The Channel Islands Lottery has awarded over £427,000 in grants to projects and organisations dedicated to enhancing the mental and physical wellbeing of island communities. These grants, which ranged from £2,000 to £130,000, were distributed in 2024 to support initiatives in physical activities and community support networks.
In Guernsey, £191,000 was awarded through grants and funding from the Social Investment Fund Guernsey (SIF), supported by the lottery, while in Jersey, £236,059 was distributed by the Association of Jersey Charities and the Jersey Community Foundation. The funding aims to strengthen local communities by supporting projects that improve health, wellbeing, and social cohesion.
Jon Taylor, head of the Channel Islands Lottery, emphasized that the initiative enables charitable organisations and individuals to provide essential services and activities that enhance community wellbeing across all ages. He highlighted the role of such funding in ensuring that local communities continue to thrive, even during challenging times.
Among the supported projects, St John Guernsey received £130,000 to fund management salaries for three years, while the Guernsey Sports Commission partnered with Up Climbing to launch a community climbing project with £10,000 in funding, benefiting young children and individuals with special educational needs. Alderney Rugby Football Union Club received £5,000 to cover safeguarding, coaching, travel, insurance, and equipment costs, and Jersey Bowling Club was awarded £20,000 to improve facilities and diversify membership. Dementia Jersey received £10,090 to support weekly art groups for people living with dementia.
