Community-Led Recovery in Action: How Local Grantmaking Built Resilience Across the Northern Rivers
An independent evaluation of the Community Resilience Grants Program has reinforced the power of local recovery, showing that when funding decisions are made close to community, support reaches people faster and lasts longer. Delivered in 2024 by the Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) in partnership with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the program distributed approximately $1 million to 20 local organisations across all seven Northern Rivers LGAs. The grants supported grassroots initiatives helping local people rebuild, reconnect and prepare for future challenges following the 2022 floods.
With grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the program enabled organisations to address issues such as mental health, food security, youth wellbeing, environmental restoration, and disaster preparedness. By placing decision-making close to the ground, NRCF ensured funds were responsive, flexible and reached the people who know their place best. The evaluation found that nearly 20% of grant funds were invested directly in organisational capacity building, strengthening governance, systems and long-term sustainability across the sector. In the words of one recipient:
“The NRCF are fabulous… because they are local, they understand what we are facing. It makes a real difference having it administered locally.”
NRCF CEO Sam Henderson reflects:
“This evaluation confirms what our region has long known: when recovery is led by the community, it lasts. The Northern Rivers continues to show that local people, backed by trust and flexible funding, are the key to resilience.”
Why a local approach matters
Disaster recovery funding from government agencies like NSW Reconstruction Authority is often delivered at scale through large grants with stringent eligibility and reporting requirements. This can be difficult to access for smaller organisations, who are driving the community-led response. By acting as a third-party grant maker, NRCF bridged this gap, providing a high standard of governance and risk management to NSWRA while leveraging its trusted relationships, local knowledge and agile processes to maximise impact on the ground. The evaluation found that recipients consistently reported that NRCF felt part of their community, not an external funder.
Learning and looking forward
While the overall assessment was strongly positive, the evaluation also surfaced valuable lessons for the future. Some smaller organisations noted that additional support with applications would improve access. Others pointed out the importance of clearer communication around the roles of funders and local delivery agents. NRCF is already taking this feedback into account as program design evolves.
“This evaluation doesn’t just confirm the impact of community-led recovery, it gives us a roadmap for how to keep improving,” says Mr Henderson. “We’re proud of what this program achieved, and we’re listening closely to how we can build on it. That’s the power of local collaboration – we’re looking forward to learning, adapting, and growing together.”
A region built on resilience
The 2024 Community Resilience Grants Program stands as a testament to what’s possible when local knowledge and collaboration guide recovery. Across the Northern Rivers, community organisations, donors, volunteers, and partners continue to turn funding into action. The independent evaluation not only celebrates these achievements but also highlights opportunities to grow stronger together. By learning from experience and building on what works, NRCF and its partners are helping ensure that when the next challenge comes, our communities will be prepared and supported.
Read the summary of the program evaluation report here.