Ministers have endorsed Jersey Community Foundation (JCF) to lead the development of the Island’s first Philanthropy Policy – a move aimed at strengthening Jersey’s tradition of giving and ensuring that generosity across the Island has the greatest possible impact.
The new policy will set out a shared vision for how Islanders, businesses and charitable organisations can work together to support causes across Jersey’s community and build a better Island for everyone.
Why now for Jersey?
Jersey stands at a pivotal moment in its social and economic development. As pressures on public services grow and more people and businesses look for ways to make a positive difference, there is a real opportunity to harness the Island’s wealth of generosity, financial expertise and community spirit in a more coordinated way.
Jersey has a significant concentration of wealth and financial expertise yet currently lacks a joined-up approach to philanthropic giving.
A clear Philanthropy Policy can help unlock high-impact private giving to complement public investment in areas such as health, education, the environment, the arts and community wellbeing.
When aligned with public goals, philanthropy can drive long-term, systemic change and support a more inclusive and sustainable future for the Island.
Countries such as Ireland, which introduced its National Policy on Philanthropy (2023–2028) and the UK, which is developing a similar approach, have demonstrated how governments can play a constructive role in encouraging giving, building trust and strengthening civil society.
For Jersey, developing its own framework represents a chance to bring philanthropy, government, businesses and community together — ensuring generosity continues to be one of the Island’s greatest strengths.
A shared vision for Jersey
The initiative will be led by Jersey Community Foundation, working closely with Ministers, local charities and community partners.
Deputy Malcolm Ferey, Assistant Chief Minister, said:
“Jersey has always been a generous island, people here care deeply about their community. By developing a philanthropy policy, we can build on that generosity, making sure that charitable giving is well supported, coordinated, and has lasting impact. I am delighted to endorse and support this important work led by Jersey Community Foundation.”
Anna Terry, Chief Executive of Jersey Community Foundation, said:
“We’re really excited to be leading this next step for Jersey. There’s a huge appetite here to give back — from individuals and families to businesses and trusts — but until now there hasn’t been a joined-up approach. Ultimately, the policy aims to grow a culture of generosity and collaboration to tackle key challenges and build a stronger, fairer Island for everyone.”
What happens next
Work on the Philanthropy Policy will begin early next year, with conversations taking place across Jersey’s charitable and voluntary sectors to help shape the Island’s approach.