Charities invited to apply for 2027 Saffery Rotary Walk funding
- Applications now open for Bailiwick charities to receive funding from the 2027 Saffery Rotary Walk, with deadline of 30 November
- More than 1,000 walkers raised over £100,000 in 2026, with sixteen local charities receiving funding
- Every penny raised goes to charities as Saffery Trust covers all event costs, with sponsorship extended to 2029
- 2026 beneficiaries included Autism Guernsey, Guernsey Bereavement Service, and The Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation
- Walk takes place on Saturday 12 June 2027, with successful applicants announced in January
Bailiwick charities and non-profit organisations can now apply for funding from the 2027 Saffery Rotary Walk, with applications open until Monday 30 November.
Successful applicants will be announced in January ahead of the walk, which takes place on Saturday 12 June 2027.
The application window follows this year's successful event, which saw more than 1,000 walkers raise over £100,000 for local causes.
Earlier this month, His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Cripwell KBE CB, presented sixteen local charities and non-profits with their share of the proceeds at Government House.
Jannine Birtwistle, the Walk's Charity Coordinator, emphasised that organisers prioritise substance over presentation when reviewing applications.
"We are not looking for the biggest names or the slickest forms. We are looking for a clear project, something we can point to afterwards and say that the Walk helped make that happen," she said. "Every single application we receive is carefully considered."
Ms Birtwistle highlighted a key advantage of the event's funding model. "Thanks to the continued support of our main sponsor, Saffery Trust, and our other supporters, every penny our walkers raise is available for distribution to local causes. That is a rare thing, and it is just one of the reasons why we would encourage organisations with a suitable project to apply."
Lisa Vizia, Director at Saffery Trust, said: "If your organisation has a project that has been waiting for funding, this is the time to put it forward."
Ms Vizia announced that Saffery Trust has extended its commitment as main sponsor through to 2029, marking eleven years of support. "Now approaching our eleventh year as main sponsor of the Walk, we have also extended our commitment through to 2029, and covering the cost of staging it means the money raised goes to the charities rather than the event."
Among the 2026 beneficiaries, Autism Guernsey received funding for a portable sensory gazebo, pop-up displays and promotional materials, while Guernsey Bereavement Service was awarded money for a copper memory tree. The Health Improvement Commission secured funding for cliff path waymarker posts and accessible route information.
The Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation received support for baby boxes containing essentials, support items and keepsakes for families, and Wheels for You was funded for an adapted Van Raam Easy Rider tricycle.
Applications are open to Bailiwick charities and non-profit organisations registered on the Guernsey Charities Register whose work benefits the local community. Funding is awarded to identifiable projects that are achievable and have clear, measurable outcomes.
Full details and the online application form are available at safferyrotarywalk.org.gg.
Online applications are preferred, but organisations wishing to apply on paper can download and print the form from the website or collect one from the offices of Saffery Trust at La Tonnelle House, Les Banques.
The Saffery Rotary Walk is a long-standing island tradition organised by Guernsey's two Rotary clubs — the Rotary Club of Guernsey and Rotary Guernesiais.
The 39-mile coastal route takes participants around the island in a single day, with options including the full solo walk, relay teams of four to seven people, and the Family Walk.
Q&A
Q: When is the deadline for charity applications?
A: Applications close on Monday 30 November 2026, with successful applicants announced in January 2027.
Q: How much money was raised in the 2026 Walk?
A: More than 1,000 walkers raised over £100,000 for local causes in 2026, with sixteen charities receiving funding.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for funding?
A: Applications are open to Bailiwick charities and non-profit organisations registered on the Guernsey Charities Register whose work benefits the local community. Funding is awarded to identifiable projects that are achievable and have clear, measurable outcomes.
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