Facebook is continuing its Facebook Australia Groups Impact Fund, today announcing $500,000 in funding for the program.
The grant was originally designated for bushfire recovery groups, however, has now been extended to local communities across the country who might be facing hardship.
Facebook said it is on the lookout for groups that have a positive impact and provide valuable opportunities for communities to come together to provide aid in respect of a crisis.
Eligible Facebook Groups will be able to apply for grants between $1,000 to $10,000 to continue supporting their communities in an economic, caring or fun way.
“In the face of adversity, Australians have shown phenomenal resiliency and generosity to help those in their local community,” said Facebook policy programs manager Alisha Elliott.
“From bushfires to pandemics, we have seen people using Facebook Groups creatively, connecting people who are leading grassroots community recovery efforts in a range of areas, from wellbeing to supporting small businesses.
“We are supporting the community leaders using Facebook Groups to continue the impactful work to bring joy, kindness and care to communities across Australia.”
Facebook has shared examples of groups that are supporting their local communities including:
- Darlo Darlings: a group for the creative precincts of Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, with a mission to maintain a supportive, non-judgemental, encouraging and fun community
- One Day Closer to Rain (Drought) – Rural Cottage Crafts: was started to allow those in rural and regional Australia to sell their home made crafts. They saw this as a chance to remove the geographic barrier of face-to-face sales and an opportunity to support those working hard to provide for their family
- Drought Angels: provides direct and timely financial assistance, essential resources and meaningful relief for primary producers across Australia impacted by drought and natural disasters
- The Kindness Pandemic: set up #TheKindnessPandemic because so many people need acts of kindness right now; and so many others want to hear stories of kindness. The Kindness Pandemic is an initiative of Celebrate Ageing, a social enterprise building respect for older people
- Tamworth True: tapping into the new movement of #caremongering, is about everything from the logistics of where to find supplies, to offering to help check on neighbours, to providing some light relief with some end of days dark humour
- UPPER MURRAY Bushfire Support: is a place where locals can connect and inform each other of services, support or donations for families and friends affected by the Upper Murray fires
