All non profit organisations in Jersey with an annual turnover of £1,000 or more must make a return to the Jersey Financial Services Commission under the Non Profit Organisation (Jersey) Law 2008. Find out more at the JFSC website.
Frequently asked questions
How do I organise a public event?
There are many things to consider when organising a public event. Here you will find information to help you do this.
How do I become a member of the Association?
Read full details by visiting our "How do I become a member of the Association page"
How can I find out what the Association has done in the past?
The Association support a wide range of activities throughout the year. Here is a round up of previous year’s grants.
A well run charity achieves high standards and attracts public confidence and support. The Executive Committee of the Association of Jersey Charities expects every member charity to aspire to high standards and will work with it towards ensuring that it meets these required standards.
The Jersey Charity Commisoner has issued Guidance for Governors which can be found here
The hallmarks of an effective charity as advised by the UK charity Commissioner can be found here
Charities will need to apply to the Jersey Gambling Commission for a Social & Charitable Registration or Permit if they plan to hold more than 3 gambling events in the calendar year or one event with prizes over £1500. Raffles (with any value of prizes, however low), lotteries and bingo are permitted under a Registration. A Permit is required to offer cinema racing or for very high prize value events in excess of £12,000. Crown and Anchor can only be offered by charities if they engage the services of a licensed commercial provider. Contact the Jersey Gambling Commission for further information or view their website for advice and guidance. https://www.jgc.je/social-and-
How do I make our Annual Return to the Association?
All members need to complete an Annual Return which must be completed by 31st March each year.
How do I reclaim GST
Click here to download instructions on how to reclaim GST - you must be a 'Jersey' charity, exempt from Income Tax to qualify.
How do I write up a constitution?
The Jersey Charity Commissioner also has a sample constitution on their website: https://charitycommissioner.je/for-charities/guidance-and-legislation/
How do we apply for a grant from the Association?
Click here for full details of How to apply for a Grant
Grants from lottery profits are available to ANY Jersey registered charity, or 'excepted foreign charity'.
AJC member charities also have access to AJC private funds and 'small grants'
The Bailiff exercises a customary right (which derives from the prohibition against begging) over the collecting of money in public places. The permission of the Bailiff rather than the Connetable, is required for any such public collection.
The Jersey Charity Commissioner provides guidance which can be found at https://charitycommissioner.je/for-the-public/fundraising/
Public collections
Taking collections in public places requires the permission of the Bailiff under Customary Law powers. A person who collects in public without the Bailiff’s permission is acting contrary to the Law - see here: https://www.gov.je/leisure/events/organisingpublicevent/pages/collectingpublic.aspx
Applying for permission
Anyone seeking permission to collect in public must make such a request in writing to the Chief Officer
Details must be given of the proposed time and place of the collection, with the name of the organisation that will benefit. In the event that a collection is proposed on behalf of another charity, written evidence will be required that this charity recognises the collector and supports the collection before the application is considered.
The Bailiff’s permission
If permission is granted for a collection, a letter of authority will be issued subject to the following conditions:
- the name of the beneficiary of the collection is clearly displayed
- the collection is taken in a container with a closed lid
- a copy of the letter of authority is retained by those taking the collection
- the Parish in which the collection is taking place has been consulted
A copy of the letter will be sent to the States of Jersey Police. The Bailiff may, within 14 days of the collection, require a receipt of the proceeds of the collection from the charity concerned.
Flag days
Local charities, or UK charities with local branches, may apply for a ‘Flag Day’ which entitles the organisation to make house-to-house collections and to have a single day or a week during which collectors may operate widely on their behalf.
Flag Days are strictly controlled both in consideration of the charities themselves (to ensure that they are not competing unfairly against each other) and of the public at large.
Charities must apply in writing to the Bailiff’s Chambers (address above) by 15th November in the year before the proposed Flag Day. Applications will be considered in December and dates allocated by the end of the year.
Flag day permits
There is a fee of £10 for a Flag Day and a formal permit is granted subject to a number of conditions which the organisers are required to observe in the interests of good practice. The conditions are as follows:
- no person may assist or take part in any collection or sale without an armlet, badge or certificate showing his authority
- no collection or sale shall be made on a public footpath or in any public place to the obstruction or annoyance of any person on such footpath or in such public place
- no collector or vendor shall use a table for the purpose of any collection or sale so as to cause or be likely to cause obstruction
- no collector or vendor shall importune any person to the annoyance of such person
- every collector or vendor shall carry and present to each contributor or purchaser, for the receipt of his money contribution, a box or other receptacle securely closed and sealed in such a way as to prevent its being opened or the money extracted without such seal being broken
- every collector or vendor shall deliver his boxes or other receptacles with the seals unbroken to one of the persons responsible for the proper application of the money received
- no collector or vendor shall carry any collecting box, receptacle or tray which does not bear displayed prominently thereon the name of the fund for which the collection or sale is being made
Please call 441100 or email r.traisnel@gov.je
Common queries
Do I require permission for a sponsored event - eg a charity walk?
You do not require permission unless you want to take a public collection during the course of the event. In this case you will require a letter of authority issued on behalf of the Bailiff. Sponsored events do not, in themselves, require the Bailiff’s permission although events which involve use of Parish roads or footpaths require the consent of the Connetable of the Parish concerned.
I represent a UK charity. Can I apply for a flag day in Jersey?
Flag days are normally granted only to local charities or to UK charities with a branch in the Island. They are not normally granted to individuals or groups wishing to organise collections in the Island.
Can I collect money for an individual?
Permission to collect is normally given only for organisations and not for individuals.
Can I split the proceeds of a collection between different charities?
As long as you have applied for permission to collect for more than one charity and the names of the charities are displayed this is in order. However, you must ensure that all the proceeds of the collection go to the bodies for which it has been made.
I want to collect items for prizes in a raffle. Does this need the Bailiff’s permission?
You do not need the Bailiff’s permission to collect items from retailers for use as prizes in raffles. However, with regard to the conduct of raffles, or any other activity dependent on chance, you should contact the Gambling and Lottery Office for further advice.
If you have any queries relating to public collections, please contact the Chief Officer, Bailiff's Chambers
Do charities pay Jersey Income Tax?
Any charity established in Jersey is strictly liable to income tax unless it is exempt under the provisions of Article 115(a) of the Income Tax (Jersey) Law 1961 which states:
Exemption from income tax shall be granted in respect of any income derived from the property of a corporation, association or trust established (in the Island) for a charitable object or for the service of any church or chapel, or any building used solely for the purpose of divine worship and in so far as such income is applied to those purposes.
The purposes which the law considers to be charitable are grouped under the following four general heads:
1. Relief of poverty
2. Advancement of education
3. Advancement of religion
4. Other purposes of a charitable nature beneficial to the community, not falling under any of the preceding heads
In order for a corporation, association or trust to be granted exemption under the provisions of Article 115(a) of the Income Tax (Jersey) Law 1961 the Comptroller must be satisfied that it has been established for a charitable object, i.e. It’s objects or the purpose for which it exists falls under one of the aforementioned heads.
An application for exemption must be in writing to the Comptroller and accompanied by a copy of the memorandum of articles of association, the trust deed or the constitution – whichever is appropriate. Similar applications may be made by charities established in the United Kingdom or Guernsey. In these cases exemption from income tax is granted under the provisions of Article 115(aa) or (ab) of the Law.
How do I set up a charity in Jersey?
Click here to find out how to set up a charity in Jersey.
Other support
Jersey Online Directory
To connect with businesses, agencies and information on Jersey.
Here you will find all sorts of useful information and details on how to access support groups, services, organisations and activities, in Jersey, that are right for you. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, please contact Citizens Advice Jersey on 0800 735 0249.
Jersey Disability Partnership
To promote partnership working within the voluntary & community sector and particularly within the disability partnership.
Website to follow - contact jphopley@hotmail.com
Practical Guide to Disability Discrimination
Other assistance and discounts
Discounted HR Support
10% discount for all registered charities.
Pauline at https://powerhrsolutions.com/ is offering all registered charities 10% discount on bundled hours for HR, recruitment and training products. Please get in touch to discuss your options.
Venue hire or Meeting rooms
There are many businesses and charities that hire out rooms for meetings or events.
Here is a list of charities that offer meeting rooms at charity rates. Some will offer regular meeting rooms or even shared office space. Please contact the administrator for further help.
NatWest Meeting Space & Market Stall - email eventsjersey@natwestint.com
Channel Island Co-operative Society - Community
How we help charities and community Causes.
Giving back is at the heart of our values. We support various worthy causes through:
- donating to projects which support our local communities and environment through our Community Fund
- hosting bag packing and charity events in our stores
- supporting charities through our collection boxes and food donation box schemes
- supporting local groups with fundraising prizes and small sponsorship
- providing corporate sponsorship to events and organisations
- our colleagues working throughout the year to raise money for various local organisations and initiatives
- giving discounts each year to support the Jersey's elderly community through David Kirsch's voucher initiative.
As well as putting the local community at our heart, our business focuses on environmental responsibility, animal welfare, ethical trading, and choosing Fairtrade when we buy from producers in the developing world.
See more here: https://www.channelislands.coop/je/your-society/community/
Discounted Apple Products
Charities can purchase MacBooks, iMac, iPhone or iPads etc at a charity discounted price.
Each year as Apple updates its products, iQ Apple Premium Reseller are left with devices that the loyal Apple consumer thinks is dated, and yet it’s still very valid, NEW and still comes with a one year Apple warranty.
Any charity wishing to purchase MacBooks, iMac, iPhone or iPads etc at a charity discounted price then please contact CarrieSlowey-
Office Supplies
Panther Office Products will offer special rates to charities on office products.
Contact
Anna Davies
Direct Line 01534 728045
Switchboard 01534 493493
Fax 01534 728611
www.panther.je
anna@panther.je
Cyber Security Skills Pool
The JCSP will offer 'free' cyber security help to charities.
The JCSP was created by the Channel Islands Information Security Forum (CIISF) to provide cyber security advice and consultancy to charities and other not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) who would otherwise not be able to afford it. Although there are many charitable funds that provide financial backing to help charities achieve their aims, it can often be difficult to obtain funding for tasks that aren’t considered core to a charity’s purpose – of which cyber security is one of the most critical areas. See more here: http://www.jerseycsp.org.uk/
Discount stamps/Mail discounts
Postage discounts for charities.
Jersey Post offers a 5% discount to charities on bulk buying of stamps.
Jersey Post also offers a 'charity promotional mailing': Jersey Post offers one free delivery per quarter for local charities. The free slot can be used by the successful charity as they wish e.g. to target homes or businesses, by street, parish or all Island...read more
The Guernsey Stamp Company Limited will sell Jersey stamps to charities with a discount of 20%. All postage amounts will be provided with no more than 2 stamps per postage amount and are not self-adhesive. But the extra work is worth using some really old stamps, that bring back memories. Call Peter Wilson to place an order: 01481 721314
Bailiwick Express
Bailiwick offer discounts to charities for advertising.
Bailiwick Publishing offers discounted rates for Charities advertising with them online www.bailiwickexpress.com, in print (Connect magazine) or on radio (Bailiwick Radio). If you’re interested in advertising with Bailiwick Express and you’d like to find out more please contact sales@
About Bailiwick Publishing
Bailiwick Express: A virtual newspaper for Jersey combining the opportunities in website presentation and interactivity with e-mail reach to its readers.
Connect: The monthly business magazine delivered in both print and digital formats, and offering incisive comment, features and analysis of the issues affecting our prosperity.
Bailiwick Radio: The Channel Islands’ online radio station playing the best music from the 60s, 70s and 80s on Bailiwick Radio Classics and the 90s to the very latest tracks on Bailiwick Radio Hits.
Cheap/donated software
Cheap/donated software from leading providers.
Charity Digital Exchange provides free or discounted software from a range of software developers, like Microsft, Adobe etc., to charities. Vist their site to find the most popular packages available for free, with a very cheap admin cost.
To be accepted on this scheme you must provide an AJC membership number.
Quickbooks https://quickbooks.intuit.com/ will provide discounts to charities, get in touch.
Local Discounts
Many local tech companies/shops will attempt to offer discounts to charities, you just need to ask!
Reclaiming Tax
Reclaiming GST
All charities registered as 'tax exempt' for charitable purposes may reclaim GST directly from the taxes office.
If your charity hasn't already been issued a GST Reference number you should apply to the tax department in writing enclosing a copy of your tax exemption letter. You will need this number to complete your claim and this should be inserted on the claim form.
Follow this link and read the instructions carefully to make a claim: https://www.gov.je/taxesmoney/gst/businesses/industry/pages/charitiesnonprofit.aspx#anchor-0
Reclaiming tax from lump sum donations - 'Jersey Gift Support'
If a donation is made to you for £50 or more, and the donor is a Jersey taxpayer, you can claim an extra 25% on the donation by asking the donor to complete a form R10.
The process has recently changed, to make it easier for donors and charities.
Please follow this link to find out how you make a return to the taxes office: https://www.gov.je/TaxesMoney/IncomeTax/Charities/Pages/SubmittingAClaim.aspx#anchor-0
Reclaiming tax on payroll giving
Employers can easily set up 'payroll giving' for their employees and if the annual amount equates to £50 or more, the charity can then claim an extra 25% as a 'lump sum donation'. Please follow this link to find out more: https://www.gov.je/taxesmoney/incometax/charities/pages/makingdonation.aspx
