The Trustee for East Gippsland Community Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund

The Trustee for East Gippsland Community Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund is an Australian nonprofit organization established to support communities impacted by bushfires in East Gippsland. It operates under the auspices of the East Gippsland Community Foundation, which acts as the trustee for this specific fund.

Purpose and Activities

The primary purpose of the Trustee for East Gippsland Community Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund is to provide relief and support for recovery efforts following the devastating Black Summer Fires of 2019/2020. This work involves managing funds raised from public donations and possibly other sources like the Australian Disaster Relief Fund to support affected communities.

Grant Funding Initiatives

The fund administers several grant programs aimed at enhancing bushfire recovery, facilitating community-led capacity building, and promoting disaster preparedness. These initiatives are designed to bolster local resilience and support activities that directly benefit communities severely impacted by bushfires.

One of the key initiatives includes the Community Bushfire Recovery Grants, which provide financial support for projects focused on recovery and disaster preparedness. These grants are typically offered annually, with priority given to areas most affected by past bushfires.

Governance and Challenges

As a part of the East Gippsland Community Foundation, the Trustee for East Gippsland Community Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund faces challenges typical of small nonprofit organizations. These include expanding the fund's assets to ensure long-term sustainability and navigating limitations related to securing DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status, which is crucial for attracting deeper community support and donations.

Affiliations and Partnerships

The East Gippsland Community Foundation, acting as the trustee for this fund, is actively involved with broader networks such as Community Foundations Australia, aiming to leverage these partnerships to enhance its capacity and impact in supporting affected communities.

Impact

Through its grant programs and community support initiatives, the Trustee for East Gippsland Community Bushfire Disaster Relief Fund plays a crucial role in fostering resilience and supporting recovery efforts in regions devastated by natural disasters.

[1] https://gippslandcf.org.au/grants/ [2] https://gippslandcf.org.au/community-bushfire-recovery-grants-2024/ [3] https://gerf.org.au [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/f4166e76-dccf-eb11-8235-002248103716/profile [5] https://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/359421/sub103-philanthropy.pdf