Government to Allocate £4.5 Million from Dormant Accounts to Charities

The government has announced that charities and voluntary organizations are set to receive £4.5 million from dormant bank accounts over the coming three years. These funds originate from the Jersey Reclaim Fund, which the government manages, drawing from bank accounts where customer contact has been absent for over 15 years. Since 2017, over £44 million has been recovered from dormant bank accounts within Jersey. Deputy Ian Gorst, the Minister for External Relations, stated that these funds are intended to bolster the community. He commented, “This package will provide increased financial support for charities and voluntary organisations over a longer period, increasing confidence and recognising their invaluable contribution to our society.” Gorst added, “We are also discussing with the Jersey Community Foundation (JCF) other schemes to match fund large private donations, and hope to have further announcements later in the year.” Deputy Gorst and Chief Minister Deputy Lyndon Farnham indicated their intention to disburse these funds between 2025 and 2027, with grants aimed at helping “sustain or strengthen the resilience and sustainability” of recipient organisations. Farnham noted that the JCF has assisted over 450 recipients since its inception in 2020, enabling charities and other volunteer groups to “continue their central role in the life of our island.”