SOCIAL INVESTMENT FUND OPENS SMALL GRANTS APPLICATIONS, WITH A FOCUS ON SPORTS, ARTS AND CULTURE
The Social Investment Fund (SIF) is pleased to announce that the SIF Small Grants Programme is now open for applications for funding, aimed at assisting charities and non-profit organisations (NPOs) which support Bailiwick residents.
This will be the second round of small grants applications in 2025. The focus for grants this round will be on applications related to sports, arts and culture; however, applications from other areas will be considered but the SIF board will prioritise these areas when making decisions.
Since the programme was launched in 2021, 118 small grants have been awarded, totalling over £1.2 million.
Applications are open to registered charities or NPOs operating within or to benefit the Bailiwick of Guernsey and applications should be focused on people in our community, on the services and support they need, or be of benefit to our community.
Under the programme, organisations can apply for a grant of up to £15,000 to put towards
one-off projects, capital expenses, or running costs of up to a year’s duration. Applications for salary costs within specific projects, usually of up to one year’s duration, will be considered and any other salary costs may be considered on an exceptional basis for no more than one year.
Applications must support one of the following outcomes:
• Improving the lives of people with specific needs, disadvantages or vulnerabilities
• Employment, education or training opportunities
• The protection of our natural environment, culture and heritage
• Improved health and wellbeing for our community
• An inclusive community, which challenges the barriers causing disadvantage or discrimination
In the first round of Small Grants in 2025, 15 charities received a total of £147,829, across a diverse range of causes.
Guernsey Arthritis Care was awarded £7,700 towards the delivery of specialist exercise sessions for one year; the Guernsey Botanical Trust LBG received £5,161 to purchase a Smart Screen TV, wall stand and fitting for their education centre; Guernsey Caring for Ex-Offenders was awarded £6,371 towards the costs of a kitchen extension and to offer basic cooking courses to clients; Choices received £12,500 towards an online booking system pilot programme for one year and the Guernsey Street Festival was awarded £14,280 towards booking UK acts and the associated travel costs.
Charities in Sark and Alderney also benefited with The Parish Church of St Anne, Alderney receiving £10,000 towards the establishment of the Alderney Community Food Support Initiative, Sark Art Gallery and Museum being awarded £7,400 toward equipment, furniture and staff costs and Alderney Football Association being granted £6,975 towards the training of coaches, including transport and accommodation to attend courses in Guernsey.
Tim Barker, Chair of the Social Investment Fund, said:
“For the first time, SIF has decided to have a focused round of grants, and will be prioritising applications relating to sports, arts, and culture. These sectors all play an important part in supporting both the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our local community. We particularly encourage applications from these fields”
Charities are advised to read the guidelines before completing an application, which can then be submitted online through SIF’s grant application portal. Organisations can review full information about the grants programme, including the full list of recipients and a link to the application form at: https://sif.gg//grant-programmes/small-grants-programme/
Complete applications must be received by 12pm on Monday 13th October 2025.
For enquiries about SIF’s small grants programme please contact SIF’s Grant Officer, Caroline Barby, on caroline.barby2@gov.gg or 01481 223613.