Jersey Community Foundation (JCF) has launched a new Island Health Fund, creating a dedicated way for individuals, families, businesses and charitable trusts to support projects that could improve health and wellbeing in Jersey.
The Fund is designed to complement, not replace, Government and publicly funded healthcare. It will provide an additional source of philanthropic funding to enhance services, support innovation and create opportunities to improve health outcomes for Islanders.
Philanthropy already plays an established role in supporting health in many jurisdictions. In the UK, for example, more than 220 local and specialist NHS charities support hospitals, community health services, mental health trusts and other healthcare organisations, funding initiatives including equipment, research, facilities and improvements to patient care.
Jersey currently does not have an equivalent dedicated philanthropic health fund. The Island Health Fund will provide a trusted and independent way for people who want to contribute to better health in Jersey to do so.
The Fund could support a range of projects, with potential areas including advanced medical equipment and technology, research and clinical innovation, enhanced patient facilities and therapeutic environments, community health initiatives, specialist training and pilot programmes testing new approaches to improving health outcomes.
Anna Terry, CEO of Jersey Community Foundation, said:
“We are delighted to launch the Island Health Fund and create a dedicated way for people to contribute to better health in Jersey.
“This is not about replacing Government funding. It is about what additional philanthropic support can make possible. Some of the challenges and opportunities we face will require different organisations and funders to work together, with philanthropy connected to expertise, evidence and a clear understanding of local need.”
An independent Health Fund Panel will be established to help determine the Fund's priorities and oversee future funding decisions. Priorities will be informed by evidence of need, public health data, clinical expertise, patient and community engagement and Jersey's wider health priorities.
The launch is the first step in developing the Fund. JCF will work with healthcare providers, charities, Government, businesses and other partners to identify areas of unmet need and opportunities where additional philanthropic funding could make a meaningful difference.
The Fund will have a distinct remit focused on improving health outcomes for Islanders and is not intended to replace existing JCF funds or compete with the work of Jersey's health and community charities. Funding decisions will remain independent.
The Minister for Health, Tom Binet, said:
“I welcome the establishment of the Island Health Fund and the opportunity it creates to attract new philanthropic support for health and wellbeing in Jersey.
“This is a new opportunity for individuals, families, businesses and others who want to contribute to the future of health in our Island. I look forward to seeing the Fund develop and to Health working constructively with Jersey Community Foundation as it identifies opportunities where additional support could make a difference.”
The Island Health Fund will operate as a restricted charitable fund within Jersey Community Foundation, benefiting from JCF's existing charitable status, governance arrangements, financial controls and due diligence processes.
People interested in supporting the Island Health Fund, including through significant gifts, corporate giving or legacy giving, can read more here or contact Jersey Community Foundation at development@jerseycommunityfoundation.org.