Guernsey Overseas Aid & Development Commission

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £4,346,000 (2024 budget)
• Success Rate: Approximately 15-20% (49 grants awarded from 320+ applications in typical year)
• Decision Time: 6-14 weeks from deadline
• Grant Range: £5,000 - £250,000
• Geographic Focus: World's least developed countries (based on UN Human Development Index)

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.gov.gg/overseasaid
• Email: overseasaid@gov.gg
• Phone: Not publicly listed
• Pre-application advice: Charities are strongly advised to contact the Principal Officer via email before submitting an application

Overview

The Guernsey Overseas Aid & Development Commission is a government body established by the States of Guernsey to distribute public funds for development and humanitarian work in the world's least developed countries. With an annual budget of over £4 million (2024), the Commission operates with a clear philosophy: "helping the world's least developed countries through a hand up rather than a hand-out." The Commission is committed to increasing its budget from the current 0.1% of GDP to 0.2% by 2030. Led by volunteer commissioners with expertise in international development, the Commission has supported over 100 different charities since 2023, distributing more than £8 million. In 2024 alone, the Commission funded 56 projects across 22 countries, addressing 16 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Commission's work encompasses both sustainable development projects and emergency disaster relief, with a strong emphasis on projects that provide basic needs including health, education, water, sanitation, and sustainable livelihoods.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Single-Year Project Grants: £5,000 - £60,000

• For specific, sustainable projects in least developed countries
• Must be completed within one year
• Applications submitted annually (typically closes late February)
• Online application with acknowledgment
• Decisions communicated mid-April to early June

Multi-Year Project Grants: Up to £250,000 (over 3 years)

• Approximately £83,000 per year over three years
• For charities with proven track record
• Two-stage application process: outline proposal followed by detailed proposal
• 6-8 multi-year projects funded annually
• Applications typically close late March
• Requires demonstration of previous successful delivery

Disaster and Emergency Relief Awards: Variable amounts

• Rolling basis for humanitarian crises
• Recent awards of £60,000 each for major emergencies
• Must be well-established in affected area
• Cannot duplicate DEC (Disaster Emergency Committee) funding
• Focuses on immediate life-saving needs: food, water, sanitation, medical help, shelter, clothing

Priority Areas

The Commission prioritizes projects that:

• Health and Medical: Medical facilities, maternal and newborn health, nutrition programs
• Education: Educational programmes and facilities, training in sustainable employment skills
• Water and Sanitation: Clean water provision, sanitation infrastructure
• Sustainable Livelihoods: Agriculture, horticulture, food security, economic development
• Housing: Basic shelter and housing improvements
• UN Sustainable Development Goals: Projects must address one or more SDGs

Geographic Priority: Countries on the UN Human Development Index's least developed countries list

Approach: Projects that create sustainable change and empower communities for self-sufficiency

What They Don't Fund

• Geographic: Projects in Europe (wholly or partly) are explicitly excluded
• Religious activities: Must be non-sectarian
• Projects outside charity objectives: Must align with the charity's registered purposes
• Low efficiency: Organizations that cannot ensure 90% of grant funds reach intended beneficiaries
• Charities with compliance issues: Those who have failed to meet previous reporting requirements or regulatory obligations
• Individual agencies: Where DEC funding has already been provided for the same emergency
• Rejected projects via emergency route: Projects rejected for grant aid cannot then apply for emergency aid
• Single-year projects exceeding one year: Projects that cannot be completed within 12 months

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Governance and Leadership

Current Commission (as of 2025)

President: Deputy Jennifer Strachan

• Elected July 2025
• States of Guernsey member and sustainability champion
• Quote: “The charities that receive overseas grants are making a real difference in the lives of so many around the world who struggle with famine, natural, and man-made disasters. I noted that our budget is tiny, but important for supporting vulnerable communities where even a small donation can make the difference between life and death.”

Commissioners (volunteer positions, 4-year terms):

• Judy Moore
• Bryan Pill
• Chris Gregg (appointed August 2022)
• Dr Lindsay Jefferies (appointed August 2022)
• Dr Michelle Le Cheminant (appointed August 2022)
• Mike Allen - Experienced business leader with international expertise, has led multi-disciplined teams globally, founded a business providing outsourced procurement services for governments and NGOs with partners in West and East Africa

The Commission consists of a President (who must be a member of the States) and six commissioners (who need not be States members), all serving on a voluntary basis. Commissioners spend many hours reading and assessing each of the hundreds of applications received annually.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Single-Year Projects:

1. Review Policy and Guidance Notes at gov.gg/overseasaid
2. Contact Principal Officer at overseasaid@gov.gg (strongly advised before applying)
3. Submit online application form before deadline (typically late February)
4. Receive automatic email acknowledgment
5. Principal Officer contacts only if questions arise

Multi-Year Projects:

1. Submit via online form

Disaster and Emergency Relief:

• Rolling applications
• Must demonstrate established presence in affected area
• Must show ability to scale up resources quickly

Decision Timeline

Single-Year Projects: 6-14 weeks

• Applications accepted February to late February
• Commission reviews in strict date order of submission
• Decisions communicated mid-April to early June (earlier submissions typically receive earlier decisions)
• Written notification with reasons for decision

Multi-Year Projects: 6-8 weeks

• Outline proposals reviewed first
• Shortlisted charities invited for detailed proposals
• Final decisions by mid-April for outline stage

Emergency Relief: Varies based on urgency

Success Rates

Approximately 15-20% success rate based on available data:

• 320+ applications received annually
• 49 single-year grants awarded in typical year
• 6-8 multi-year projects funded each year
• Total of approximately 55-57 awards from 320+ applications

In 2024, the Commission funded 56 projects across 22 countries. Over 100 different charities have benefitted from more than £8 million in funding since 2023.

Reapplication Policy

• The Commission notifies all applicants of decisions with reasons
• Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in future rounds (no explicit waiting period stated)
• However, charities that have failed to meet reporting/monitoring requirements for previous grants will be rejected
• Projects rejected for grant aid cannot apply for emergency aid as an alternative route
• Each application considered on its merits

Application Success Factors

Critical Requirements

Efficiency Threshold: Must demonstrate that at least 90% of grant funds will reach intended beneficiaries. This is a key screening criterion.

Track Record: For multi-year funding, charities must have proven delivery on previous grant-funded projects.

Sustainability Focus: The Commission seeks projects that provide “a hand up rather than a hand-out”—building community capacity for self-sufficiency rather than creating dependency.

What the Commission Values

UN SDG Alignment: Projects must address one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals. In 2025, funded projects met 16 of 17 SDGs, with each project addressing an average of 4-5 goals. This demonstrates the Commission's commitment to comprehensive, multi-dimensional impact.

Basic Needs Focus: Priority given to fundamental development areas—health, education, water, sanitation, food security, and sustainable livelihoods.

Community Impact: Clear demonstration of how projects will improve basic living needs for communities.

Detailed Budgets: Applications must clearly set out how funding will be used, with budgets showing specific items and quantities to be purchased.

Geographic Focus: Must be in UN-designated least developed countries.

Recent Successful Projects (Examples)

1. Practical Tools Initiative - Sierra Leone (£50,000): Installation of peanut and sesame mill to combat malnutrition, supporting 2,000 community farmers and families with locally produced nutritious food

1. Good Neighbours UK - Niger: Project protecting mothers and newborns through healthcare improvements

1. International Nepal Fellowship UK - Nepal (£150,000 multi-year): “Adolescents-led Resilient Livelihoods for Terai Dalit Farmers” program

1. Madagascar Projects: Multiple initiatives by SEED Madagascar, Feedback Madagascar, and The Adsum Foundation focusing on water and school infrastructure

1. Emergency Awards - Sudan (£60,000 each): Grants to UK for UNHCR and Samaritan's Purse for internally displaced people affected by famine and conflict

Application Tips

Pre-Application Contact: The Commission strongly advises contacting the Principal Officer before submitting—this demonstrates seriousness and allows clarification of eligibility.

Submit Early: Applications are reviewed in strict date order. Earlier submissions within the application window typically receive earlier decisions.

Non-Sectarian Approach: Clearly demonstrate that the project is non-religious in nature and benefits the community regardless of faith.

Compliance History: Ensure all previous grant reporting has been completed if you're a repeat applicant—non-compliance is grounds for rejection.

Detailed Planning: Show that single-year projects can realistically be completed within 12 months.

Local Partnerships: For emergency relief, demonstrate established presence and strong local partnerships in the affected area.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Efficiency is paramount: The 90% beneficiary requirement is non-negotiable. Clearly demonstrate low overhead costs and high impact per pound spent.

1. Early engagement matters: Contact the Principal Officer before applying and submit applications early in the window for quicker decisions and to demonstrate commitment.

1. Sustainability over dependency: Frame projects around “hand up not hand out”—show how communities will gain capacity, skills, and self-sufficiency, not just receive aid.

1. Multi-dimensional impact wins: Projects addressing multiple UN SDGs (aim for 4-5) are more competitive. Show how a single intervention creates ripple effects across health, education, economic development, etc.

1. Track record counts for larger grants: For multi-year funding up to £250,000, you must demonstrate previous successful delivery. Consider applying for single-year grants first to build credibility.

1. Competition is significant: With only a 15-20% success rate from 320+ applications, applications must be exceptionally well-targeted and compelling. Focus on projects that align precisely with priority areas.

1. Geographic focus is strict: Only apply for projects in UN-designated least developed countries—applications for projects in other regions will be automatically rejected.

References

1. States of Guernsey - Overseas Aid Official Website. Available at: https://www.gov.gg/overseasaid

1. States of Guernsey (2025). "Statement by President, Overseas Aid & Development Commission." Available at: https://gov.gg/article/202345/Statement-by-President-Overseas-Aid--Development-Commission

1. Guernsey Press. "Overseas aid 'gives Guernsey seat at the international table.'" Available at: https://guernseypress.com/news/2025/01/08/overseas-aid-gives-guernsey-seat-at-the-international-table/

1. fundsforNGOs (2024). “Supporting Global Development: States of Guernsey Overseas Aid.” Available at: https://www2.fundsforngos.org/donor-agencies/supporting-global-development-states-of-guernsey-overseas-aid/

1. States of Guernsey (2024). "Overseas Aid & Development Commission supports Sustainable Development Goals." Available at: https://www.gov.gg/OADC-supports-sustainable-development-goals

1. States of Guernsey. "Overseas Aid & Development Commission." Available at: https://www.gov.gg/article/152837/Overseas-Aid--Development-Commission

1. Hub Cymru Africa. “Guernsey Overseas Aid Commission Multi-Year Grant Aid Awards.” Available at: https://hubcymruafrica.wales/funding-opportunity/guernsey-overseas-aid-commission-multi-year-grant-aid-awards/

1. Good Neighbours UK. “Guernsey Overseas Aid Grant helping Protect Mothers and Newborns in Niger.” Available at: https://www.goodneighbours-uk.org/guernsey-overseas-aid-grant-helping-protect-mothers-and-newborns-in-niger/

1. Channel Eye. "Overseas Aid & Development Commission appoints new commissioners." Available at: https://channeleye.media/overseas-aid-development-commission-appoints-new-commissioners/

1. Bailiwick Express. “Overseas aid to double by 2030.” Available at: https://gsy.bailiwickexpress.com/gsy/news/overseas-aid-double-2030/