Tuesday, 31 March 2020
The Charitable Foundation is keeping in close contact with our charity partners to understand the challenges facing them, and the broader community sector, caused by the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic. The situation is having a material impact on community and charity organisations, their staff, volunteers and clients.
The needs of our community, especially those who are disadvantaged, marginalised or isolated, are also changing as this crisis unfolds. In response, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has made the very difficult decision to postpone its first funding round for 2020.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Executive Officer, Graham Batten said the Charitable Foundation recognised the impact COVID-19 was having on the community sector.
“We understand the immense pressures not-for-profit organisations are currently facing in meeting the immediate needs of community members and it is vital these organisations focus on their people and core operations during this time,” Graham said.
“We will support our existing project partners as they navigate through the evolving environment and will continue to work with them to understand how the Charitable Foundation can help to provide support where required.
“While it was a difficult decision, the postponement of our upcoming funding round will give grant seekers the necessary space to focus on vital service delivery and the Charitable Foundation time to assess the needs of the community and build appropriate responses as the situation continues to develop,” Graham said.
The Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting people in need in regional communities and will continue to provide around $1.5million to eligible charities each year via its funding programs which will be announced later in 2020.
The Charitable Foundation remains contactable and not-for-profit organisations wishing to seek more information can make contact via www.newcastleperament.com.au/charitable-foundation