Bendigo Bank supports SA communities devastated by fires with $50,000 grants

Bendigo Bank’s National Bushfire Disaster Appeal, conducted by the Bank’s charitable arm, the Community Enterprise Foundation, has announced it is now accepting applications for grants of up to $50,000 for bushfire-affected communities.

The grants will support long-term recovery and help build future resilience for communities in Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Hills affected by the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/20.

The SA Bushfire Recovery Grants Program has been developed specifically to help fund community recovery projects, with the aim of rebuilding and strengthening the social fabric of those communities affected by the devastating fires.

Bendigo Bank’s support for the program is aligned with its purpose to feed into the prosperity of the community, with funding prioritised for initiatives which aim to promote:

• resilience and recovery of individuals
• community connectedness and recovery
• economic restoration
• conservation and re-establishment of the natural environment

Bendigo Bank’s Chief Customer Officer for Business and Agribusiness, Adam Rowse highlighted the importance of supporting communities recovering from natural disasters over the long term.

“It’s important that we not only stand behind communities as disasters unfold, but in the weeks, months and years that follow these devastating events,” Mr Rowse said.

“Recovery is a marathon and not a sprint. Unfortunately, we have had a lot of experience in this area now and we know that the impact of natural disasters can weigh on communities for years to come,” Mr Rowse said.

An online information session on the South Australian Grant Program for impacted individuals and businesses can be viewed here. Applications for grants close on 26 May.

For updates on where and how Community Enterprise Foundation appeal donations are already assisting the recovery process on the ground - and for examples of donations at work in bushfire affected communities, please visit Bendigo Bank’s Disaster recovery page.

If you’re already eligible and require further assistance with a Bushfire Community Recovery Grants Program application, please contact Community Enterprise Foundation on 1300 304 541 or email Foundation.Mailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au.