Funding agreement strengthens Floral Guernsey’s future, but remains less than half the support it used to receive

• Economic Development has granted Floral Guernsey £15,000 annually for three years.
• The funding aims to support the long-term sustainability of the charity.
• Changes in public funding necessitated the establishment of this new approach.
• Floral Guernsey is seeking corporate sponsorship to enhance local green spaces.
• Initiatives for 2026 include the launch of the Bailiwick in Bloom awards.

Economic Development has established a three-year funding agreement with the Floral Guernsey Foundation, providing an annual grant of £15,000 plus inflation adjustments.

This initiative is aimed at ensuring the charity's long-term sustainability amidst changing public funding dynamics.

In March last year the charity warned its reserves were in danger of running out after the usual more than £40,000 annual grant it received was stopped.

Floral Guernsey has played a central role in enhancing the natural beauty of the islands.

Changes in how grant funding for tourism-related events is allocated mean it lost that funding source.

Economic Development has worked with Floral Guernsey and the Association of Guernsey Charities to create the new partnership agreement.

Sue Bacon, Chair of the Floral Guernsey Foundation Council, said: “This grant will enable Floral Guernsey to continue its commitments to making horticulture accessible and inclusive, supporting the health and well-being of our community, while protecting and promoting our islands’ natural beauty.”

She emphasised the outstanding contribution of volunteers, citing over 4,500 hours committed last year.

Floral Guernsey is actively seeking to partner with a corporate sponsor.

Events planned for 2026 include the inaugural Bailiwick in Bloom awards.

Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, President for Economic Development, highlighted the historical significance of Floral Guernsey, stating, “Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm have strong reputations as islands of flowers, and much of this is thanks to the work Floral Guernsey has carried out over many decades.”

She indicated that fiscal pressures have made it challenging to provide historical levels of support but confirmed that the new three-year agreement is intended to provide necessary stability while Floral Guernsey secures a sustainable future.

Economic Development oversees the Tourism Management Board, which had been the main grant funder of Floral Guernsey until a decision was made not to support the organisation last year.

At the time that position won support from the then Economic Development President Neil Inder.