Following on from the Facebook Bushfire Assistance training and donated business marketing packages earlier this year the Facebook Australia Groups Impact Fund announced in early July their $500,000 funding for the program.
The grant was originally designated for bushfire recovery groups, however, was extended to local communities across the country who might be facing hardship.
Facebook said it was on the lookout for groups that have a positive impact and provide valuable opportunities for communities to come together to provide aid in respect of a crisis.
Eligible Facebook Groups were able to apply for grants between $1,000 to $10,000 to continue supporting their communities in an economic, caring or fun way.
“In the face of adversity, Australians have shown phenomenal resiliency and generosity to help those in their local community,” said Facebook policy programs manager Alisha Elliott.
“From bushfires to pandemics, we have seen people using Facebook Groups creatively, connecting people who are leading grassroots community recovery efforts in a range of areas, from wellbeing to supporting small businesses.
“We are supporting the community leaders using Facebook Groups to continue the impactful work to bring joy, kindness and care to communities across Australia.”
Love The Bay BB and Let’s Talk Mental Health are recipients of the fund and have been awarded $10,000 each.
Love the Bay is a local pride campaign aimed at generating positive community pride amongst the wider Batemans Bay area residents, businesses and visitors.
Let’s Talk Mental Health has been created to help individuals everywhere who have an interest in improving their mental health or for those who have experienced or are currently experiencing mental health issues. This group exists to help people feel less isolated and reduce the undue stigma that still surrounds mental health. This is a safe place to express without judgement, with input provided from by Stacy Shepherd, director and clinical psychologist at Broulee Psychology (located on the far south coast of NSW in Australia).
