsey Charities, as the umbrella body representing the whole voluntary and charitable sector, is pleased to support and endorse this important appeal.  Local charities provide a substantial amount of services, facilities, and care required by people throughout our community.

“With the necessary cancellation of fundraising events and temporary closure of charity shops, there has been a significant reduction in charitable income.  This is at a time when some organisations are seeing an increase in demand for their services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The SIF has recently been formed to support the local charitable sector, and is ideally placed to harness the goodwill of the public to support charities so that the community continues to benefit from the vital services they offer, particularly at this difficult time and in the months ahead.”

The appeal is being supported by the Bailiff and the Lieutenant Governor, who are both patrons of a number of local charities.

His Excellency, the Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey, Sir Ian Corder said:

“I have been incredibly encouraged by the real feeling of ‘Guernsey Together’ and how our community has banded together in this strange and difficult time.  But it’s right that we harness that goodwill and sense of community to deliver effective results.  I really do hope people will support this appeal, and in turn support the many charities that are part of the fabric of our Islands.”

The Bailiff, Sir Richard Collas said:

“Local charities play a vital role in our islands supporting many people who could not cope without their help.  In the present crisis the need for their services is even greater.   Yet for some vital charities, fund raising has become more difficult.  They need our help.  If you can afford to do so, please give generously.  We must support those who support others.”

For more information on the SIF appeal go to https://covid19.gov.gg/support/appeals. Further details on SIF can be found at: https://www.gov.gg/charities

Donations to the appeal can be made by online transfer to:

Account name: Social Investment Fund; Sort code: 60 09 20; Account number: 70956421

Or by calling 721239 to donate by debit / credit card, between 8.30am-3pm.

Cheques can also be made out to: ‘Social Investment Fund’ and addressed to: COVID-19 Community Charity Appeal, c/o Corporate Customer Services, Sir Charles Frossard House, La Charotterie, St Peter Port, GY1 1FH.

SIF will be inviting charities to apply for funding with details of how to apply to be announced soon.

Donations to the appeal can be made by online transfer to:

Account name: Social Investment Fund; Sort code: 60 09 20; Account number: 70956421

Or by calling 721239 to donate by debit / credit card, between 8.30am-3pm.

Cheques can also be made out to: ‘Social Investment Fund’ and addressed to: COVID-19 Community Charity Appeal, c/o Corporate Customer Services, Sir Charles Frossard House, La Charotterie, St Peter Port, GY1 1FH.

SIF will be inviting charities to apply for funding with details of how to apply to be announced soon.

Notes to Media

1. The Social Investment Fund (SIF) was established as a charitable company earlier this year. Its purpose is to use both public and privately-donated funds to invest in the third sector and improve joint working between the government and the third sector.

Jurat Stephen Jones OBE, Chair of the Social Investment Fund is available for interviews.

Please contact Sadie Siviter de Paucar

Lead Officer, Social Investment Fund

Sadie.SiviterdePaucar@gov.gg

07839 239994