Wollongong City Council is providing one-off funding grants to local not-for-profit organisations that provide emergency food and care packages to people experiencing hardship due to COVID-19.
Lord Mayor, Gordon Bradbery AM said that many not-for-profit organisations had seen a significant increase in demand for services as a result of the pandemic.
“Not-for-profit organisations provide essential services for the people in our community who are doing it tough. What they’re finding is that more people are reaching out and asking for help, who may not previously have needed it,” Lord Mayor Bradbery said.
“Council is grateful and appreciative of the work these organisations do and, in recognition of their crucial role, we’re providing one-off grants. The money will help organisations with the cost of purchasing items such as food, personal care and hygiene products, as well as COVID safety items such as gloves, hand sanitiser and masks.
“If you’re part of a not-for-profit organisation that provides emergency support to Wollongong residents, I encourage you to find out more and consider applying to receive an emergency food grant.”
Funding may be used for costs associated with:
- Items purchased to be included in the food and/or care packages such as perishable and non-perishable food items, personal care and hygiene products;
- Items required for the preparation of packages such as boxes, bags, labels and items related to COVID safety, for example gloves, hand sanitiser, masks;
- Distribution costs such as reimbursement of travel costs and van hire;
- Administrative costs up to 5%.
The first round of emergency food and care support grants close on 25 August, with the second round of funding to open on Monday 11 October.