Northern Beaches Council has approved the first round of funding under its COVID-19 Community Response grants program for applications submitted between 22 May and 5 June.

Council has granted funding to 10 organisations worth $108,040. Funding for projects covers the fields of mental health, domestic violence, homelessness, social Isolation, disability support, food distribution/food banks and business recovery.

People from multicultural backgrounds, seniors, and cancer patients are just some of the groups of people supported by organisations receiving the grants.

Council established recently an emergency grant program for community groups to support those affected by the impact of COVID -19 on the Northern Beaches.

The grant funding is awarded to eligible community organisations and charities to continue to deliver, expand and introduce new programs, initiatives and services to people affected by COVID 19 on the Northern Beaches. 

Mayor Michael Regan said Council was committed to assisting organisations which provide important services to people hard hit in the local community.

“These organisations and people do invaluable work for those in need and deserve all the support they can get.

“These grants are good news for many organisations and people under financial pressure as a result of the pandemic.”

One of the successful applicants was Community Northern Beaches (CNB), which sought emergency funds to expand their Homelessness Outreach Service, which has faced unprecedented demand due to the COVID-19. 

Funding will increase Community Northern Beaches capacity to support homeless people and rough sleepers on the Northern Beaches as COVID-19 has led to an upswing in demand on their services in both numbers and complexity.

Grants are awarded on an ongoing basis up until 1 December 2020 or until funds are fully allocated.

Applications will be reviewed and assessed on a regular basis and organisations will be notified as soon as possible on the outcome of their application.

A number of new applications have been submitted since the first round of assessments, and are currently under review.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678