News release: £53,210 distributed to local projects in Community Fund payout
CI Coop has announced the recipients of its Spring 2026 Coop Community Fund, awarding £22,710 to charitable and community initiatives across Guernsey, as part of a total £53,210 invested across the Channel Islands.
The funding will support a wide range of local projects delivering meaningful impact for islanders, including:
-
Expanding access to counselling and peer support
-
Strengthening mental health and wellbeing initiatives
-
Supporting local arts, culture and community events
-
Enhancing inclusion, accessibility and environmental sustainability
One of the supported initiatives is the Guernsey Street Festival, which will receive funding to help deliver its programme celebrating local creativity and culture.
A spokesperson for the Guernsey Street Festival said:
“The Guernsey Street Festival is incredibly grateful for the Co-op’s sponsorship and support. Their contribution helps us champion local artists, promote fair pay, strengthen community spirit, boost tourism and town footfall, and create international opportunities for island talent. Every penny raised goes directly towards delivering the festival and supporting our performers.”
Now in its fifth year, the Coop Community Fund has awarded more than £428,763 to 421 community projects, supporting hundreds of initiatives that make a lasting difference to island life.
This first pay-out of 2026 demonstrates CI Coop’s continued commitment to supporting the wellbeing of island communities and investing in projects that help people thrive.
Mark Cox, CEO of the Channel Islands Co-operative Society, said:
“We are proud to support such a diverse and inspiring group of organisations. These projects reflect the heart of our community – inclusive, caring, and forward-thinking. The Coop Community Fund is one of the many ways we live our values and invest in the wellbeing of islanders.”
Carl Winn, Head of Sustainability & Community, added:
“This funding round highlights the incredible breadth of community-led work taking place across Guernsey. From supporting vulnerable individuals and families to enabling cultural, environmental and wellbeing initiatives, these projects are helping to build a stronger, more connected and more resilient island for everyone.”
The Coop Community Fund is part of the CI Coop’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and providing meaningful support to islanders.
The Coop Community Fund is part of the CI Coop’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local community and providing Islanders with meaningful support.
For more information about the Community Fund and how to apply, click here.
Full list of recipients
The Lihou Charity LGB – £2,500
Install a weather station on Lihou Island recording environmental data.
Supports educational sessions for Bailiwick schools.
Guernsey Counselling Service – £2,400
Provides counselling for individuals facing financial hardship, housing issues and stress.
Enables access for those unable to afford support.
Stay and Play Guernsey – £1,500
Weekly inclusive playgroup for children, especially those with additional needs.
Funding for equipment and venue hire.
Guernsey Caring for Ex-Offenders – £1,050
Provides sleeping equipment for individuals leaving prison without accommodation.
Supports safer reintegration and reduces reoffending risk.
Adult Disability Services – £1,000
Activity packs for residential care settings.
Encourages engagement through interactive games.
Explore the Bailiwick Environment – £1,000
Environmental learning course for adults.
Expands access to community-based participation.
La Houguette Primary School PTFA – £1,000
Restore playground equipment lost to storm damage.
Supports physical and social development.
Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association – £1,000
Structured activities for carers and people with dementia.
Promotes wellbeing and engagement.
Wellbeing Activities with Music – £1,000
Music-based therapy for dementia patients and adults with learning difficulties.
Home Start Guernsey – £1,000
Early support programme for parents and newborns.
Focus on wellbeing, attachment and development.
La Société Guernesiaise Bat Group – £1,000
Research linking bat activity with environmental data.
Supports sustainable land-use planning.
Relationships Guernsey – £1,000
Counsellor supervision to ensure safe, high-quality family counselling services.
Floral Guernsey Foundation – £1,000
Environmental planting and restoration around St Apolline’s Chapel.
Guernsey Child Contact Centre – £1,000
Refurbishment of outdoor contact area for family visits.
Guernsey Street Festival – £1,000
Community arts festival promoting accessible culture and local performers.
Alderney Eel Project – £1,000
eDNA research to detect critically endangered European eel populations.
Supports conservation awareness.
Guernsey Dynamics FC – £800
Team kits to promote inclusion and participation in sport.
Alderney Children’s Centre – £800
Development of children’s farm for learning about sustainability and animal care.
Floral Forest – £600
Nature-based learning project supporting children and families.
Choices – £560
Sensory boxes for clinic spaces to reduce anxiety and aid communication.
St John’s Churchyard – £500
Maintenance of a valued community green space.
