‘Real work is about to begin in revitalising charity sector’
THE Guernsey Community Foundation is advising on the distribution of more than £1m. annually.
Chairman Wayne Bulpitt said: ‘[We have] had a successful year, but the real work is about to begin. In the spring, following extensive consultation, we set out a vision for the third sector that, if successfully implemented, would see charities receive greater support – financial and otherwise – than ever before.’
Over a dozen charitable organisations have received support from the Foundation’s Grants Programme totalling £570,000 in the 12 months leading up to its awards night on Tuesday.
‘Having entered into new, formal arrangements with a number of charitable trusts, the foundation now administers and advises on the distribution of over £1m. a year,’ a spokesperson said.
In 2018, the foundation helped create and fund two new charities, Carers Guernsey and the Health Improvement Commission.
It also established the Arts Strategy Working Group, which is soon to publish its report on the future of the island’s arts sector.
‘Looking ahead, [we are] eager to build on its plans to revitalise the charitable sector by focusing on governance, partnership working, capacity, commissioning and leadership,’ the spokesperson said.
At the awards night which celebrated organisations and individuals for their efforts within the community, Policy & Resources president Deputy Gavin St Pier spoke about the need for the government and third sector to work together.
‘In May, the Community Foundation set out a vision for the third sector – at the heart of it is building a truly effective partnership between the community and government,’ said Deputy St Pier.
‘Establishing that partnership is an important and achievable objective – and I thank the Community Foundation for giving that work momentum and leadership.’
He said the government’s role is to develop and support the third sector and there are two initiatives currently progressing which will aid that.
‘The first is the development and establishment of the social investment commission and the second is the establishment of Guernsey’s first participatory budget.
‘Both will ensure that more funding is distributed, with greater input from the wider community, and less red tape, and both will be up and running during 2019.’
Mr Bulpitt added: ‘For the sector to go from strength to strength it needs to work more closely with the States than ever before, while retaining its independence.
‘A relationship built on trust, cooperation and clearly-defined objectives will benefit government, business, charities, and – most important of all – the thousands of people across the Bailiwick who benefit from the work of so many dedicated voluntary organisations.’
