Australian Ethical (ASX: AEF) has opened its Community Grants program for 2020 to help keep charities alive and fulfilling their missions at a time when COVID-19 presents a real threat to their existence.

The grants program is a defining feature of Australian Ethical’s role as a purpose-driven organisation. Grants are allocated from the Australian Ethical Foundation, which to date has donated more than $3.5 million to support organisations building resilient communities in Australia and overseas.

Nick Chadwick, Foundation Officer at Australian Ethical, said: “We know that a lot of charities and their employees and volunteers are doing it really tough right now as they continue working with the most vulnerable in our communities during this difficult time.

COVID-19 is putting such a strain on their resources that Nick said it’s possible many of these charities may no longer
exist in six months or a year. As a result, Australia – and the world – could lose some very valuable and impactful programs, services and organisations.

“That’s what makes the Community Grants program so important. We really want to see the sector emerge from this global crisis as intact as possible,” he said.

The program offers grants of $10,000 – $20,000 to Australian not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises operating both in Australia and overseas.

The application period is open until 22 May 2020 and Australian Ethical is inviting grassroots organisations making positive humanitarian, environmental and animal welfare impacts invited to apply.

Last year, the program received 380 applications with more than 16,000 Australian Ethical super fund members and managed fund investors, employees, shareholders and the wider community voting online to choose the final grant recipients.

Chadwick said: “NGOs and not-for-profits play such an important role in serving their communities, particularly those vulnerable groups who are disproportionally affected during crises like COVID-19.

“Following the recent Australian bushfires, support for these services is needed now more than ever.”

In addition to the Community Grants program, Australian Ethical will also be giving grants to specialised Australian charities and research institutions working on the frontline in the fight against COVID-19.