NAMBUCCA Valley not-for-profit and charity organisations seeking funding for local projects have until midnight 22 October 2021 to apply for a grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation’s latest funding round totalling $800,000.

“We know there’s a lot of worthy programs looking for support, many of which are under considerable pressure right now, that’s why our application process is straight-forward and easily completed via an application portal on our website,” Graham Batten Charitable Foundation Executive Officer, told News Of The Area.

“In addition to a range of tools to guide applicants through the process, our website includes information on virtual grant-seeker workshops which we will hold in the coming weeks,” said Graham.

The Charitable Foundation grants are awarded to support community-based organisations across regional NSW that require funding for a new or existing project that aims to address disadvantage or empower new opportunities for marginalised or isolated people.

Mr Batten said the last year had been especially tough for charities and not-for-profit organisations.

“In the context of continuous restrictions and lockdowns, local charities and not-for-profit organisations have found carrying out their normal work more difficult and complex, and in some cases impossible.

“We believe we can make a real difference by supporting grass-roots organisations, embedded in their local communities across regional NSW.

“That’s why we want to hear from charities and not-for-profit groups on the Mid North Coast.

“To date, we have provided over three million dollars to a range of programs on the Mid North Coast, that address community issues across our key focus areas of health, young people and social disadvantage,” he said.

Past local recipients of the Charitable Foundation are: $79,000 to Coffs Coast Legacy to establish a grassroots program addressing the high incidence of mental health issues within the veteran community; and $25,500 to the MiiMi Aboriginal Corporation in Bowraville to establish a soup kitchen, providing weekly meals and nutrition workshops to community members facing homelessness or financial difficulties.

Applications are open now via the Charitable Foundation website closing at 11.59pm on 22 October 2021.

 

By Andrea FERRARI