A new partnership between the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal and The Yulgilbar Foundation will give rural and regional communities in the Clarence Valley and surrounding regions in Northern New South Wales a much-needed boost.

A total of $2 million will be invested across the region over a three-year period, through multi-year and one-off grants. Priority will be given to projects that are optimistic and forward-looking, led by locally-based community groups and not-for-profit organisations.

Clarence Valley and the rest of Northern NSW were among those that suffered environmental and economic casualties as a result of the 2019-2020 bushfires.

The Yulgilbar Foundation Fund will assist community organisations to implement a wide range of initiatives. The fund will focus on supporting projects that foster artistic collaborations, encourage educational participation, support environmental sustainability, and build capacity for communities to respond to recent bushfires and persistent drought.

The Yulgilbar Foundation is a family run Private Ancillary Fund and was established in 2001 by Baillieu and Sarah Myer. The Yulgilbar Foundations focuses on rural, regional and remote Australia and more specifically on education, environment and capacity building.

Natalie Egleton, FRRR’s CEO, said that The Yulgilbar Foundation shares FRRR’s belief that local people are best placed to know what is needed to strengthen and support their community.

“Like much of rural New South Wales, the Clarence Valley has worked really hard to overcome a long run of persistent challenges, including the 2019-20 bushfires, ongoing drought, and the complexities of COVID-19. This Fund means communities can address the needs that these challenges have created, in ways that make a real difference.

“We have a long history with The Yulgilbar Foundation and look forward to seeing this Fund further strengthen communities in the Clarence Valley and beyond,” Ms Egleton said.

Community groups and NFPs can apply for the grants through an Expression of Interest process. with Round 1 having started on Thursday 18 February.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to make a full application by 4 May, 2021.