Many organisations across the country could not operate without the time donated by generous volunteers and without donated funds.
Community projects and initiatives that address important social issues in the Northern Rivers will receive $245,000 in funding from the latest round of grants announced by Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation at a funding ceremony held in Newcastle.
The Northern Rivers projects include the fit-out of a local men’s shed, and support programs for young people in out of home care.
This round of funding totalled $820,000 for 13 projects across central, western, and northern NSW. The grants presented recently brought the total amount donated by the Charitable Foundation to more than $19 million for 460 important initiatives, since its inception in 2003.
The grants will be used to support projects that meet the Charitable Foundation’s mission of helping people who are disadvantaged, marginalised or isolated and supporting social opportunity and development in our regional communities, including $245,000 which will enable projects in the Northern Rivers.
The local projects which will benefit from this round are: The Buttery with $58,000 to deliver a program helping people avoid relapse after treatment for drug and alcohol addiction; the Waves of Wellness Foundation with $58,000 to help expand its mental health support program; Ballina Community Men’s Shed with $62,000 to fit out with brand new equipment, and, MacKillop Family Services – $70,000 for Seasons for Growth pilot program supporting children in out of home care throughout the Northern Rivers.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chair, Phil Neat said the Board when it considered the grant applications was impressed by the quality of projects funded in this funding round.
‘It’s all about acknowledging the power these projects have to make a real difference to the lives of people in need and providing our support to help the dedicated volunteers and staff who will make these projects really come to life,’ he said.
‘Each of these grants represents a partnership and shared vision to address important social issues, using some innovative and resourceful projects from non-profit organisations in the Northern Rivers.’
The projects that received funding will kick off in the coming months and all projects are scheduled to be completed within two years, allowing the community to start reaping the benefits as soon as possible.
‘On behalf of the Charitable Foundation Board, congratulations and thank you to all of the recipients for their hard work and dedication,’ said Mr Neat. ‘It is truly inspiring to witness the passion within our community to help others who may be less fortunate’.
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