NRCF is honoured to deliver the vital $1 million Community Resilience Grants Program, in partnership with the NSW State Government. This initiative is a crucial step forward in the flood recovery efforts, 18 months on from the flooding disasters of February and March 2022.
The Community Resilience Grants Program will extend its support across all seven Local Government Areas in the Northern Rivers, offering grants to local not-for-profit organisations whose projects address the priority areas of:
- community connections
- mental health/wellbeing
- improving current living situations
- financial wellbeing
- building resource capacity at an individual and community scale
We understand there is still such a long way to go in our region’s recovery, and as a Community Foundation with 19 years of trusted grant making in the Northern Rivers, we are thrilled to be a part of the journey for our region to recover, regenerate and thrive once more.
NCRF CEO Sam Henderson expressed his appreciation for the funding and highlighted its importance locally.
“Our community is on the path to recovery following the second most expensive disaster in Australian history, with the estimated cost to rebuild Lismore alone being substantial,” Mr. Henderson said.
“There have been many challenges post-disaster, including ensuring that those making the most impact on the ground have adequate resources to continue their work. NRCF is excited to partner in the Community Resilience Grants and provide our experience and agile processes to get funding to organisations as efficiently as possible.”
This funding represents a significant step in the right direction, providing essential support to communities still grappling with the medium to long-term recovery phase. It will empower local grassroots organisations to continue delivering projects that benefit individuals, families, and communities across the Northern Rivers.
With almost two decades of experience in community support, NRCF is well-prepared to manage the Community Resilience Grants Program thanks to our strong community networks, and all eligible organisations have been encouraged to apply.
This grant program is designed to support our local organisations to provide essential services, reinforcing social cohesion and supporting the community-led social recovery our region is known for. Best of luck to everyone with their application, and let’s all work together to support the Northern Rivers to regenerate. NRCF realised the importance of ensuring funding security for these critical organisations and worked tirelessly to get funding to them before Christmas break. Successful recipients were notified on 15th December, 2023.