Grant scheme's funds increase to £1.67m

The amount of money available for charities and not-for-profit groups to apply for in a grant funding scheme has increased.

The Social Investment Fund (SIF) said £1.67m would be available in Guernsey in 2026, with £330,000 allocated for small grants of up to £15,000 and £1.34m in major grants of more than £15,000 to groups which provide services and support.

Tim Barker, chair of the fund, said this was 19% more than what was on offer in 2025 and funding continued to be "a serious challenge in the current economic climate".

Applications can be made via the SIF website with the deadline for small grants is 1 April and for major grants 15 May.

SIF said there would be two rounds of small grants and one for major grant applications.

Barker added the first round of small grants would be focused on arts, culture, heritage and sports as there had been high demand for funding in these categories.

Organisations can apply for a small grant to put towards one-off projects, capital expenses or running costs of up to a year's duration.

Major grants can cover running costs and salaries, capital costs and multi-year funding.

The SIF said the applications for major grants must support:

• Improving the lives of people with specific needs, disadvantages or vulnerabilities

• Employment, education or training opportunities

• The protection of Guernsey's natural environment, culture and heritage

• Improved health and wellbeing for islanders

• An inclusive community, which challenges the barriers causing disadvantage

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