A new charitable fund has been established to channel private donations toward health and wellbeing initiatives across Jersey. The Island Health Fund, created by the Jersey Community Foundation, will provide a structured mechanism for individuals, families, businesses and charitable trusts to direct financial support toward specific healthcare needs.
The fund will support a range of projects including the acquisition of medical equipment, health research, clinical innovation, community health programmes and specialist professional training. According to the Jersey Community Foundation, this initiative represents an expansion of philanthropic opportunities rather than a substitute for government investment in healthcare.
Anna Terry, chief executive of the Jersey Community Foundation, explained the fund's purpose:
This is not about replacing government funding. It is about what additional philanthropic support can make possible.
An independent panel will be established to evaluate funding applications and determine strategic priorities for the initiative. This governance structure is designed to ensure decisions reflect community needs and align with broader health objectives across the island.
Government backing and next steps
Tom Binet, Jersey's health minister, expressed support for the scheme, stating:
This is a new opportunity for individuals, families, businesses and others who want to contribute to the future of health in our island.He welcomed the potential to attract additional philanthropic resources for health and wellbeing projects.
The Jersey Community Foundation will now engage with healthcare providers, charities, government departments and businesses to identify priority areas where supplementary funding could deliver meaningful impact. This collaborative approach aims to align the fund's activities with existing healthcare needs and strategic objectives.
Foundation's track record and priorities
The Jersey Community Foundation has established itself as a significant funder within the island's charitable sector. According to the foundation's recent impact report, it distributed more than 160 grants totalling £3.7 million during 2025, demonstrating its capacity to manage substantial philanthropic resources.
The foundation's funding priorities, identified through its 2022 Local Needs Assessment, include addressing inclusion and inequality, supporting an ageing population, tackling cost-of-living pressures and poverty, improving mental health and wellbeing, and promoting healthy living through initiatives such as obesity prevention. The Island Health Fund aligns with several of these strategic priorities, particularly mental health and healthy living.
How the fund will operate
Prospective donors can contribute through the Island Health Fund to support healthcare projects that align with the fund's objectives. The independent panel will review applications and make funding decisions based on identified community needs and the potential for philanthropic support to create meaningful change. The fund is listed on the Jersey Community Foundation's funding opportunities page, where further details and application procedures will be made available as the initiative develops.
