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Prologue
When we produced ‘Give’ back in 2012, it was in recognition of the great work done in Jersey for good causes and the desire for Jersey businesses to support local charities. As a compendium of local Corporate and Social Responsibility activity, it celebrated islanders and organisations that help charities and also provided advice to potential benefactors seeking to contribute their time, talent or treasure.
When we were approached to replicate the sentiment and create a new Give, it was a great project to be able to undertake. Give2 has a slightly different approach this time, exploring the world of charity through the eyes of those that give and support, rather than those who receive. We’ve collaborated with islanders at the forefront of the giving movement, who have helped us better understand the great work that is being done, both here and overseas. Collectively, our contributors have shared their knowledge, offering advice to would-be philanthropists on how to spend time, talent or treasure and where to go if they need support.
The publication wouldn’t have made it into your hands if it hadn’t been for the enthusiasm of Yulia and Valleriy Oyf, who supported its production and enabled us to create the publication without commercial emphasis or advertising. They recently relocated to the island and have brought with them a long-held philanthropic desire to support the community they live in; their belief that ‘everyone can make a difference and much of the time giving isn’t just about donating money’ is echoed throughout the pages of Give.
FACTORY IS A TRADING STYLE OF SIXBYNINE LTD, REGISTERED IN JERSEY NO. 89716
If it rings off, drop an email to HI@FACTORY.JE WWW.FACTORY.JE
Recycle. Give is printed on FSC certified recycled stock. Factory recycles its storage and packing materials, boxes and any old magazines that are returned. If you want to find out more about recycling, call 01534 448586.
If you are just starting out on your philanthropic journey, welcome. We hope this book will be your roadmap to navigating the charitable landscape on the island so you can align your passions and gifts with your conscience, and give where it truly counts.
Sign of the times
An overview of the nacence of Give2, thanks to Kevin Lemasney, Valeriy and Yulia Oyf
who can help me give?
Your first port of call when attempting to navigate the charitable landscape in Jersey, this section will point you in the right direction
24
16 12
a
time, talent & treasure
An introduction to the island of Jersey, and considering how you give; your time, your talent, or your treasure?
Simon Boas of Jersey Overseas Aid 04
34 doing well, by doing good
Joe Moynihan, CEO of Jersey Finance
46 the perfect blend
Kevin Keen of the Association of Jersey Charities
06
Jersey takes charitable giving seriously.
The Bailiff of Jersey, Timothy Le Cocq, outlines the island’s approach
organisations explained Here, we outline the functions of the five main organisations on-island that are geared towards giving
charitable evolution
A timeline of giving in Jersey, from 1974 to the present day giving well
30
40 modernising the volunteering sector
Ed Prow, Toby Sawyer & RJ Allen of Uniti Communiti
52
intelligent giving
Rachel French, CEO of Jersey Community Partnership
58
how does the public sector support charities?
Paul McGinnety, Director of Local Services, Government of Jersey
92 the island springboard
Hannah Venton, CMLF, Family Office
72
82
a solid foundation
A balancing act
64
stronger together
Katie Le Quesne, Chair of the Jersey Funders Group
Aidan McAvinue, Chief Executive of BankClarity & Jersey Community Partnership board member
Heather MacCallum of Jersey Community Foundation
102
86 going global
Carolyn Labey, Minister for International Development, Jersey Overseas Aid
three is the magic number
Russell Waite, Group Director, Affinity Private Wealth
96
navigating the charitable landscape
Philip Gower OBE
108
Emiko Caerlewy-Smith
110 sustainable giving
how did we give?
A visualisation of how much time and treasure we, as an island, contributed in 2019
Sign
With Covid-19 restrictions in place, Kevin Lemasney is joined by Valeriy and Yulia Oyf via Zoom.
of the times.
Kevin
Lemasney is the Director of High Value Residency with Locate Jersey, part of the Government of Jersey.
He acts as an ambassador for Jersey, leading and directing the marketing and promotion of the Island as an attractive location for high net-worth families. He is the single point of contact for all those interested in becoming new island residents and works with them on the relocation of their families and businesses to Jersey. He is also the reason there is a second edition of Give.
Kevin came to us with the desire to create something that would help to form part of the integration process for newcomers to the island, to show what he described as ‘the tremendous work done by the many volunteers who make our community so special.’ While this is where Give’s journey started, it’s not where it ended. Compiled during a time when society has been more reflective than ever, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, it calls attention to the way we can help with all facets of our being. Kevin is rightly proud to have instigated the project; ‘As you will see in the following pages this has become both a celebration of giving but also a guide to all of us on how we can give better and make the most of what we give.’
Kevin brought together an independent advisory group of the island’s givers and, together, we shaped Give2. Through his network of newcomers he also found a
sponsor to support the production of the publication, for which Kevin is truly grateful, ‘a huge thanks to Valeriy and Yulia Oyf for their generosity in paying for the publication –a true piece of philanthropy.’
Having only recently moved to the island, both Valeriy and Yulia have quickly settled into their new island home and have brought with them their long-standing desire to support the community they live in. Yulia’s interest in charity is borne from personal experience, having seen first hand the impact of being able to help those who aren’t able to help themselves.
Spending time with Yulia, you quickly understand that philanthropy isn’t just a buzzword; it’s an empathy that is deeply ingrained. She tells us, ‘To my husband and I philanthropy means awareness, looking with your eyes open to see where you can help. It isn’t just about donating money, it can be as simple as making an introduction, sharing a skill, or giving your time to someone, it seems everyone has the resources to do this and everyone can make a difference. It’s about thinking, how can I give back?’ With Valeriy, Yulia and Kevin’s support, we bring you the best of Jersey’s altruistic orientation over the following pages.
Jersey takes charitable giving seriously.
Timothy Le Cocq Bailiff of Jersey
It is
challenging,
in a few short words, to
introduce
this quite exceptional place to you. I was born in Jersey and have lived here for most of my adult life but it continues to surprise me and reveal itself and its qualities.
It is a place of real natural beauty and variety, shaped by the sea and by its agricultural past. It is rich in history and indeed in prehistory and examples of both abound from the dolmens of our prehistoric forebears to the castles and buildings of our medieval and more recent past, denoting our place as part of the frontier between the territory of the English crown and mainland Europe, and the bunkers and fortifications that tell the tale of our occupation during the Second World War.
It is rich also in its services, its infrastructure and professional expertise and the facilities that all who live here can enjoy. It is rich in its people, in community, parish identity, pride, enterprise and the spirit of public service. Many islanders give enormous amounts of their time to honorary service and to the charitable sector. Giving in this way is an example of the Jersey spirit and something that helps make us what we are. And it does not stop at our borders. Islanders, when they are able, also respond with generosity to need both locally and internationally.
We take charitable giving seriously.
In 2017, Jersey introduced the office of Charities Commissioner, currently held by Mr John Mills CBE, in order to ensure all charities are regulated and managed appropriately. We can with confidence say that funds donated to specific, registered charities reach their intended destination.
This year has been no exception. As the challenges to the Public Health Service and the island from the COVID-19 pandemic became apparent there was a natural drive by the community either to donate time or money, to assist those more vulnerable across the island. My office set up a fund, as we do from time to time, to allow a conduit for people to respond to an emergency, often an international disaster.
The response received from individuals for the COVID-19 appeal was overwhelming. So much support was received that the island was able to provide resilience to established services as well as providing structured care and support for those who have been affected by the pandemic.
This generosity and community mindedness are great strengths to be called on in times of real need. Many of those who gave prefer to remain anonymous, but I can say on behalf of them that we are enormously grateful for their continued support to the community.
Who can help me give?
The giving landscape here on the island can appear rather hard to navigate, there are many fantastic organisations and collectives who all offer opportunities for those wanting to get involved with charitable giving in some form.
Over the following pages, we’ve tried to illustrate what the organisation is able to offer, so you can better understand how and where you can get involved, or where you might be able to source better information if you have a specific area of interest. This is not an exhaustive list but we hope one that will be useful.
Association of Jersey Charities
Jersey Charity Commissioner
Jersey Community Foundation (JCF)
Jersey Community Partnership (JCP)
Jersey Funders Group
When it comes to giving, it can be confusing where to look first. For ease of reference, over the next few pages we’ve colour-coded the five major players when it comes to finding a cause that strikes a chord with you, learning how to give your time, talent and treasure and even setting up your own chairty.
I’d like to give...
time
I’d like to volunteer
I’d like to attend events
My approach is hands-off
my treasure
My approach is hands-on
To assist an existing charity
my talent
To set up a new charity
Association of Jersey Charities
I’d like to discover new charities to work with
Jersey Charity Commissioner
I’d like to donate directly to a charity
I’d like more control over where my donations go
I’d like to set up a charity
Jersey Community Foundation (JCF)
Jersey Community Partnership (JCP)
Jersey Funders Group
Organisations explained...
Once you’ve navigated your way around the diagram on the previous pages to discover which organisation is best geared towards your giving intentions, here you can read more about them and discover how to get in touch to get your charitable journey underway.
Jersey Community Partnership (JCP)
For more details, see page 52
Setting up a charity
Discovering charities
Direct donations
Control where donations go
JCP are a privately funded independent and impartial local organisation who work with donors and charities to try to improve the environment for philanthropy in Jersey. They also work with voluntary and charitable organisations wanting to strengthen their operations or collaborate with other organisations.
They call upon their local network, and important tools such as professional research and consultancy skills, and aim to help improve the flow of money, ideas and volunteers around the voluntary and community sector in Jersey. They also work with Government of Jersey Ministers and
their officers to encourage the development of robust and well informed social policy.
They also organise the Charity Conference which provides specialist knowledge, advice and guidance to those working or volunteering in the charity sector. The annual event brings together charity governors, volunteers, CEOs, philanthropy advisors and government officials to hear from a number of speakers on topics most relevant to today’s environment, such as charity law and data protection to charity accounting; from diversity and inclusion strategies to lessons learned in running a charity.
Look here if: you’re a donor or philanthropist looking for Impartial guidance and support for your giving plans. Or, if you’re a charity looking for fee-free professional support and collaboration.
Contact: rachel@jerseycommunitypartnership.org
Jersey Community Foundation (JCF)
For more details, see page 82
Discovering charities
Direct donations
The Jersey Community Foundation is a philanthropic charity established in 2020 to connect people who care with causes that matter and inspiring local giving for local needs. We work with donors who want to give something back to their local community and voluntary groups providing vital services for local people and disadvantaged individuals.
JCF helps generous individuals, families, organisations, trusts and foundations establish their own charitable fund with the Foundation, to support the causes that mean the most to them on island.
Community Foundations are one of the fastest-growing philanthropic movements globally. They are established, trusted charities that support local communities focusing on the most pressing needs in an area and are committed to making a difference to people’s lives in the places they serve.
Look here if: You are a donor who wishes to retain some control over which causes are supported, but without the administrative burdens and obligations associated with setting up and managing a charitable trust.
The Association of Jersey Charities was founded in 1971 and is the representative body of the majority of charitable organisations operating in Jersey. Membership of the Association is open to any charity registered under the Charities (Jersey) Law 2014 (the Charities Law) and currently includes 294 charities, which range from branches of national charities to small local charities, clubs, societies and support groups.
The Association of Jersey Charities exists to provide guidance to, and be a source of funding for, its members. On their website you will also be able to find out more about volunteering opportunities, how to donate to your favourite charity and visit their events diary page which lists charity events from their members on the island.
Look here for: A directory of member charities, volunteering opportunities and a diary of charitable events. Advice on how to set up a charity. And, you can donate directly to any of their member charities through their website.
Contact: www.jerseycharities.org
Jersey Charity Commissioner
I’d like to set up a charity
Jersey’s Charity Commissioner, John Mills CBE, was appointed in July 2017. Since then he has been developing plans for the Island’s public register of charities, to be set up under the Charities Law enacted in 2014 by the States of Jersey. The commission is the independent regulator and registrar for Jersey’s charities, including community groups, religious charities, schools, universities, grant-giving charities, and major care providers.
The Jersey Charities’ Law was passed in November 2014. The register opened in May 2018, and all charities wishing to receive tax exemption, and to continue to call themselves a charity must register with the commission.
The charity register contains key information about each registered charity and, with some limited exceptions, is fully open to public inspection so that people can if they wish understand more about the purposes, finances and public benefit delivery of the charities registered in Jersey.
They can offer guidance on the process of gaining registered status but they can’t offer any advice on setting up a charity.
Look here for: the public register of regulated Jersey charities.
Contact: www.charitycommissioner.je
Jersey Funders Group
For more details, see page 64
Discovering charities Direct donations
Jersey Funders Group (JFG) is an informal membership of like-minded grant-giving organisations (funders) in Jersey with the shared purpose of strengthening Jersey’s charity sector They’re a group and not an entity to retain the independence of the funders included in terms of strategy, decision-making, branding etc. They originally convened in late 2016 to support funders to be more effective in the way they use their resources in Jersey.
Funders agreed to share information about funding requests and the needs identified in them, promote and share good funding practice, provide opportunities for collaboration to tackle key social issues, and act as a funders voice with the charity sector and Government.
In response to COVID 19, and the charity sector’s need for emergency funding, JFG established a mechanism so that charities could make a single funding request which reached all the participating funders. Going forward the members of the group committed to meeting frequently and to continue closer working with each other and the government to ensure that no charity falls into a gap and that funding is not wasted on duplication.
Look here if: you’re a funder looking to join a group of likeminded members working collaboratively to support charitable organisations in offering a central point of contact for funding requests.
Contact: Jo Le Poidevin at jerseyfunders@gmail.com
A charitable evolution...
The Channel Islands Lottery was founded
1971 2014
All proceeds from the Channel Islands Lottery are distributed to worthy causes throughout the Islands
1975
Association of Jersey Charities was founded
They are the representative body of the majority of charitable organisations operating in Jersey
1976 - 2013
It seems that the AJC were busy just beavering away in the background during this time, while Jim Bergerac was busy keeping our shores safe...
The Charities (Jersey) Law 2014 (the “Charities Law”) was established
Durrell
Announced as the first official Charity on Jersey’s new register
Jersey Funders Group formed
A group of the island’s largest charitable funders came together to ensure a more joined-up approach to supporting the efforts of the third sector
Jersey Community Partnership (JCP) launched
JCP are a privately funded independent and impartial local organisation who work with donors and charities to try to improve the environment for philanthropy in Jersey
Jersey’s new Charity Commissioner, John Mills CBE, was appointed Charities Register opens
The Bailiff Covid fund is launched
To allow members of the public to make donations to help in the efforts to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic
Global pandemic declared
The need for support on the island grows exponentially
Jersey Community Foundation (JCF) founded
The online registration process for the Jersey charity register opened for business
The Jersey Community Foundation is a philanthropic charity established in 2020 to connect people who care with causes that matter and inspiring local giving for local needs.
How?
There are lots of ways to do good beyond just donating money. This section looks at HOW we can give effectively, whether it’s our time, our talent or our treasure, and how Jersey makes it easy to coordinate this with other donors and the public and private sectors.
Time, talent & treasure
Living in Jersey is a gift in itself.
With 43 miles of scenic coastline warmed by the Gulf Stream and washed clean by Atlantic tides, a gentle continental pace of life, prosperous people and a friendly independent government, life feels pretty good with a beer in your hand as the sun sets over St. Ouen’s Bay.
We are incredibly privileged to have such a beautiful, sheltered island home.
Perhaps it’s this recognition of how blessed we are that inspires us to pay it forward. To give our time, talents and treasure to those who need it most.
We know that no island is truly an island. We are deeply connected to the global community and committed to humanitarian causes around the world.
Jersey has given support to nearly every major global emergency in the past 50 years, responding to hurricanes, droughts, famine, conflicts and disease outbreaks. Jersey Overseas Aid donated £12 million in 2020 to good causes abroad, including over £2m to Jersey charities working around the world.
Beyond our financial aid, we send volunteers to community projects in developing countries around the world to bring the personal message that Jersey cares and forge lasting links between our communities.
As the world wakes up to the effects of climate change, we take the stewardship of our little corner of the planet seriously, and work to maintain and protect our ocean landscapes and wildlife sanctuaries. The Government of Jersey has pledged to become fully carbon neutral by 2030 and islanders are rolling up their green-sleeves at every level of our community to be an active part of the sustainable solution and leave a positive impact for future generations.
“Beyond our financial aid, we send volunteers to community projects in developing countries around the world.”
CONTINUED
Don’t think for a hot minute that giving in Jersey is the sole province of wealthy individuals or big business. There are grassroots movements in every sector devoting their time and talents for burning causes, from ‘Plastic Free Jersey’ who are moving us towards finding sustainable alternatives for single-use plastics, to Healing Waves, a non-profit that enables physically and mentally disadvantaged people to enjoy our oceans in a safe way.
Islanders are giving everywhere across our community: bankers trade ledgers for lycra to run ultra-marathons to support mental health, conservationists fight for the most endangered species in the planet, and volunteers strap their wellies on everywhere from planting trees and beach cleaning to protecting the historic treasures that tell our 250,000 year island story.
Giving in Jersey runs deeper than writing a big check (although that can also help!). Everyone has something to give: your time, resources and expertise are powerful gifts that can make a big difference where it counts.
However you like to give; on the saddle, in your budgie smugglers, behind your desk, free-climbing Kilamanjiro, openly or behind a mask like Bruce Wayne - when we open our hands and hearts we become part of a giving ecosystem to build a better, kinder world.
“Giving in Jersey runs deeper than writing a big check (although that can also help!). Everyone has something to give: your time, resources and expertise are powerful gifts that can make a big difference where it counts.”
How we give.
In 2019, a cross-section of 709 Jersey residents took part in an annual survey. Amongst other subjects, they were asked about their charitable contributions, the details of which we’ve shown here.
The respondents are representative in terms of the gender and age profile of the island’s adult population, and while the agency conducting the research admit that such a survey might appeal more to those who are charitable,
Charities and Causes
50% of responding organisations operate with less than £5k of income per annum
Charity operating income
causing potential selection bias, 15% of the results indicated that the respondents gave less than £50 to charity, which suggests a more balanced spread of data.
96% of organisations raised £29m in total or roughly £67k on average annually.
The largest 4% of organisations raised more than £48m, accounting for 62% of all income in the sector.
How much time did we give?
There’s more to being charitable than just handing over your hard-earned cash - giving your time is a worthy alternative worth considering. In 2019, 45% of the islanders surveyed volunteered
55% of respondents gave zero time volunteering, suggesting that people in Jersey are more willing to offer money than time.
Individuals
The most popular annual sum dontate to charity by Jersey residents was within the £201 to £500 range, representing 27% of those surveyed.
The majority of those surveyed made £200 or less in charitable contributions in 2019, representing 51% of respondents.
Money raised for charity
<£50
£51-£100
£101-£200
Most popular range
Conversely, the least common charitable donation range was between £1000 and £2000, representing a mere 4% of respondents, despite a greater proportion (7%) donating more than £2000 per year.
£1000-£2000
£201-£500
Least popular range
Much as with monetary donations, islanders appear to either make modest-to-generous contributions of spare time or go all-out, with a mere 1% contributing within the 28hr per month bracket
Giving well
Simon Boas Executive Director, Jersey Overseas Aid
The Chain. Each of its links are carved from a single piece of wood – therefore the chain linking two people at each end is unbroken. It comes from Zambia and symbolises the connectivity, togetherness and oneness of different people
What could be easier than giving money away? There’s certainly no shortage of organisations which can do good with your funds, and even in a place as wealthy as Jersey there are people who genuinely need assistance. However, choosing between the many ways to help can be tricky.
Most people know that some charities are better than others, but unlike in the private sector the best players in the third sector don’t always succeed, and the less efficient don’t always disappear. Good causes do not compete by how well they achieve their objectives but by how good they are at raising money, and the two are not well correlated.
This is where effective giving comes in. Whether it’s your money or other people’s, taxpayers’ or shareholders’, hundreds of millions a year or a few pounds a month on a direct debit, donors have the power to improve the ways that charities operate. All good charities strive to make a difference, but ultimately the quality and efficiency of their work is the responsibility of the people who fund it. And every time we bankroll waste, or bad governance, or something that sounds nice but doesn’t really work, we perpetuate it.
So what does good donorship involve? At its heart, of course, it entails funding only the bestrun organisations making the most difference to the people who most need help. And the single most important thing for donors to focus on is impact. Good non-profits do this themselves, and are usually itching to share the research that proves how effectively their work changes lives. But too many others focus only on their activities – what they do (and who they serve) rather than what they achieve. Or they rely on heartstring-tugging case studies rather than measurable indicators. Good donors ask for evidence (and are also prepared to pay for collecting the data that generates it).
Good charities should be at the forefront of good practice in their chosen fields, but good donors also insist on the highest standards in the back office and the boardroom. Proportionate due diligence helps ensure that the governance and administration of charitable organisations doesn’t let down the hard-working employees and volunteers on the front line. Jersey Overseas Aid spends weeks every year asking our prospective grantees tough questions about finance and procurement and partner selection and safeguarding (to give just a few examples), and if we can do it in rural Malawi there’s no excuse to skip it in London or St Helier. However, as with impact measurement, we must recognise that excellence in these areas doesn’t come for free. For all but the smallest charities, it can be a red flag when (nonfundraising) overhead costs are too low as when they are too high: either something is being hidden somewhere else, or something isn’t being done properly.
Donors have tremendous power to drive up standards, and this extends to improving the way organisations work with each other. Poor coordination between similar charities – and with the public sector – can result in duplication and waste. Larger funders (and especially those with interest and expertise in particular fields) can ensure that grantees collaborate. They can also insist that the knowledge generated by an empirical approach to measuring outcomes
“Funders need to foster a culture where charities can try new things and admit their mistakes. The philanthropy of individuals who made their own fortunes is often notably excellent in this respect.”
is shared, so that lessons are learned by all. Funders need to foster a culture where charities can try new things and admit their mistakes. The philanthropy of individuals who made their own fortunes is often notably excellent in this respect, echoing Samuel Beckett’s famous mantra ‘Try again; Fail again; Fail better’.
Are these principles for effective giving hard to apply to the fiver you stuff in a shaken tin? Maybe. But thinking about them and asking some of the right questions is still worth doing. And luckily Jersey has a community of really effective, joined-up donors, so assistance is always at hand. Our Island is one of the most generous places on earth, where motivated and capable people with access to significant resources achieve extraordinary things for the benefit of their fellow islanders – and people across the world. But making a lasting difference requires a little work before you reach for the cheque book.
CONTINUED
How can you tell if it’s worthy of your money?
There’s a cause dear to your heart and a well-worded appeal for your funds. You’re not planning to donate a small fortune, and you don’t have professionals to advise you or dig deeper. What should you look for to ensure your giving is effective? Here are a few signs that a charity is at the top of its game:
It measures – and reports on – outcomes rather than just activities.
Is there empirical evidence that it has helped people in the past? Does the charity collect (and share) data on what it achieves?
It knows what problem it’s addressing. Remember: things don’t have needs; people have needs. Hospitals don’t need scanners; patients need quick diagnoses. Villages don’t need wells; people need water. Does the organisation really know who it is serving and the problems they are facing?
“Remember: things don’t have needs; people have needs. Villages don’t need wells; people need water. Does the organisation really know who it is serving and the problems they are facing?”
It adapts to circumstances. There are very few ‘magic bullet’ solutions to complex problems like poverty and want. Is the charity flexible, or more like the man with a hammer (to whom every problem is a nail)?
It coordinates with others. No organisation exists in a vacuum, and many others may be tackling the same problem from a different angle. Good charities connect with each other, and the public and private sectors.
Accounts are unqualified and annual reports are submitted on time. Annual reports should also review the risks a charity faces, and discuss problems openly. Check out whether they have (and are following) sensible reserves policies, and are not encumbered by huge pension liabilities. Unless you’re funding a project your donation will be considered ‘Unrestricted’ funding, so can legally be used for almost anything (look beyond any claims that ‘£25 buys food for a month’).
Most of this can be gleaned from charities’ own websites. Charity Commissions (in Jersey and the nations of the UK) are also good sources of information (and often repositories of annual reports and accounts). Meanwhile, in the USA, specialist organisations like GiveWell and Charity Navigator rate charities on a range of sensible criteria. But don’t feel ashamed to ask directly! Just by doing so you are helping.
Where did we give?
When it came to being charitable close to home, the vast majority of islanders agreed that donating to locally-based charities made an important contribution to island life.
In fact, a resounding majority of 72% of those surveyed from a panel of nearly 1,000 locals, tailored to represent as accurate of a cross-section of our society as possible, preferred giving to local charities over national or global ones, giving credence to the adage ‘charity starts at home’.
Only 4% of those surveyed didn’t feel that charities made an important contribution to the island
The majority of Jersey residents surveyed preferred to support local charities, with just 28% donating money abroad
DATA: Island Global Research www.islandglobalresearch.com
The Colour Run / Festival Family Nursing & Home Care (FNHC) brought the internationally popular concept of hosting a colour run to Jersey in 2016 to raise funds for their charity, and it was an instant hit - with over 1,400 people registering their interest within the first 24 hours of announcing the inaugural event.
Over 300 colour run events take place in 50 countries each year, with competitors joining in purely for fun rather than chasing times or prizes, instead following the course past dedicated stations where they’re showered with coloured paint made of food-grade corn starch. Businesses are invited to choose a colour that they have a particular affinity with and sponsor that station, providing five volunteers to take on paintthrowing duties on the day and get in the spirit of the event as the participants pass by.
www.fnhc.org.je
Doing well, by gooddoing
Joe Moynihan Chief Executive Officer, Jersey Finance
Abacus. Philanthropic activity is adding up more than ever for ultrahigh net worth individuals (UHNWIs).
Global philanthropy is on the rise, with individuals, families and businesses around the world increasingly focused on making a difference to society at large.
As a leading international finance centre (IFC), Jersey has witnessed the changes taking place in the global philanthropy landscape, and, for nearly six decades, has helped individuals and businesses achieve their philanthropic goals.
Not only is the island a tax-neutral jurisdiction, its fiscal and political stability and well-regulated business environment provide reassurance to families looking for certainty and a safe haven for their finances. As such, Jersey attracts family wealth from across the globe and continues to build on its strong links with developing regions.
Giving is on the rise
Trends and insights show that philanthropic giving is on the rise.
For example, UHNWIs (ultra-high net worth individuals ) gave a total of US$153
billion towards philanthropic endeavours in 2018 – roughly equivalent to all U.S. federal government spending on healthcare, education and energy for the same year (Wealth-X).
In addition, Knight Frank’s 2020 Attitudes Survey – a survey completed by 620 private bankers and wealth advisors who between them manage over US$3.3 trillion of wealth for UHNWI clients – found that almost 70% of respondents said their clients’ philanthropic activities were increasing.
Giving money to a cause close to your heart is arguably the ultimate investment. A Wealth-X research report found that nearly nine in every 10 ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) dedicate a direct part of their philanthropic efforts to education, making it the leading cause of giving among ultra-wealthy donors.
Through the decades we have worked hard to attract the brightest talent to our shores and I believe this is what truly sets Jersey apart from other IFCs. With almost 14,000 skilled finance workers - the largest financial services workforce of all Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories - Jersey provides significant depth of experience to support this rising focus on philanthropy.
Effective structuring and flexible legislation
The key to building brighter futures through philanthropic giving is making sure the largest possible amount of money goes to the important cause. For private clients, this means establishing the most effective structure.
In Jersey we have developed our laws as well as our products and services to make giving easier. One example is our innovative foundations law which was introduced in 2009. For those familiar with European private wealth structuring, the Jersey Foundation is an attractive
“In Jersey we have developed our laws as well as our products and services to make giving easier. One example is our innovative foundations law which was introduced in 2009.”
structure because of its infinite duration, capacity, clear and transparent registration with the Jersey Financial Services Commission. Their flexibility means that a foundation can be created for purposes which are charitable, non-charitable, or a mixture of both. Industry estimates suggest one third of Jersey Foundations are used for philanthropic purposes.
For trusts structures, Jersey is a clear global leader. The stability and quality of Jersey’s trust law is a template adopted by many other jurisdictions worldwide. Jersey is also home to one of the world’s largest and busiest branches of Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and we are proud of the fact that our IFC administers more than 30,000 trusts, at a total value exceeding £600 billion.
Another attractive option for philanthropists is our modern and sophisticated charities law, which caters for the needs of both small local charities, as well as global philanthropic enterprises.
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Jersey for Good
On a local level, a sense of caring is at the heart of what we do and this sense of doing good is then naturally reflected in our international endeavours and client management.
Jersey’s finance industry and its workers are proud to be part of island life, supporting the economy and islanders in building a prosperous future:
Providing jobs and opportunities for islanders, young and old
Helping build a stronger economy for the whole community
Creating jobs and supporting local businesses
Working within the community on local corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives
Making sure that Jersey’s interests are at the heart of what we do
“As a world-leading IFC, our primary focus will remain on providing stability to support investors and families in their ambitions to make a positive impact, globally.”
Firms here are rightly proud of the work they do in supporting businesses, governments and families with their high-quality international investments, generating returns, and creating wealth and jobs in communities far beyond our shores.
There is no doubt we’ll see further innovation in the private wealth landscape in the coming years – as digital technologies become embedded in infrastructure, and as philanthropy becomes an increasingly mainstream consideration, particularly in relation to post-pandemic economic recovery.
As a world-leading IFC, our primary focus will remain on providing stability to support investors and families in their ambitions to make a positive impact, globally.
About Jersey Finance
Jersey is one of the world’s leading international finance centres (IFCs). Its forward-thinking approach, robust regulatory framework and political and economic stability have kept the jurisdiction at the forefront of global finance for 60 years. Jersey Finance’s primary focus is to proactively communicate the many factors that set Jersey apart from other IFCs.
Jersey Finance have offices in Jersey, Dubai, Hong Kong, New York, representation in London, as well as virtual offices in Shanghai and Mumbai.
For more information please visit: www.jerseyfinance.je
Modernising the volunteering sector
Ed Prow, Toby Sawyer & RJ Allen
Uniti
Communiti
Digital Devices. Separated by covid travel around RJ joined us via Zoom (other communications platforms are available) from his desk in Guernsey. The team have designed their digital platform whilst using digital devices to communicate.
Modernising volunteering
We all know how good it feels when you’ve helped someone else, whether that’s holding open the door when they’re struggling or spending time with them when they’re lonely, simple acts of kindness bestowed on others can help with our own mental wellbeing.
The pandemic has definitely brought to the fore peoples’ desire to help others but where do you go to find out how to offer your services or find opportunities where your skills may be useful to others? Well, a trio of Channel Islanders, Ed Prow, Toby Sawyer and RJ Allen, have created a new digital platform called Uniti, which is set to be a modern hub of volunteering for the Channel Islands.
Once registered the ‘Uniti Communiti’ will let you tailor searches to include your likes and skillset and it allows you to save, share, search and filter opportunities so you can find exactly what they’re looking for. The sign-up process is simple, easy and understandable and the approach emphasises group interaction in a bid to shift the lens of volunteering from a chore, to an opportunity. Users will be able to see their personal contribution alongside the impact of any group they are part of across the entire Uniti Communiti. But this isn’t just another app designed by people who’ve identified a niche in the market Uniti is born from the minds of invested individuals who all have strong links to the volunteering sector and understand the benefits that ‘giving’ can bring to your life.
Here, the team explains how through modernising the volunteering space they hope to engage a much larger audience, so everyone can reap the positive benefits available when you help others.
What inspired the creation of the Uniti brand/platform?
Each one of us has witnessed (either personally or via loved ones) the transformational power that ‘doing good’ can have on one’s personal wellbeing. We can’t claim the light bulb moment ‘doing good, does you good’, after all it’s a mantra that’s been touted by many of the World’s leading thinkers, philosophers and scientists for centuries.
However, we do think that between the volunteering space, and the digital sphere, there is a gap (or lack) of innovation. That’s what inspired Uniti, the need to modernise the act of helping someone else, whilst making it easier than ever before. CONTINUED
“We can create an entirely self-sufficient ecosystem that connects the community, third-sector and private-sectors together in a collaborative and sustainable way.”
“These experiences promote real life encounters, with real people, allowing you to explore a new environment while having fun.”
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What do you hope that Uniti will provide its users with, on a personal level?
We see Uniti as a great tool for improving mental wellbeing. There is a wealth of scientific research that demonstrates the psychological benefits of helping others. But it’s more than just that – it’s really a package deal so whether it’s through forming relationships, becoming part of a community or simply finding a new purpose - Uniti provides a wholesome, social experience for our users. In a tech environment dominated by introspective tools, this is a unique approach to the issue
What has inspired you to volunteer in the past?
Either word of mouth or family / friend recommendations, however constantly being met by no appealing or engaging vehicle to get on board with is a real issue; people should feel inspired and excited to help, they should be aware of the major benefits of giving their time or expertise to others.
If someone isn’t sure about volunteering could you perhaps tell us what you’d say to them to help them make the choice to get involved?
We understand their hesitation… volunteering is too often presented as a bit dry or bland. But that’s our mission - to shift the lens of volunteering, from a chore to an opportunity! So, don’t go it alone, invite a friend, your partner or family and start making a real impact in areas you care about. After all, these experiences promote real life encounters, with real people, allowing you to explore a new environment while having fun. In an increasingly digital and isolated worldgiving is such an undervalued aspect of life and one we’d encourage everyone to try..
What do you hope the future holds for Uniti?
As a team we think the bigger-picture piece is what’s really exciting. Personal wellbeing was the original goal, but the Uniti model has opened up something much more. We can create an entirely self-sufficient ecosystem that connects the community, third-sector and private-sectors together in a collaborative and sustainable way. Holding businesses to account for their social impact, giving a free management platform to the third-sector, all while providing a centralised hub for the community to use, for free. Perhaps a bit of a utopian vision, but one that we think is both achievable AND implementable for our Channel Islands. Wouldn’t it be amazing if Jersey and Guernsey were to lead the way and show how to get this vital part of the community moving in the right direction in the post-Covid world!
Get involved!
Want to know how this all works?
Are you a volunteer organisation looking to access and manage more volunteers? Are you a business looking to diversify your CSR, and invest in your staff’s wellbeing? Or are you looking to interact with your community on a deeper level?
Then head to www.uniti.life, or email rj@uniti.life / toby@uniti.life for more information
Theperfect blend
Kevin Keen Chairman, The Association of Jersey Charities
A cup of tea. Creating the perfect cup of tea takes time and effort and requires the perfect blend of many things, like the AJC and its committee.
The Association of Jersey Charities, established in 1971, performs two vital roles in support of the Island’s ‘third sector’. It is the creditable voice representing almost 300 locally registered charities and provides funding in the form of grants for a wide-ranging number of local charitable and community causes.
For many years a source of funding has been the Channel Islands Lottery, but since the States’ decision to disperse lottery funds more widely the Association continues to build up its own resources and the provision of grants to worthy local causes, with procedures and expertise developed over almost 50 years being maintained. Nevertheless, these resources, while well founded, are finite, and the Association itself continues to receive funding support from various well-established sources so that it can continue to play its key role in supporting the Jersey charitable sector.
Since Jersey is like a microcosm of the world at large, many situations, conditions, illnesses and disabilities exist in the Island, albeit on much smaller scales. The Association’s membership varies from large, professionally led, high profile charities to small volunteer led organisations and support groups. Many of these bodies, especially the latter, have suffered significant
losses of income due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on fundraising activities and the ability to carry out their functions.
The Association’s role is to help its membership with, for instance, grants towards running costs but also, just as importantly, to assist those bodies, particularly those without professional leadership, with practical training in the critical aspects of financial management, marketing, communications and compliance with all the aspects of the legislation that now covers the manner in which charities must operate.
Jersey’s charitable bodies continue to face an unprecedented situation until the threats to ‘normality’ posed by the Covid-19 pandemic are lifted. It is not just funding that charities need to help them recover from the economic effects of the pandemic and the Association continues to review both the subject matter and form of delivery of its training programmes.
While the Association’s prime function is to support its membership, its remit as a grant-awarding body extends to any registered charitable body, depending on the terms of funds available. As a member of the Jersey Funders Group, the Association is collaborating with other charity funders to provide a single point of contact for enquiries for grants, from which the funders best placed to meet the need will approach those applying. It also brings to that group long-established procedures that ensure, as far as possible and practical, that funding made available for charitable purposes is used properly
“It is not just funding that charities need to help them recover from the economic effects of the pandemic and the Association continues to review both the subject matter and form of delivery of its training programmes.”
and to the best advantage of the applicant. This process has been ramped up during the pandemic, and once the emergency is over, the AJC will continue to meet with other funders as before, on a quarterly basis to avoid duplication and to ensure the best fit between charity and funder.
It is the role of the Association of Jersey Charities, as the voice of the greater proportion of the ‘third sector’, to ensure that, in the meantime, that sector as a whole may still thrive.
Get involved!
Founded in 1971 the Association of Jersey Charities is the representative body of the majority of charitable organisations operating in Jersey and has 294 members.
To find out more about the Association of Jersey Charities, contact: www.jerseycharities.org Tel: +44 (0)1534 84013
The Durrell Challenge Raising money for the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust’s work in the wild and at Jersey Zoo , where they aim to ‘create a wilder, healthier, more colourful world’ by reversing the trend of human actions destroying the natural world we rely on, reconnecting people with nature and driving societal change as well as their conservation work carried out at Jersey Zoo itself.
The Durrell Challenge is a 13k running race open to everyone, with funds raised through donations and race sponsorship, with an additional challenge to see who can raise the most via their own Just Giving page. There are also volunteering options for those who wish to give between two and four hours of their time to marshal on the day, with no prior experience required.
www.doitfordurrell.com
Photography: Ollie Jones
Intelligent Giving
Rachel French CEO of the Jersey Community Partnership
Scales. The act of giving has incredible power to address the inequalities of society
With a career in the not-for-profit sector spanning 20 years Rachel French, CEO of the Jersey Community Partnership, has worked and volunteered for numerous charitable organisations raising well over £50m in order to make a tangible difference to the communities they serve. She’s passionate about all things charitable and in particular the idea of intelligent giving, whether that be through time, energy or money.
“Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary.” Martin Luther King Jr penned this challenge to the origin and objectives of charity and guided the reader to a new way of giving – to one of deliberate action that has the ability to address the inequalities of society.
The Jersey Community Partnership was founded on the principle that it is not solely the lack of resources that hinders societal justice, but that these resources could achieve greater impact if one changed the foundations upon which these gifts are made – by engaging more actively with the consequences of our giving.
Whether we are giving our time, energy, thoughts or money (as a donor or as an organisation with a social purpose) we must connect more with the desired outcomes we wish to see. We must move from seeing our giving as simply acts of charity to a deliberate action in pursuit of justice. It’s not about how much money or time we’ve given, it’s about what has changed as a result. Rather than see our giving journey end at the point of donation, we see the donation as the beginning. After all, if we have invested in the people and organisations we’ve chosen to support, do we not want to stick around and see the results?
We know that islanders are a generous community. One in eight adults volunteer their time[1] and 85% of adults give money to a charitable organisation[2]. And with 400 registered Jersey charities, the social sector is a significant (and invaluable) part of island life. We didn’t need a global pandemic to tell us how important our charities are or to highlight just how vital their work is, but at the very time their service is needed the most they find themselves facing an existential crisis from lack of support. More specifically, a lack of intelligent, committed and sustainable support, from donors who see their gift as a facilitator of change rather than the change itself.
Jersey Community Partnership advocates for impactful giving being the norm not the exception. We are a registered charity working with people and organisations who want to make a positive impact on society. We are changing the way people perceive, plan and prioritise their giving.
We provide valuable insight and analysis of local social issues, strengthen and develop community organisations, increase levels of effective philanthropy and partner with government and businesses to shape relevant policy.
“We didn’t need a global pandemic to tell us how important our charities are or to highlight just how vital their work is, but at the very time their service is needed the most they find themselves facing an existential crisis from lack of support.”
We do this by carrying out research and gathering data on the issues that affect the social sector, using this to aid informed decision-making and amplify the sector’s collective voice. We’re changing the narrative around corporate philanthropy by helping to secure increased levels of human capital (using one’s professional skills and expertise for social good) which are directed strategically and effectively within the sector. We’re challenging the transparency of policies and the systems in place that are designed to support the social sector but could achieve so much more (such as charitable tax reliefs, access to grants and funds, the Charity Commission and corporate social responsibility programmes).
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And we’re supporting the sector to be the best it can be (in areas such as good governance, fundraising, outcomes-based accountability and partnership working) through annual initiatives such as the Charity Conference.
If our giving and our actions are to have the greatest impact we must also start to drive down the duplication and siloed way of working. We are committed to supporting our sector to find collaborative ways of working and encouraging services to be developed in partnership with those who the service intends to benefit. By bringing together people with lived-experience, charities and donors who see each other as equals, each with an important role to play, we can achieve so much more.
While there are many motivations for giving our time or money, for many, one of the driving forces is the desire to help right a wrong. Arguably there will always be a greater demand for our gifts of time or money than there is the supply of it; this means that we must ensure that we seek out those causes, the communities, the organisations, the movements who are making a difference and make a conscious commitment to give what we can in pursuit of change.
“By bringing together people with lived-experience, charities and donors who see each other as equals, each with an important role to play, we can achieve so much more.”
We believe that the community of Jersey can be a beacon for modern giving but only if we are willing to learn more about what it really takes to bring about the change we wish to see.
If you would like to have a conversation around how your giving can be more impactful, or if you don’t even know where to start but you know you want to help, we would love to talk. We look forward to getting to know you.
[1] 2016 Jersey Charity Survey; Jersey Community Partnership & KPMG
[2] Charitable Giving in 2019: An Online Survey in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man; Island Global Research
How does the Public Sector support charities?
Paul McGinnety Director of Local Services, Government of Jersey
The Government of Jersey recruited Paul McGinnety as their new director of local services in June 2020 following two years in Health and Community Services where he was Head of Commissioning and Chair of the Bronze Covid 19 Community Cell.
Prior to arriving in Jersey, Paul was the Assistant Chief Secretary and Public Guardian for the island of St Helena in the South Atlantic where he led projects to ensure St Helena uses 100% renewable energy and also has access to Google’s Equiano submarine fibre cable from 2021.
Paul’s remit includes taking the lead on joint working with the voluntary and community sector and also with the island’s Parishes. He’s looking to build on the wonderful strengths of the community and how services can be delivered with Government of Jersey partners.
Having moved to the island in 2018 where he worked with the voluntary sector to develop new services, and brought together charities and private firms, experience
the Sector charities?
and a network of contacts he’s brought to his new role. Paul explains to us how the Government bridges the gap between all of the various organisations and how people can get involved.
Customer and Local Services, the hub of the Government’s work with the general public, works with a number of voluntary and community Sector organisations and all the Parishes as well as funding groups, the Association of Jersey Charities, the Jersey Community Foundation and the Jersey Community Partnership. We basically work with all of the people who feature within this publication and, in addition, we have a number of thematic Cluster Groups which bring all of the sectors together to work on improving outcomes for islanders.
Those Cluster Groups include;
• Learning Disability
• Equality and Diversity
• Children and Young People
• Cancer
• Mental Health
• Older Persons
• Social Enterprise
• Homelessness
The groups meet on a regular basis, every six to eight weeks, and they discuss a range of issues and plan how they are going to improve the services they have or projects they would like to work on. The groups would encourage anyone with a specific interest to come along to one of the meetings, to find out more about what they do and where they may be able to get involved. They’re also happy to share notes from meetings with interested parties, to give them an overview of what they’re doing.
In addition we have partnership arrangements through our Financial Impact Action Group and our Community Task Force that supports vulnerable islanders. Government also has a number of Service Level Agreements with organisations to deliver services on their behalf.
One key development has been the Closer to Home and Connect Me projects which enables services to work in partnership and deliver across the island. They can provide immediate assistance and also help islanders to access areas of support directly in the community.
This area of the Government has evolved a great deal over recent time and is now based more on partnerships, co-production and achieving outcomes and accessing expertise. In the future we need to build on the wonderful strengths of Jersey, our community, our charities and nonGovernment organisations and the Parishes to improve outcomes for all islanders.
“There are many ways that people can help from volunteering their time through to linking with one of the Clusters to support and co-produce a project.”
Covid-19 has impacted all organisations in different ways. We have seen amazing resilience and community spirit with people working collaboratively to find solutions but also organisations have lost fundraising opportunities. Many of the challenges we faced prior to the pandemic remain, but are perhaps amplified. For example, training and employment for disabled islanders, homelessness, mental health, unemployment, substance abuse, isolation and loneliness as well as the impact the pandemic has had on children and young people.
The pandemic saw a huge uptake in people volunteering their services, we have had over 3,500 volunteers come forward through Volunteer.je, Jersey has a wonderful history of volunteers. We have also seen such generosity from funders supporting a wide range of organisations to meet current and future demand. It is clear that when we entered the crisis all parts of our community came together to keep Jersey safe and to make sure people were supported where they could be.
As Paul has said he’s keen to widen the scope of the work that his department is doing and would welcome anyone looking to participate. There are many ways that people can help from volunteering their time through to linking with one of the Clusters to support and co-produce a project.
‘The many organisations we have on the island are very keen to work with all interested parties to improve outcomes for islanders, so please do get in touch.’
Rubik’s cube. A classic colour-matching puzzle game which takes great skill and coordination to complete.
True Grit
This is a circa 5km running race with a difference! Set within the rugged, industrial surroundings of the Ronez quarry on Jersey’s north coast, it’s a location that’s both unique and challenging in equal measures when it comes to competitive running.
The route is devised to be fun, while also presenting a physical challenge, and features a number of challenging climbs and some tough terrain to negotiate as you make your way around heavy machinery and down to as low as 36 metres below sea level at some points for an overall elevation change of up to 130 metres!
True Grit aims to raise awareness and funds for local charity Wetwheels Jersey, which provides the opportunity for all disabled people - including those with profound and complex disabilities - to access the sea in a safe, stimulating and rewarding way on board a specially-built, fully accessible powerboat.
www.wetwheelsfoundation.org
Stronger together
Katie Le Quesne Jersey Funders Group
Toy Soldiers. An army is deployed to protect and its greatest strength is in its numbers.
he Jersey Funders Group includes most of the island’s biggest charitable funders which, four years ago, started working together to ensure that available funding would be channeled to the causes and people who needed it most. Katie Le Quesne is the Chair of the group and here she tells us more about the work they do and how the pandemic brought them together to be an even greater force than before.
An important feature of the Group is the independence of all its members. Though they share knowledge and expertise each member continues to work as it wishes, using its own processes and policies. The benefit of the Group is that funding decisions are made knowing where other funders are active, where grants have been given, and where need exists.
‘When the Covid Pandemic bit, jobs evaporated and incomes fell and the result was a catastrophe for the hungry, the homeless and the mentally ill. Charities scrambled to provide an effective response and, seeing their need for emergency
funding, we developed our practice, meeting more frequently, streamlining our grant application process and making rapid responses to applications for emergency funds which were invited through a single point of contact. An application to one was an application to all and, each week, for four months, we met virtually to consider new emergency applications and to agree how our collective funding should be distributed.’
In the Spring of 2020, many of the appeals for help came from food banks, from charities providing emergency housing, and from charities which found their clients experiencing varying degrees of challenge to their mental health.
When the initial emergency stage was over, funders returned to their individual business-as-usual application processes but maintained the single point of contact so that charities in Jersey could choose whether to approach a single funder or to approach the whole group with a single application. Applications seen more recently have come from charities trying to recover from the restrictions of lockdown and their losses of public funding. In response, in the first seven months of the pandemic, the Jersey Funders Group has made grants totalling £1.5m.
‘Enquiries have also been received about much-needed charitable initiatives which will benefit the most challenged in our society. As a Group we will do what we can to support these applications and will reach out to potential partners to assist in finding a solution.’
‘The Group began with barely half a dozen members but now there are 14 of us, ranging from Individual philanthropists, corporate funders, and family trusts to States-managed charitable funds; all committed to working together to ensure that financial support goes to where it is most needed; that no
charity falls through a gap and that funding is not duplicated.’
In April 2020, the Group was asked by the Government of Jersey to form a new charitable entity to assess and distribute the emergency funds that had been made available by the Government to provide critical third sector support at that time. This was the Jersey Community Foundation, which is a member of the Funders Group.
“An application to one was an application to all and, each week, for four months, we met virtually to consider new emergency applications and to agree how our collective funding should be distributed.”
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‘Apart from providing Jersey charities with financial support, we also provide training for charities, to help develop good practice and resilience. For instance in our challenging economic times, when the needs of vulnerable people are greater and the capacity of charities is being stretched more than ever, difficult funding decisions will have to be made and those decisions will become more focused on expected outcomes.’ The Group is providing free training for Jersey charities to ensure they can better explain their impact and outcomes, to help ensure funds will go where they will make the greatest difference.
“When the needs of vulnerable people are greater and the capacity of charities is being stretched more than ever, difficult funding decisions will have to be made and those decisions will become more focused on expected outcomes.”
The work of the Jersey Funders Group has been recognised at national level by the umbrella body for funding organisations, the Association of Charitable Funders, and its work will be showcased to other UK funders before the end of 2020.
‘We would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to know more about our work, or might want to join us, or would simply like to ensure that, when considering funding a charity, their gift or grant will benefit those in our island who need it most.’
Get involved!
To get in touch with the Jersey Funders Group, contact: jerseyfunders@gmail.com
Members of Jersey Funders Group
Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy
Association of Jersey Charities
Ana Leaf Foundation
Bosdet Foundation
Jersey Community Foundation
Jersey Overseas Aid
Lloyds Bank Foundation Channel Islands
Philip Gower Charitable Foundation
Roy Overland Charitable Trust
Saltgate Giving
The Ann Alice Rayner Fund
The Greville Bathe Fund
The One Foundation
The Sir James Knott Trust
The Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon
Supporting a different local charity each year, with the funds raised divided equally between the chosen local charity and Standard Chartered’s ‘Futuremakers’ initiative, this annual marathon event attracts professional athletes as well as amateur runners from both our own shores and beyond, with 2,700 taking part in 2019 - half of whom travelled to Jersey specifically to take part.
The event itself is split into three categories; the marathon, relay race and marathon mile - so if you want to get involved but don’t fancy the full 26.2 mile marathon distance why not consider putting together a team for the relay (running a section of the full course each) or entering the marathon mile category instead?
As well as raising money through donating or taking part (£5 from each entry goes directly to the two charities) you can also help by offering your time as a volunteer. After all, without the volunteer marshals the event couldn’t take place.
www.jersey-marathon.com
A Balancing Act
Aidan McAvinue Chief Executive of BankClarity & Jersey Community Partnership (JCP) Board Member
Benjamin Franklin once said that “if you want something done, ask a busy person.” One such busy person is Aidan McAvinue, a man whose ability to manage the wearing of many hats is nothing short of incredible.
By day he’s the Chief Executive of BankClarity, a rapidly growing banking-technology business as well as a professional Director in the finance industry. By night, we assume they’re long nights, he’s a committed father of three young children (a fourth on the way!) and involved in a number of charitable endeavours, to which he gives both his time and his talents.
Aidan grew up on the West Coast of Ireland and giving, sharing, even if you had very little, ‘was just what I saw happening around me in the community. As a child growing up I always felt a sense that I was surrounded by strong, resilient and selfless people who would step in when it really mattered. I have had cause to rely on such people at a couple
of key points in my life, and I really don’t know where I would be if such individuals, however small their actions might have been, had simply decided to look the other way.’ Judging by Aidan’s long history of involvement in charities, corporate giving and philanthropy, he has clearly made a conscious decision to be one of those people.
To this end, Aidan sits on the board of the Jersey Community Partnership (JCP) which was founded with the generous and enlightened support of a small number of Philanthropic organisations on the island. Aidan is co-founder of the popular Jersey Round Island Challenge, the ultra run and watersports event, also a Director of Family First, a registered charity that works with other charities and Health to support families of children needing treatment off-island, an active member and recently resigned Chair of the Grace Crocker Family Support Foundation, and an adviser to Uniti, the Jersey-based tech platform that assists businesses with their community and giving activities.
‘I’m a great believer that it’s entirely up to the individual whether they get involved in giving, but it is in my experience the most rewarding and fulfilling activity you can undertake, whatever your background or wealth. The choice of approach is endless; if you can’t give money, give time; if you can’t give time, give knowledge or network. But most importantly, just try. Try to give intelligently. If you’re an accountant, help a charity with their books. If you’re an accounting firm; perhaps avoid building sheds for a day and build cash flows for a year (see Twinning Pledge on page 83).
Aidan thinks the island’s charity sector can be incredibly productive with the right collaboration and working practices: “One great example just blows my mind when I reflect on it: Grace Crocker Family Support Foundation recognised that it needed to collaborate because 16 other charities were operating in a similar space; they worked with JCP and LV Care, a local Care Group, to incubate a new independent service called Family First to coordinate care, services and support for families of Jersey children needing treatment abroad; the Jersey Round Island Challenge was formed to raise awareness and funding annually for the service; Family First was then given free permanent premises and infrastructure by a local trust company called Whitmill, and another Trust company called Zedra provided free secretary, legal and professional support to get the service formed as a full fledged charity. Finally, Locate Jersey connected them with a newly arrived High Value Resident family who generously provided funding and expertise to build a critical online resource for families. Now that is productivity in a sector if you ask me!”
“Most importantly, give intelligently. If you’re an accountant, help a charity with their books. If you’re an accounting firm; perhaps avoid building sheds for a day and build cashflows for a year.”
Aidan also thinks that Jersey is a natural home for global philanthropy: “I have had the pleasure of working with some incredibly wealthy and generous Family Offices over the years, and I know that there are very few places in the world that have such high levels of private capital, professional expertise and stable, reliable legislation in such close proximity. We don’t actively measure it (we should!), but Jersey and its financial institutions will be facilitating, on a daily basis, the distribution of enormous amounts of private wealth to support good causes around the world, over and above our efforts with Overseas Aid and local charity giving. Employees and clients increasingly want to understand what an organisation’s direct or indirect positive impact on the global community is: we have to make a greater effort at measuring and reporting this detail to employees, our community, and the wider global community. What a wonderful industry to develop and nurture for our children and future workforce!
Aidan is convinced that there is opportunity for improvement: ‘Our entire community needs to be engaged with the charity sector, to be curious and interested in developments, issues and trends. I think there needs to be leadership in providing much clearer, regularly measured and reported overview and outlook on the charitable sector communicated with all of Jersey’s citizens, and on a regular basis. The health of our charitable sector has a very direct impact on the health of our society and every one of us has a vested interest in engaging in this topic and understanding where we can help.’
Hurley & Sliotar
Hurling, the ancient and intensely physical team sport played in Aidan’s home country of Ireland; requires balance, coordination and agility
Navigating the charitable landscape upon arrival on the island can appear daunting, but with so many opportunities how would Aidan advise anyone starting out on their giving journey to make the most of their time here? ‘First of all, it depends on the goals and values of the individual – they may wish to donate a substantial sum over the long term to causes on and off-island and Jersey has a great network of well established professional but very discrete organisations that are always happy to share their experiences. At a more localised level, it is easy to presume that Jersey is all sunshine and beaches; but we have our own fair share of social challenges as a community and donors, of time, money and expertise, are always needed. In the first instance, if someone new to the island wishes to donate funds and they have a particular area of interest, I recommend simply giving in some small way initially but in doing so, asking for some feedback on outcomes, how the money will be and has been used.
“The health of our charitable sector has a very direct impact on the health of our society and every one of us has a vested interest in engaging in this topic and understanding where we can help.”
Charities need to work hard on outcomereporting for their donors for good governance, but it also has a great side effect of engaging the donor over the longer term. ‘Get to know the charity and even the people they are helping; we all start out with a perception of how and who we would like to help but sometimes just getting on with it in a modest fashion initially is the best way to give the newcomer a good feel for how their donation will impact lives. Be patient, be realistic about the resources available to small, often volunteer-led charities, understand the issues, then look to make a bigger impact. Some donors wish to stay completely anonymous and this is understandable, but in such a small community it is quite realistic to donate, maintain some anonymity, and still see the impact your donation has made to people’s lives.’ ‘In my experience, the kind of people who may be new to the island are arriving here because they are incredibly successful at something; this is not just about donor capital, and their knowledge, experience, network is often just as valuable to a charity as the funds that a donor can bring”
Twinning Pledge
In Jersey, we have seen a number of organisations adopt the Twinning Pledge, an initiative dreamed up by JCP and a small number of very enterprising local professional firms.
Firms enter into the ‘Twinning Pledge’ agreement with a local charity, pledging to provide their professional skills and expertise to the management team or trustees. Well known island employers have committed their employees’ time and specialist resources to support the marketing, company secretarial, accounting and social media needs of their chosen charities. This means the charity personnel can focus on fundraising and supporting their clients, their cause. I think Jersey has an immense opportunity to enhance the charitable sector in this way, playing to our strengths as a community and supporting charities where they need it most.’
Giving is not just about cash donations. Time, expertise, and your network are incredibly important to charities. Know how to use WordPress; why not save a charity £5,000 on building a website and support them directly with your skills and time? Accounting practice? Why not devote your professional skills to provide bookkeeping and reporting support to local charities on a cost-free basis?
Harnessing the power of your professional services, given in a voluntary capacity, can make a huge difference to the charities or causes with whom you choose to partner. The personal satisfaction you and your colleagues will gain from partnering with your chosen charity is immeasurable. The Twinning Pledge is your opportunity to use your expertise and experience for social good.
If you would like to find out more about the Twinning Pledge contact: rachel@jerseycommunitypartnership.org
Jersey Community Partnership
“Giving is not just about cash donations. Time, expertise, and your network are incredibly important to charities.”
What?
Jersey has countless examples of individuals and organisations making a difference, at home and abroad. This section looks at WHAT several of them have achieved, and why the island is such a good springboard for their philanthropic endeavours.
A solid foundation
Heather MacCallum Co-Chair, Jersey Community Foundation
Books. The art of giving well can be researched in order to ensure the right impact is made.
Community Foundations are becoming an increasingly important component of philanthropy globally. They are established, trusted charities that support local communities focusing on the most pressing needs in an area and are committed to making a difference to people’s lives in the places they serve. Community Foundations have played a vital role in distributing grants during the current Covid-19 pandemic, as they can distribute funds quickly to those most in need.
Established in May 2020, the initial remit of the Jersey Community Foundation (JCF) was to distribute £2 million from the Jersey dormant bank account fund to assist charities supporting the community of Jersey during Covid-19 and its aftermath.
One of the primary purposes of a community foundation is to encourage the generosity of donors (including local individuals, businesses, government and other charitable
foundations) and to provide services to donors to help them achieve their philanthropic goals. Giving through a community foundation allows the donor to retain some control over which causes are supported, but without the administrative burdens and obligations associated with setting up and managing a charitable trust.
Some people already have causes they feel passionately about; others want to help wherever the need is greatest, JCF will work with donors to identify the causes they are most interested in and use local expertise and its network of contacts to connect them with fantastic local charities, serving as a
vital link between the community of Jersey and the people who want to support it. To ensure the JCF is an effective grant-maker we will draw on the expertise within the local community to assist us in our decision making. We also will take responsibility for evaluating projects and helping donors understand how their contributions have made a difference, ensuring that grant-giving is effective, impactful and improves the lives of those most in need within the community.
Regardless of the reasons for giving, or whether donors want to be hands-off or actively involved, we offer options allowing donors to give when and how they choose. From starting a donor advised fund (DAF), to giving with others who share interests; from leaving a legacy to donating now, we can advise donors so the fund is set up in
“Regardless of the reasons for giving, or whether donors want to be handsoff or actively involved, we offer options allowing donors to give when and how they choose.”
a bespoke and tailored way according to specific wishes and circumstances. Donors have privacy or publicity as they wish. Whatever route is best, we can match donors generosity to where it is needed in the community both now and into the future.
Whatever the starting point, our job at JCF is to ensure that giving has a big impact where it is needed most.
For further information visit www.jerseycommunityfoundation.org
Going global
Carolyn Labey Minister for International Development & Chair of Jersey Overseas Aid Commission
Globe. Nearly two thirds of the world’s poor live in sub-Saharan Africa. Jersey’s aid programme helps lift tens of thousands of people out of poverty every year
FFor over half a century, Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) has worked to alleviate the suffering of those still affected by poverty, conflict and natural disasters. Our little island off the coast of Normandy has built schools and clinics on six continents, provided emergency food and shelter in the rubble of hundreds of earthquakes and airstrikes, and given hope and dignity to millions of hungry, sick and displaced people. Here Jersey’s Minister for International Development, Carolyn Labey, tells us more about her role and the agency she chairs.
The JOA is Jersey’s official international development agency. With their budget of £12.4million per annum they support long-term poverty alleviation in developing countries and emergency relief in humanitarian crises. They also support Jersey based charities working overseas and arrange volunteering and work opportunities for Jersey residents who want to help others in less fortunate countries.
‘We focus our development aid on three topics: Financial Services, Dairy for Development and Conservation Livelihoods, or as I like to call them Cash, Cows and Conservation. We have picked these areas for two reasons. First because of their effectiveness; small amounts of investment can have a huge long-term impact. Secondly; because of their relevance to Jersey - these are areas where the island has considerable expertise and where we can add value.
As well as deciding Jersey’s development policy with JOA’s Commissioners, as Minister of International Development Carolyn also represents the island abroad in dealings with developing countries, UN agencies and multilateral bodies. ‘Even though we are a small jurisdiction, it is important the island’s overseas aid is represented by a Minister for International Development because when I am talking to my counterparts in Rwanda or Zambia about dairy improvement or addressing the World Bank in Washington about Financial Inclusion, we demonstrate Jersey is punching above its weight on the world stage. Domestically, having a seat in Government gives us a voice in shaping policy as well as the ability to inform fellow Ministers about the work of JOA and the importance of International Development as a whole.’
Philanthropy and investing, do they overlap?
Jersey is fast gaining a reputation as a centre of philanthropy as well as a bluechip offshore finance centre, so is there any overlap between the JOA and Jersey’s Financial Services Centre? ‘Just like good investing, good development donorship demands persistence and proficiency in informed and empirical decision making and a thorough understanding of risk, capabilities and good practice. Both also require a focus on impact, and the ability to measure it. As finance and philanthropy increasingly overlap, these attributes enable JOA to help cement Jersey’s position as one of the world’s most attractive jurisdictions for doing good with one’s money.’
Allocating aid, working with communities and our islanders
Jersey’s humanitarian aid is allocated more effectively than ever before. As well as responding to crises as they arise, such as the Covid-19 outbreak or Cyclone Idai, we contribute to UN and NGO pooled funding mechanisms which mean funds can be deployed within 72 hours at the frontline of a crisis, while being monitored and overseen by professionals on the ground. ‘Our place on the Advisory Boards of these respected mechanisms alongside far larger countries helps us punch above our weight in the world.’
“We contribute to UN and NGO pooled funding mechanisms which mean funds can be deployed within 72 hours at the frontline of a crisis, while being monitored and overseen by professionals on the ground”
For nearly 50 years Jersey residents have brought lifechanging benefits to those most in need. Jersey volunteers have brought clean water to those without, built classrooms, orphanages and clinics where there have been none, and provided one-to-one care for those who have no one. ‘For many it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, bringing with it a sense of achievement, life-long friendships and extraordinary memories. Conditions can be challenging and there are few creature comforts, but being part of an Overseas Aid project team is a highly rewarding experience. We typically run two or three trips every year and last year we sent islanders to Lebanon, Tanzania and Kenya.’
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Giving back to the community
As a publicly funded agency the JOA are very aware of the importance of giving back to the community and they do this in a variety of ways. Their annual paid internship – run in partnership with leading UK charities - gives a unique opportunity for someone from Jersey the chance to spend 12 months learning the ropes with the professionals, including six months on assignment in a developing country. The main goal is to equip the successful candidate with the skills and experience necessary to enable them to take frontline roles with international relief and development organisations.
‘We provide two types of bursaries, one volunteering and one professional, for islanders who want to contribute to a development project overseas whether they are school leavers, career changers or professionals wanting a new challenge. JOA increasingly tries to promote understanding about international relief and development in schools. We have produced free, downloadable teacher and student resources based on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curriculum that introduces real-life development issues such as access to safe and clean water and how to stop infectious diseases.’
A giving island, deep rooted in our past
Our island is incredibly supportive of providing help to developing countries and global emergencies Carolyn believes that is deep rooted in our own past. ‘In the winter of 1944, the people of Jersey stood at the brink of starvation. Occupied by a foreign army for over four years, the Island had all but exhausted its food, fuel and medicine. Salvation came in the form of Red Cross parcels brought by the SS Vega, whose five wartime voyages brought life-saving supplies donated by the people of Canada and New Zealand. Without this lifeline, many of us would not be here today.
It is a source of considerable satisfaction to islanders that Jersey can now help others whose need and desperation is something which some of us can still personally relate to.’
Case Studies
Dairy
Dairy cows play a vital role in many developing countries, serving not only as a source of income for smallholder farmers but contributing to the improved health and nutrition of their families and communities. As a centre of dairy expertise – and home of the Jersey breed – we are uniquely well-placed to assist farmers, charities, cooperatives, extension workers and national governments with improving the quality and profitability of milk production.
In addition to the ongoing work in Rwanda, which is reaching 12,000 smallholder farmers and transforming the national Artificial Insemination system, we are currently running a three-year project in Malawi that will improve the household income of 6,000 smallholder dairy farmers through improved breeding, feeding and extension services, and by providing Jersey semen for Artificial Insemination. This year we will expand further, adding Ethiopia to our list of dairy projects in partnership with the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society (RJAHS). The Jersey breed is increasingly showing its worth for low-input farmers across the world, with its smaller frame, higher conversion rate, and better quality milk.
Financial Inclusion
The evidence shows that when people have access to useful and affordable financial products and services that meet their needs - including money transfers, payments, savings, credit and insurance - everyone benefits. People save more, spend more on health care and education and invest in their enterprises which in turn have more opportunity to thrive. However, 1.7 billion people have no access to basic financial services, most of them in developing countries. The poor, women, young people and those living in rural areas are the most affected.
JOA has identified Financial Incision as an increasingly important way of reducing poverty and increasing wellbeing in developing countries, and in 2017 signed an agreement with Comic Relief, one of the UK’s most cherished and experienced grant makers, to work together in this field. Branching Out: Financial Inclusion at the Margins is our 4-year flagship Financial Inclusion programme that will enable struggling families in Rwanda, Zambia and Sierra Leone to invest in small businesses, cope with unexpected emergencies, and spend more on health care and education. The fact that Jersey is a world-leading Financial Services Centre also means that we can help to build responsible and inclusive financial systems through technical assistance and knowledge exchange, deploying our significant expertise as well as our funds.
RWANDA
ETHIOPIA
MALAWI
The island springboard
Hannah Venton CMLF, Family Office
springboard
Jersey is an ideal jurisdiction for the formation and administration of philanthropic structures. Many professional firms in Jersey are working with individuals and families around the world who are attracted to Jersey’s political stability, flexible legislation, tax neutral environment and robust regulatory regime.
This appeal also leads to businesses relocating their day to day activities here, and when they do they are encouraged to employ locally which can lead to excellent opportunities for talented individuals who would otherwise have to seek employment off island. One such individual is Hannah Venton, who after graduating from the University of Westminster in the summer of 2019 with a BSc in Psychology, began working for a Family Office within their philanthropic Foundation.
Upon relocation Family Offices who have career development opportunities for graduates in Jersey are connected to Jersey Overseas Aid’s (JOA) talent pool of those looking for opportunities within the world of Philanthropy and International Development. Working for a family office like these will see local graduates immediately thrown onto an international stage of groups implementing social change.
‘For me, during the last year and a half this has included so many amazing and exciting opportunities, and allowed me not only develop my career, but also grow as a person. Working at the Foundation means I am able to divide my time between Jersey and London. London has presented many new opportunities to me, such as visiting the Francis Crick Institute, one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutes, whilst being in Jersey allows me to spend time with family and friends, it’s the best of both worlds.’
‘My day to day work involves various operational responsibilities such as implementing and overseeing SmartSimple, our grants management platform. This platform is also used by other groups in Jersey, and has proved to be a great network to offer support and share
ideas. The database company hosts many conferences and webinars, including one I attended in Copenhagen last year, hosted by an international Foundation. This allowed me to learn and explore more about system features, best practices and functionality which in turn has enabled us to evolve and develop the database into a bespoke system for the Foundation.
‘I have also had the opportunity to learn about the key strategic pillars that allow the Foundation to pursue its mission. This involves a calculated decision-making process from due diligence to evaluating an organisation’s grant application and reports. In analysing organisation’s reports, the Foundation can evaluate the impact the projects are having, as well as seeing how they align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. From learning about the process of giving the Foundation recognises that focus is key, and it is crucial to learn the landscape. Site visits to organisations are necessary to ensure that their projects are aligned with their mission. It also helps in continuing to build personal relationships which is something that the Foundation places a lot of emphasis on. For the giving process to be most effective, it is important to be flexible and to accept that projects and funding don’t always go to plan.’
The Foundation which Hannah works for, through philanthropic donation, focusses on multiple key themes supporting initiatives from those which advocate better mental health to conservation projects which focus on the improvement of the environment. ‘Advocating for better mental health has always been an interest and passion of mine and I have therefore been honoured to be involved in the Foundation’s mental health focused programmes. This has involved working closely with PAPYRUS, an organisation dedicated to the prevention of young suicide through envisioning a society which speaks openly about suicide and has the resources to help young people who may have suicidal thoughts.’
‘We also work with Enaleia social enterprise which has launched an innovative programme which financially incentivises fishermen to collect plastic from the ocean. With the tonnes of marine litter that is collected every month they collaborate with companies and organisations to find ways for it to be utilised, such as recommercialising it into new products like socks and carpets. Another organisation that the Foundation works closely with, aims to defend and protect the biodiversity of the ocean through a combination of applied scientific research, education, conservation actions and community engagement. An exciting project they are focusing on is a Marine Life Sanctuary. This will be the first rehabilitation centre in the world that provides a natural environment to dolphins rescued from captivity.’
The Foundation’s interest in promoting social welfare has led to a strong partnership with Jersey’s Beresford Street Kitchen. ‘Their work providing education, training and employment for people with learning disabilities and autism is incredible and a great asset to the island. Jersey is a place with many fantastic local charities whose missions align with the Foundation’s. We believe that early-stage funding is of crucial importance to enable organisations to stand on their own feet and become self-sustainable, as demonstrated successfully through the Foundation’s support of Acorn Enterprises. We recognise the importance of supporting local grassroots organisations with key funding, allowing them to expand and thrive.’
‘To be involved in so many amazing projects, those I’ve spoken about are just the tip of the iceberg, and to always be learning something new has been incredible. I am fortunate enough to work closely with the organisations that the Foundation supports and this has enabled me to learn about the development and operations of charities and their strategies and also about relationship building.’
Considering that Hannah has only just begun her journey working with the Foundation she has already experienced first hand the work they do. ‘A highlight, so far, was my field visit to Zanzibar in January 2020, to see the work carried out by Foundation supported organisations such as Health Improvement Project Zanzibar (HIPZ). This trip provided me with an in-depth understanding of the work being done on the ground and the impact it is having on people’s lives as well as seeing organisations dealing with various challenging obstacles in a successful and timely manner. I have learnt so much about philanthropy and effective giving, and about international development and the charity sector. I know that there is still so much to learn, and I am so excited to continue my journey with the Foundation in this incredible and highly rewarding field.’
The Jersey Round Island Challenge
The Jersey Round Island Challenge is the definitive Jersey good news story: five years ago, two friends entered into a good natured bet involving sport and our beautiful natural environment and coastline, and hundreds of friends, family and colleagues joined in the fun. In the case of the Round Island Challenge, this also represented an opportunity to significantly raise the profile of an incredible charity, the Grace Crocker Family Support Foundation, and the event has directly supported many Jersey families of sick children since launch. Roll forward five years and they have seen participants from around the globe, huge recognition from the likes of Red Bull and many others and profile for the charity beyond their wildest dreams.
jerseyroundislandchallenge.com
Philip Gower OBE
Philanthropist, Philip Gower Charitable Foundation
Houses. After making his money in maufacturing and property The Philip Gower Foundation now provides premises to charitable organisations.
Giving is something that most of us probably do on a daily basis. How that giving looks is often relative to what it is we have to give. Whether it’s a simple kindness such as giving someone your seat on a bus or donating a large sum of money to help a charity survive, each of these gestures means something to the giver and receiver.
Philip Gower OBE is a man who sits at both ends of the giving spectrum, having spent his life building a series of successful businesses he now spends a proportion of his life helping others, and I know that he’d let you have his seat on a bus too. He and his partner Elyse are busy people, yet generous with their time which gave nme the opportunity to learn about the purpose behind their giving and the journey that brought them to setting up the Philip Gower Charitable Foundation.
It started at an early age for Philip, when he was five years old to be precise. While this perhaps seems hard to believe I can confirm that I’ve seen the certificates which prove it. Regular church visits and Sunday school were a big part of family life and it was during these that he became aware of children who lived in third-world countries and despite his upbringing being far from affluent he knew that they had less than him. So, he asked his father if he could help to raise money for them. ‘I was told that I could ask the parishioners in our church, and others in the community for a donation but I
had to commit to doing it every week, which I did for ten years. I was awarded a medal for each year that I exceeded the previous total. My mother kept the certificates and the medals and I still have them now.’ He received another medal in 2017, this time an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honors List, for his support to vulnerable children and young people.
Philip’s pathway to being a philanthropist has seen him work incredibly hard to build a series of successful businesses, the first of which he started at 18 and sold at the age of 24. This early experience set the scene for him moving on to make a success of his next venture and beyond. It’s these life experiences that mean he’s able to provide support that goes beyond simply the financial.
Fast forward to 1981 and Philip moved to
Jersey, the island which he calls his home and where he focuses a great deal, but not all, of his charitable giving. One thing all of the causes he’s involved in have in common is they benefit disadvantaged children and young adults, in fact the tagline of the foundation is ‘helping to transform young lives’. Both he and Elyse believe that ‘If you can help to give a child a good start in life then that should help them to go on and live a better life as an adult.’ Their work includes local causes, projects in the UK which island children benefit from and a number of international charities.
On island, together with providing large donations, the foundation supports through the provision of premises and operational costs. This enables established children’s charities to headquarter themselves and concentrate on what they’ve been established to do.
New for 2020 is Pip’s Place, a four-storey building from where three charities, Family Nursing and Home Care, Mind Jersey and Jersey Child Care Trust now operate. Each charity has its own dedicated floor, and the fourth floor houses a boardroom plus a training/meeting room for around 50 people, spaces which are available for any charities
“I was told that I could ask the parishioners in our church, and others in the community for a donation but I had to commit to doing it every week, which I did for ten years.”
to book in and use on a commercial basis, the income from which the charities share. Another property they’ve funded houses Jersey care leavers, helping them to begin the transition to solo living whilst being supported and helped with the learning of valuable life skills. ‘The young adults start by living in one of a number of bedsits with shared common areas and eventually move into one of the small self-contained flats within the building’. The Foundation also provided the building which houses the Grace Trust and provides grants to Jersey Cares, Brighter Futures and others.
They have also supported the NSPCC for
almost 40 years, and their growing relationship with NSPCC Jersey led to the Foundation purchasing a building which, in 2013 was donated to the NSPCC. After being completely refitted it became the award-winning Gower Centre where the NSPCC supports local families to help make sure children are given the best chance in life.
In the UK they have supported, for many years, a charity called KidsOut, which gives ‘disadvantaged children positive experiences to support them becoming future members of our society and workforce.’ The Foundation increased funding so their work could extend to Jersey. Alongside this are the Outward Bound Trust projects that allow local children to experience a series of firsts that they’d perhaps never have achieved because of their circumstances. ‘By taking them off-island they get to go on a plane, see new things which don’t exist in Jersey, they spend a week in the Lake District, learn new and challenging skills and become adventurers; all things which help them to develop.’
They also support three international charities including Orbis and Sightsavers who fight to prevent blindness in third-world countries and Smile Train who help repair cleft palates and transform children’s lives in poor areas of the world, helping them smile again. Each one of these are life-changing charities making a massive impact and a huge difference in the lives of children around the world.
The list of causes, while focused, is broad and the foundation along with the couple’s personal involvement in each varies and often extends far beyond what’s reported. During the time I spent with them it’s incredibly apparent how invested they are in the good they’re supporting and just how important it is that the work continues. They have council
members working with them, to support the smooth running of the foundation and have, since 2013, committed a legacy sum of £50 Million to ensure that the work they have started can continue well into the future.
The pandemic has, of course, impacted the work planned around some of the projects that the foundation is supporting, but that doesn’t mean things have come to a standstill. They’re making plans and adapting where they can to ensure that help is still available and have increased their support where possible, with 2020 seeing the foundation provide the highest amount of funding in its history. ‘This has been the toughest year for charities, with fundraising events being cancelled they’re even more reliant on the support that we can give them.’
The dictionary definition of philanthropy is ‘the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.’ which, in a nutshell is exactly what Philip, Elyse and the Foundation does. When I asked why he and Elyse devote so much of their lives to giving to others the answer was simple and immediate ‘if you can, why wouldn’t you?’. They have an excellent point and I admire them for the well-held philanthropic philosophy that guides them and makes them a true inspiration.
Three is the numbermagic
Russell Waite
Group Director, Affinity Private Wealth
The purpose of this article is to provide a brief and insightful introduction to impact investing. This subject, however, is vast and means different things to different people. With this in mind Russell Waite, Group Director, Affinity Private Wealth has set himself the challenge of covering the topic by answering three questions.
Why three? Psychologists tell us three is the magic number, as people can recognise or recall three things, much better than four. It is no coincidence things come in threes; think A,B,C; 1,2,3; Three Blind Mice; Three Musketeers etc. Anyway, we digress – or do we?
Question One; what is impact investing?
This is a tough one to start with. At a fundamental level, it may be described as any investment strategy seeking to deliver social and/or environmental good, generally alongside a financial return. The latter is not always the case, but we are then drifting into the area of philanthropy, so let’s stay on subject. Many of you may have read the exact same description for Socially Responsible Investing (SRI – three again!); Environment,
Social & Governance (ESG – spot the trend) investing; or Sustainable investing; or perhaps Socially Conscious Investing; or simply Green or Ethical investing. In truth, they all share some similarities, but each is nuanced and it is beyond the scope of this article to dive deeper.
Taking a step back, this type of investing became popular much earlier than you may think. In the 18th Century, Quakers and Methodists had both laid out clear guidelines to followers over the types of companies in which they should invest. As early as 1688, Quaker meetings in the US were corresponding and discussing the ethical issue of profiting from the
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Scrabble Letters. If you look closely you’ll see that all of the words on this board are made up of three letters, all of the acronyms explained within the article.
slave trade, and in 1758 the Philadelphia yearly meeting unanimously issued a proclamation forbidding its members from participating in that sector. From a city famous for its Liberty Bell, this still rings true today in the context of impact investing being a force for good in addressing the social injustices prevalent across the US and around the world.
From our perspective, we think of impact investing being aligned to the concept of ‘sustainable development’, first introduced by a United Nations’ sponsored commission, which published a now acclaimed report in 1987. In it they described this as ‘development which meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. Thereafter, this has become an important part of the vocabulary of politicians, impact practitioners and planners alike. Indeed, through various iterations, the United Nations have encapsulated the objectives of that original report into their Sustainable Development Goals (or SDGs – well spotted, three again).
Today, impact, or sustainable investing, commonly seeks to address one or more of these 17 goals (see overleaf). This could be driven by a personal set of beliefs, a need to address local or domestic issues, or a desire to mobilise capital on a global scale at a corporate or intragovernmental level.
Question Two; this all sounds complicated – is it?
In some ways, we have only just started. Most readers, we are sure, will support the ongoing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) given the contribution they make to reducing CO2 emissions, thus helping to combat the threats of climate change (SDG 13). Lots of EVs mean we need lots of batteries, the chemistry of which often relies on the properties of cobalt. The vast majority of the cobalt mined today comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo,
“None of us can get through a single day without having an impact on the world around us. What you do makes a difference and you must decide what difference you wish to make.”
where child labour is widely used in the extraction process. Impact capital deployed in the shares of companies making up the battery value chain is contributing to an important SDG, but there are negative impact ‘complications’.
Changing asset class, let’s suppose a large European utility company issues a ‘green’ bond to finance the building of a renewable energy generation facility. This would tick the box for most impact investors. However, further investigation reveals the coupon payments associated with the bond are financed from the profits made by the utility company in selling electricity generated from existing facilities burning fossil fuels. This, clearly, complicates the status of this impact investment. However, should it deter investors from taking action? To us, it simply highlights there are no easy solutions to the problems faced.
Question three;
How is impact measured?
We have saved the most difficult question until last. Measuring impact necessitates clear, concise and consistent disclosures at, for example, the investee company level – and this is where things get really complicated. There is currently a ‘push and pull’ approach evolving around how and what companies report; the push of legislative demands, coupled with the pull of societal/investor expectations. The result has been an almost overwhelming number of codes, practices and guidelines available to companies wanting to demonstrate their material impact credentials. The UN Principles for Responsible Investing (PRI – not three again?), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI – really?) and the Greenhouse Gas (GHG – you’re kidding me!) Protocol for Scope 1, 2 & 3 (ready to give in?) emissions are just a few examples of the complex reporting framework created. Moreover, whilst some of this reporting is mandatory, most of it is voluntary.
But wait………
Despite the issues raised, the rise of impact investing is undeniable and a cause for celebration. According to the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), a recent study of impact investors found that aggregate assets under management increased from $502bn in 2019, to $715bn this year.
None of us can get through a single day without having an impact on the world around us. What you do makes a difference and you must decide what difference you wish to make. For those wanting to use their wealth as a force for good, the complexities we have described become largely irrelevant if one last ‘set of three’ is used to provide a go-to investment compass; people, planet, profit.
Three is, indeed, the magic number.
17 Goals for Sustainable Investing:
Peace, justice & strong institutions
Partnerships for the goals
Life below water Life on land
Climate action
Responsible consumption & production
Sustainable cities & communities
Industry, innovation & infrastructure
Reduced inequalities
Is it possible to both give and take in today’s investment market?
Sustainable Giving
Emiko Caerlewy-Smith is Founder and CEO of KIT Consulting Limited, a financial services strategy, research and management consultancy. It incorporates KIT Sustainability, which helps clients to build sustainable businesses, products and services; implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies and leverage the competitive advantage of ESG integration. Here she talks us through how to be a sustainable investor particularly given the impact the pandemic has and remains to have on our lives.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated a growing interest in sustainable investment for institutional, high net worth and retail investors. Assets in environmental, social and governance (now commonly known as ESG) exchange traded funds (ETFs) exceeded US$100 billion at end-July 2020, including net inflows of over US$30 billion in the first six months of 2020 (three times total inflows for 2019). But what does “sustainable investment” actually mean and what are the opportunities to #buildbackbetter as we recover from recent events?
Sustainable investment. ESG. Socially responsible investment. Ethical investment... these are all terms which are increasingly being used by investors, financial advisors and asset managers alike. Essentially, a “sustainable investment” seeks financial return whilst also considering the short- and long-term ESG impacts of the investment.
For example, the “E”, which stands for environment, would mean that investing in energy intensive, fossil fuel reliant companies may be seen as unsustainable, given the negative impact the burning of fossil fuels has on climate change and global warming. In contrast, investing in companies actively developing renewable energy technologies may be seen as more sustainable, given the positive impact such companies have on reducing
carbon emissions and the long-term positive impacts they may have. The same would be true of the social “S”, investing in a company with poor working conditions, for example, versus a company which actively champions the social welfare of its staff and seeks out better gender diversity on its Board. Socially responsible investment or ethical investment are just different terms for investment with positive “S” impact. And, for completeness, the “G” stands for governance – addressing issues such as Board-level conflicts of interest or regulatory compliance of a company or investment.
“Essentially, a ‘sustainable investment’ seeks financial return whilst also considering the short- and long-term ESG impacts of the investment.”
COVID-19 has woken us up to the fragility of our health and its interconnectedness with nature. It has reminded us of the sensitivity negative human impact has on our environment. This is tangibly influencing our investment decision making, which presents an opportunity to #buildbackbetter through the mass diversion of capital into environmentally and socially impactful projects.
Here are 5 top tips for starting out on your ESG investment journey:
Decide what type of positive impact (or prevention of negative impact) is most important to you. Achieving positive environmental, AND social, AND governance outcomes is not always possible (e.g. positive social (health and welfare) impacts of PPE could be offset by poor environmental impacts of single use plastic visors).
Find a financial advisor or asset manager who can fully explain how they measure and assess ESG impact. There is a plethora of scoring frameworks and methods but, as highlighted by the recent controversy surrounding online fashion retailer Boohoo, these are not always comprehensive or accurate. ESG investments require careful monitoring and testing to ensure their ESG credentials are, and remain, justifiable.
Unless you are a pure philanthropist, you’ll want financial return coupled with positive ESG impact. It’s not difficult to seek out performance data for mainstream ESG funds and portfolios. In the first half of 2020 Morningstar examined the long-term performance of a sample of 745 Europe-based sustainable funds. Their conclusion was that the majority of strategies have done better than non-ESG funds over one, three, five and 10 years.
Educate yourself on key global initiatives. For example, the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address global challenges related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. Separately, the Paris Agreement seeks to limit global warming to an aspirational 1.5 degrees centigrade. Imagine how beneficial it could be if we all channelled our capital into investments aligned with these bigger picture outcomes.
Get hands on, especially if you are considering a venture capitalist or private equity investment, or even a philanthropic donation. Getting close to your target’s strategy and Board decision-making will give you the opportunity to shape and steer its ESG impact. Do not underestimate the power of shareholder activism.
How did we give?
When it came to giving time in 2019, islanders were asked to select all of the ways that they had contributed to charitable causes over the past year both in terms of financial dontations (as shown below) and time contributed to good causes (as shown on the page opposite).
Judging by the results, islanders primarily seem to prefer to give spontaneously, then responsively, by donating unwanted goods toor buying items from - charity shops.
We’re also a sociable lot though, so coming in a close third, charitable contribution wise, and topping the chart when it comes to giving their time, islanders enjoyed fundraising events.
Financial Donations
DATA: Island Global Research www.islandglobalresearch.com
82%
59%
Ad-hoc/one-off individual donations direct to charity/ collection tins and boxes
Buy from or donate money to charity shops 53% By attending or participating in fundraising events
51%
41%
38%
16%
Donated online (via social media or charity websites)
Sponsoring an activity for charity
Regular direct debit or similar direct to charity
Through a workplace scheme (taken directly from your salary by the employer)
6% Other
Organised or helped run an activity or event
Raised money for, or took part in sponsored events
Helped with admin, secretarial or clerical work
Represented a group, club or organisaztion at events
Led a charitible group or was a trustee or committee member
Time contributed to good causes
Gave advice, information or counselling to people
Campaigned on behalf of a group, club or organisation
Visiting people (those in need, for example)
Befriended or mentored people
44%
36%
33%
32%
30%
Got other people involved in a charity 54%
Handled money (as a club treasurer, for example)
Provided transport / driving
24%
24%
22%
16%
Provided other practical help 15%
14%
13%
6% Other
Directory
Affinity Private Wealth
27 Esplanade, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 9XJ
T: +44 (0) 1534 828480
E: connect@affinitypw.com
W: affinitypw.com
Association of Jersey Charities
PO Box 356 Jersey, JE4 9YZ
T: +44 (0) 1534 840138
E: lyn@jerseycharities.org
W: jerseycharities.org
Connect Me
W: gov.je/connectme
Jersey Charity Commissioner
Broad St, St Helier, Jersey JE2 3RR
T: +44 (0) 1534 760811
E: info@charitycommissioner.je
W: charitycommissioner.je
Jersey Community Foundation
E: grants@jerseycommunityfoundation.org
W: jerseycommunityfoundation.org
Jersey Community Partnership
1st Floor, 17 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 3QA
E: info@jerseycommunitypartnership.org
W: jerseycommunitypartnership.org
Jersey Finance
4th Floor, Sir Walter Raleigh House, 48-50 Esplanade, St Helier JE2 3QB
T: +44 (0)1534 836000
E: jersey@jerseyfinance.je
W: jerseyfinance.je
Jersey Funders Group
E: jerseyfunders@gmail.com
Jersey Overseas Aid
1st Floor Office Suite, St Helier Town Hall, Jersey, JE4 8PA
