Community Projects Awarded Funding Through CI Coop Impact Scheme

A range of environmental, accessibility and heritage initiatives across Jersey and Guernsey have secured financial backing through the Channel Islands Coop's Community Impact Fund.

In the first round of grants, seven projects were selected to share a total of £69,000. The fund is financed through dormant member account balances, following approval by members at the Coop's 2021 Annual Members' Meeting.

The initiative was created to ensure unused funds are redirected into projects that deliver lasting benefits for local communities, the environment, and the islands' heritage.

The Channel Islands Coop said the programme reflects its commitment to supporting causes that generate meaningful social and environmental impact.

Simon Matthews of the CI Coop said the launch of the fund marked an important milestone shaped by members, staff and the wider community.

"The Community Impact Fund represents what cooperative values are all about," he said. "It enables us to support projects across Jersey and Guernsey that will have a positive and lasting effect on the communities they serve."

Among the successful applicants was Jersey Island Geopark, which received £10,000 to develop educational materials and digital resources. GROW Jersey was also awarded £10,000 to create wheelchair-accessible raised growing beds, while Jersey Trees for Life secured the same amount to help expand tree coverage and enhance biodiversity.

The National Trust for Jersey received £9,000 to support events and an exhibition celebrating its 90th anniversary. Jersey Transport was granted £7,500 over two years to assist with the operation of a town mobility buggy service.

In Guernsey, the Nature Commission was awarded £10,000 to help landowners improve biodiversity, while the National Trust of Guernsey received £5,000 for grassland restoration and native wildflower projects.

The Channel Islands Coop said applications for the next funding round are expected to open in early 2027.