Australian Communities Foundation and peak body Philanthropy Australia yesterday launched the COVID-19 National Funding Platform to support a coordinated philanthropic funding response to the escalating crisis.

The National Funding Platform is a central online directory that enables Australian philanthropic funders to connect with and respond to the COVID-19 related funding needs of non-profit organisations across Australia.

In announcing the partnership, Australian Communities Foundation CEO, Maree Sidey said that the Platform will facilitate agile and compassionate funding support throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

“Philanthropy has the unique ability to move quickly and decisively to support the emerging needs of our communities and the non-profit organisations that serve them,” Sidey said.

“During this turbulent time, it’s important to remember that there is something every one of us can do to mitigate the impacts of this pandemic, particularly when our actions are guided by generosity, solidarity and community rather than fear and isolation.”

Philanthropy Australia CEO, Sarah Davies says the pandemic has already dealt unprecedented challenges to the not-for-profit sector.

“Many Australian charities are facing a battle to survive,” Davies said.

“Fundraising activity is grinding to a halt, staff are being laid off and volunteering has slowed. These changes are also impacting significantly on the services our sector can provide to help the most vulnerable members of our community get through COVID-19.”

Both organisations are encouraging non-profit and community organisations to register their funding needs as they relate to COVID-19 so that Australian philanthropic funders can connect with and support the important work underway to tackle the pandemic and protect our communities.

Dozens of funding requests have already poured in, ranging from providing emergency care for children impacted by COVID-19 to protecting First Nations communities from the pandemic.

Visit the COVID-19 National Funding Platform: https://communityfoundation.org.au/covid-19

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Available for interview:

Maree Sidey, CEO Australian Communities Foundation

Sarah Davies, CEO Philanthropy Australia

Contact:

Nicole Richards, Australian Communities Foundation: 0405 604 491 | nicole@communityfoundation.org.au

Megan Hannan, Philanthropy Australia: 0438 859 825 | mhannan@philanthropy.org.au

Australian Communities Foundation is a community of giving, powered by a courageous ambition: a fairer and more sustainable Australia. As a broker of change, Australian Communities Foundation connects those who can give with the people and organisations leading the way. With more than twenty years of experience in catalysing positive social and environmental change, Australian Communities Foundation makes philanthropy easy and accessible for people from all walks of life, all over Australia.

Philanthropy Australia is the peak body of philanthropy, serving a community of funders, social investors and social change agents working to achieve positive social, cultural, environmental and community change by leveraging their financial assets and influence.