Natural disaster community led recovery

Community Enterprise Foundation (CEF) began more than 18 years ago. They enable Australian communities and not-for-profit organisations to raise and distribute tax-effective donations. Funds that ultimately benefit their own communities.

Their support of natural disaster recovery is a highlight of the 2022 Community Enterprise Foundation Yearbook:

• $24 million was distributed to communities in 2022, up from $22.7 million in 2021 and $21.4 million in 2020;
• $14 million of that $24 million went to natural disaster relief and recovery funds;
• $9.6 million went towards community grants.
  These include:
  • scholarships;
  • helping to empower women and girls through Bendigo Bank Social Investment Grants; and
  • domestic violence support.

Community organisations play a critical role in rebuilding and strengthening within communities. CEF supports their programs that help their communities return to normal business, and life.

The Foundation’s community-led strategy focusses on the immediate aftermath - as well as the short, medium, and long term recovery. In response to the Black Summer Fires, the immediate relief phase saw 40% of funds disbursed. It was guided by the experience of partners, as well as our lived experience of natural disasters and response management.

The short-term recovery occurred in the year following the disaster. Medium to long-term recovery will continue to 2025 and beyond.