The foundation
The Financial Counselling Foundation has been established with funds provided to AFCCRA by Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB and Abacus. The Foundation is managed and administered by AFCCRA. An independent Advisory Committee, which includes both industry and consumer representatives, has been established to review grant applications and make funding recommendations. The recommendations of the Advisory Committee are acted upon by AFCCRA Council.
Purpose and priority areas
The purpose of the Foundation is to provide grants for projects that will build the capacity of the Australian financial counselling sector, and contribute towards the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Priority will be given to projects and programs that can demonstrate a clear benefit for the Australian financial counselling sector and/or specific financial counselling client groups. Projects funded through the Foundation will preferably be national in scope.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applications are welcomed from not-for-profit, community-based organisations throughout Australia. Organisations must be incorporated in Australia and must provide a copy of their most recent Annual Report. The organisation’s purpose and goals should be consistent with the aims of the Foundation and AFCCRA. Applications from individuals will not be accepted.
Applicants are not required to be charities, and do not need to have Deductible Gift Recipient status.
Applicants should note that AFCCRA and its member financial counselling state associations are also eligible to apply for grants from the Foundation. However, AFCCRA and the state associations will not be given priority for funding. All applications will be assessed equally on their merits by an independent Advisory Committee. The recommendations of the Advisory Committee will be ratified by AFCCRA Council.
What funding is available?
The minimum grant size is $5,000 and the maximum grant is $30,000.
Grant Rounds
The first 2010 grant round is now open. Applications are due by 16th April 2010.
The application form and guidelines can be downloaded here.