Northern Rivers Community Foundation Grants Round announced
Cash-strapped Ballina Shire community organisations take note: the Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) has just announced its 2009 Grants Round, and is inviting applications.
The Chairman of the NRCF’s Grants Committee, George Lewin, said he was pleased to report that this year the NRCF had something like $24,000 to distribute to worthwhile projects.
“Given that most charities are doing it really tough this year because of the Global Financial Crisis, and are sharply cutting back on their services, we’ve had some good investment income during the last year which we are now able to distribute,” he said.
“Donations to the NRCF are never spent. They’re invested in perpetuity, and the income generated is distributed to the community through these grant rounds. That way, your gift keeps on giving.”
The grants will generally be up to $2000 each but consideration can be given to higher amounts. The project must fit the NRCF’s broad criteria, and be completed within 12 months of the date of the grant being awarded.
Applicants must be incorporated not-for-profit community-based organisations in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, and must have Charitable and Deductible Gift Recipient status in their own right, or be auspiced by a body which has.
The guidelines used for assessment relate to social disadvantage due to age, gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, educational disadvantage, socio-economic status, mental health or disability.
Activities which benefit the whole community – rather than a specific target group – can also be considered. A particular focus will be on projects aimed at youth.
Last year’s Grants Round saw more than $21,000 distributed between 13 organisations including:
Biala Special School towards a new bus for disadvantaged kids
Byron Underage Drinking and Drug Initiative for a training series
Volunteering Northern Rivers for a recruitment Expo
Uniting Care in Casino to assist their transport project for the frail elderly
Byron Emergency Accommodation program for tents and camping gear
Applications close at 4.30pm on Friday, 25th September 2009 and the announcement of the successful applicants will be made on Friday 23rd October 2009. For more information see www.nrcf.org.au.
