Australian Communities Foundation and peak body Philanthropy Australia launched the COVID-19 National Funding Platform to support a coordinated philanthropic funding response to the escalating crisis.

The National Funding Platform is a central online directory that enables Australian philanthropic funders to connect with and respond to the COVID-19 related funding needs of non-profit organisations across Australia.

In announcing the partnership, Australian Communities Foundation CEO, Maree Sidey said that the Platform will facilitate agile and compassionate funding support throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

“Philanthropy has the unique ability to move quickly and decisively to support the emerging needs of our communities and the non-profit organisations that serve them,” Sidey said.

“During this turbulent time, it’s important to remember that there is something every one of us can do to mitigate the impacts of this pandemic, particularly when our actions are guided by generosity, solidarity and community rather than fear and isolation,” she said.

Philanthropy Australia CEO, Sarah Davies says the pandemic has already dealt unprecedented challenges to the not-for-profit sector.

“Many Australian charities are facing a battle to survive,” Davies said.

“Fundraising activity is grinding to a halt, staff are being laid off and volunteering has slowed. These changes are also impacting significantly on the services our sector can provide to help the most vulnerable members of our community get through COVID-19,” she said.

Both organisations are encouraging non-profit and community organisations to register their funding needs as they relate to COVID-19 so that Australian philanthropic funders can connect with and support the important work underway to tackle the pandemic and protect our communities.

Dozens of funding requests have already poured in, ranging from providing emergency care for children impacted by COVID-19 to protecting First Nations communities from the pandemic.