RFAs: Small Grants Programme for Charitable Organisations in Guernsey

The Social Investment Fund (SIF) offers the Small Grants Programme to support charitable activities and projects across the whole of the third sector in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Registered charities and eligible non-profit organisations can apply for funding of up to £15,000. Applications are open now and close on 19 October 2026 at 12:00pm (time zone not specified in the source). Opportunity at a Glance

- Funding organization: Social Investment Fund (SIF)

- Opportunity name: Small Grants Programme

- Grant size: Applications up to £15,000 (applications for larger amounts should be made to the Major Grants programme; see official guidance)

- Geographic focus (where work must benefit): Bailiwick of Guernsey - Applicant eligibility: Registered charitable organisations or eligible non-profit organisations operating within, or for the benefit of, the Bailiwick of Guernsey - Priority outcomes: Improving lives of people with needs/vulnerabilities; employment/education/training opportunities; protection of natural environment/culture/heritage; improved health and wellbeing; inclusive community challenging disadvantage/discrimination

- Application rounds in 2026: Two rounds (Round 1 in March 2026 focused on arts, culture, heritage and sport only; Round 2 is open now for all sectors)

- Deadline: 19 October 2026 at 12:00pm (time zone not specified in the source)

- Duration/other notes: SIF-funded activities may include one-off projects, capital expenses, or running costs of up to one year’s duration (multi-year grants via Major Grants programme)

About the Opportunity

The Small Grants Programme supports charitable activities and projects delivered by organisations across the third sector. SIF specifies that eligible applicants must operate within, or deliver work for the benefit of, the Bailiwick of Guernsey and align their proposed work with one or more of the programme outcomes. This Small Grants Programme replaced earlier “Christmas lottery grants” distributed by the Association of Guernsey Charities. SIF states it now has access to all Guernsey lottery net proceeds, increasing the funds available for charities that apply to SIF. Funding and Benefits

- Maximum grant amount: Up to £15,000 per application.

- Cost types supported (examples from the source): - One-off projects - Capital expenses - Running costs for up to one year’s duration

- Salary costs:

- Salary costs within specific projects (usually up to one year) will be considered. - Other salary costs may be considered on an exceptional basis for no more than one year. - In general, ongoing salary costs are not supported within this programme.

- Multi-year grants: Not through Small Grants; multi-year grants can be made via the Major Grants Programme.

- Not a guarantee of funding: Even where eligibility criteria are met, SIF notes that there is no guarantee of an award.

Who Is Eligible? SIF states that applications are open to the following types of organisations, subject to programme outcomes and Bailiwick alignment:

- Eligible applicant types:

- Registered charitable organisations (and the source also refers to registered non-profit organisations in relation to Sark registration) - Eligible geographic coverage / beneficiary requirement: - Applicants must operate within, or for the benefit of, the Bailiwick of Guernsey. - Organisations based within Sark should be registered with the Sark Registrar (the source states that Alderney comes under Guernsey Registry).

- Outcome requirement:

- Applications must support the programme outcomes and demonstrate measurable impact against applicable outcomes. - The work should benefit people in the Bailiwick community, services and support they need, or be of benefit to the community.

- Ineligible examples explicitly listed:

- Applications from individuals (as opposed to incorporated or registered entities) - Applications seeking to promote political or faith groups are not supported (while community activities by faith groups that meet the outcomes are welcomed) - Explicit lobbying activities - Generally, applications including repairs or redevelopment of properties not owned by the charity - Applications that duplicate a service already provided - Applicants cannot apply for funding for their own salaries (for example, CEO/manager salary should be submitted by a board member) - Funding from fundraising or grant giving bodies is not likely unless previously agreed with SIF Eligible Activities or Priority Areas SIF lists the following outcomes that applications must align with: - Improving the lives of people with specific needs, disadvantages, or vulnerabilities - Employment, education or training opportunities - Protection of the natural environment, culture and heritage - Improved health and wellbeing for the community - An inclusive community that challenges barriers causing disadvantage or discrimination The source also clarifies what the Small Grants can cover in practice: - Applications can relate to one-off projects, capital expenses, or running costs up to one year in duration. - First round of 2026 (special focus): arts, culture, heritage and sport only (for Round 1).

- Second round of 2026 (current): open for all sectors.

Why This Opportunity Matters This Small Grants Programme is designed for charitable organisations and eligible non-profits in the Bailiwick of Guernsey that want to fund tangible community outcomes within a manageable scale (up to £15,000). SIF also highlights governance and safeguarding expectations through additional due diligence questions after submission, aiming to ensure applicants are well-governed and that funds are used appropriately. How to Apply - Review the official guidelines and criteria (2026 Round 2). The source instructs applicants to download and review the “Small Grants Programme Guidelines 2026 Round 2” PDF before applying. Not specified in the source: the direct PDF link. - Contact SIF with queries (if needed).

- Estelle Day: [contact details removed]

- Phone: