After a record year of charitable funding, Lloyds Bank Foundation will now give money to local causes to use how they see fit.
The Foundation is celebrating awarding a record £1.3 million to Channel Islands charities this year.
To mark four decades of funding, it launched the 40th Anniversary Grant Programme, specifically designed for charities that have experienced a significant increase in demand due to the cost of living.
A total of £400,000 was awarded to 10 charities in grants of £40,000 in unrestricted (for any reason) funding.
Previously, awards made by the Foundation had to be used for staff salaries or operating costs.
From 2026, all their grant programmes will be for unrestricted funding, giving charities greater choice in how they use their grants.
Jo Le Poidevin, Executive Director, says charities know where to allocate funding for it to go the furthest:
"This is what charities are looking for.
"Things are unpredictable at the moment, which means they can respond quickly to changing circumstances and changing needs..
It will give them more flexibility. They might use it to innovate, to try something they recognise as an emerging need but have not had the money to do in the past."
Philippa Stahelin, Chair of the Lloyds Bank Foundation, said
"We believe that this change in our funding strategy will further empower Channel Islands charities, strengthen our communities, and best support those who need it the most.”
This year, the Foundation also joined forces with sister foundations: Bank of Scotland Foundation, Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland, Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, and Lloyds Banking Group to launch a £4 million Financial Resilience Fund.
This was aimed at charities that work directly with people who are socially excluded and disadvantaged.
Four charities in the Channel Islands were each awarded £30,000 in unrestricted funding to help support those struggling with the pressures of financial insecurity.
The Foundation’s core grant programme will open for applications on 12 December 2025, with 2026 closing dates on Thursday 12 February, Thursday 21 May, and Thursday 24 September.
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