Bushfire Grants to Help Communities Recover

We’re pleased to announce the launch of a new grants program to help communities rebuild and recover from the Black Summer bushfires.

The Vinnies NSW Community Bushfire Grant Program is the latest way we are using the funds raised from the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal to support people on their journey to recovery.

Throughout 2020, we have been there for people and communities impacted by the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires.

Vinnies members and volunteers have assisted more than 4,500 families who suffered damage to their homes and livelihoods. We have provided immediate cash payments, material aid including food and clothing, and invaluable emotional support.

We have been able to provide this ongoing support thanks to the generosity of everyone who donated to the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal. To these donors, we once again say thank you.

Our bushfire response so far has focused on supporting people on the individual level. Here in NSW, as we move towards recovery, we will focus on projects with community-wide benefit.

Today we are opening Round 1 of the Vinnies NSW Bushfire Grant Program, offering funding to community organisations working in the hardest-hit areas.

We appreciate that the Black Summer bushfires affected each community differently, and local residents know their own community’s needs better than anyone. We are providing 115 one-off grants of up to $20,000 to support community organisations and grassroots groups in delivering their own local recovery projects.

It’s up to each community what those projects may look like. We are open to any of the following and more:

“Funds will be issued on a three-tier basis of small (up to $5,000), medium (up to $10,000) and large (up to $20,000) grants for projects set to bring about the most benefit for residents,” explains Jack de Groot, CEO of Vinnies NSW.

“We especially welcome grant applicants who can demonstrate they’ll make a difference for the most at-risk and disadvantaged groups, including Aboriginal communities, culturally and linguistically diverse residents, people with disability, and people experiencing (or at imminent risk of) homelessness.”