Rapid and right-sized response is crucial in order to address the issues facing Australia during COVID-19, as the economic and emotional impact of job losses, debt, and lack of savings in many households multiplies.

The unprecedented Federal Government support announced in the last two weeks will save many jobs, livelihoods, charities and businesses.

Philanthropy always has a crucial role in meeting needs where government funding does not reach.

Demand for financial help in the response phase of COVID-19 will continue for many months, particularly as the economic and emotional impact of job losses, debt, and lack of savings in many households multiplies.

Ecstra Foundation has launched the $3,000,000 Response and Recovery Grant round, aimed at those organisations on the financial frontline.

Ecstra Foundation is focused on building individual and community financial wellbeing across Australia.

Through the coronavirus crisis, Ecstra has quickly identified organisations on the financial frontline who are helping Australians in financial distress and need additional support to keep delivering important services.

Support for those on the financial frontline

The Ecstra Response and Recovery Grants focus on practical support for frontline community organisations who assist Australians on a range of complex financial issues, including debt and credit stress, job loss, social security, essential services, scams, financial abuse, legal and tenancy issues.

They aim to help these organisations respond to the immediate crisis, deliver vital services, support staff working remotely, and to adapt services and plan for long-term social and economic stability beyond the crisis period.

Total grant pool of $3,00,000 where DGR 1 organisations can apply for is up to three grants of $100,000.

Organisations must be an established community organisation with proven experience working with Australian consumers on issues of financial assistance, financial hardship and/or financial education.

Continuous community assistance

Caroline Stewart, CEO of Ecstra explains why this support is vital, saying: “We are committed to ensuring that extraordinary organisations can continue to innovate and build financially sound communities.”

This grant of $3 million for Response and recovery during COVID-19, ensures that those organisations on the financial frontline are supported as they help thousands of consumers to navigate complex financial issues.

“We are here to help these organisations respond to the immediate crisis, deliver vital
services, support staff working remotely, and to adapt services and plan for long-term social and economic stability beyond the crisis period,” she said.