September 2020 Community Grants application period shortened

Why have we made this decision?

2020 has been an extremely difficult year for so many, with the summer bushfires followed swiftly by COVID and lockdown.

Aside from the negative health outcomes, the pandemic lockdown has resulted in many Australians facing extreme hardship. Many are out of a job or have had their income cut. Those on temporary visas are not eligible to receive Job Keeper or Job Seeker, and cannot return home. Incidences of domestic violence and mental health issues have increased.

Twice a year, our Foundation provides grants of up to $15,000 to small organisations that use clever ways to fight poverty, loneliness, suffering and oppression.

We are speeding up the next grants round so as to get funds into the hands of those who need them in as short a time frame as possible. Applications are now open and will close on 17 September.

Our Grants Allocation Committee will also make its decision in a much shorter time frame, meaning that the next batch of successful organisations will receive their funding in late 2020, instead of 2021.

“We are proud of our Community Grant recipient organisations for their agility and innovation in the face of whatever 2020 throws at them, and we take inspiration from them now,” says Foundation CEO Louise Burton. “We are endeavouring to meet the increased needs of our communities and provide a ray of hope for as many small organisations as we can.”

How to apply

1. Make sure you are eligible to apply for a grant. Read the Eligibility Checklist.

2. Check the Application Guidelines for information on how to apply and what supporting materials you need to provide.

3. The September 2020 Grant Round opened on 1 August and will close on 17 September. Apply here.