'Unlocked' philanthropy could benefit charities

Prof Beth Breeze said philanthropy would make a "transformational difference" to Jersey charities

A UK expert has said philanthropy could be a "game-changer" for Jersey charities.

Prof Beth Breeze, the director of the Centre for Philanthropy at the University of Kent, came to the island to give a talk on the subject last week at the invitation of the Jersey Community Foundation (JCF).

Prof Breeze said donations of more than £5,000 would make a "transformational difference" to the sector.

JCF director Stephen Platt said there was a "a huge amount of potential" for philanthropic support of the island's charities.

Prof Breeze was invited to the island by the Jersey Community Foundation

Speaking to 250 wealth advisors and charity representatives, Prof Breeze said there was a lot of "unlocked potential" for philanthropy on the island.

"[It would be a] game-changer for charities to go from wondering how they can afford next month's salary bill to knowing they can secure funding for the year," she said.

"You don't have to be Bill Gates and donate millions of pounds, we just need one or two people who can make between £5,000 and £50,000 donations to a charity."

Mr Platt said JCF wanted charities to better market themselves to philanthropists

JCF helps donors find charitable causes to work with and looks for ways to make sure the money makes an impact.

Mr Platt, from the foundation, said there was "a lot to learn" from Prof Breeze.

He added there was "a huge amount of potential" for philanthropy on a "relatively wealthy island" such as Jersey.

"We want to educate charities on how best they can market themselves and put themselves forward in order to unlock that wealth and that generosity that exists within our community," he said.