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How does the community benefit?
Foundations grow a local pool of funds
The Foundation can harness the region’s wealth and invest back into the region. It provides funding to projects that address an identified need in the region.
Foundations actively build a local knowledge base
Residents in regional areas often feel funding bodies in metropolitan areas are not able to understand local conditions. The Foundation is built on local knowledge of the needs and priorities of our region. The Northern Rivers Community Foundation’s Board, staff and Grants Committee are all local residents.
Foundations are independent of government
Because the Foundation operates independently from government it is able to respond to identified issues that may not yet be recognised at a local, state or federal level. The Foundation’s Grants Program is flexible and can, in a time of crisis, respond quickly to a request.
Foundations provide sustainable support to a region
The Foundation is by its very nature sustainable. The Community Foundation model is designed to harness the wealth of a geographical area and build on it by investing the money in perpetuity. The endowment does not diminish, but grows with time.
Foundations encourage a culture of giving
The Northern Rivers Community Foundation provides a tax deductible way for businesses and individuals to really make a difference to the region. By raising awareness of philanthropy and its benefits, the Foundation increases the sense of positive regional identity.
Foundations develop social capital
Harnessing the wealth of our region also means harnessing local resources such as volunteers’ time and skills, and enhancing community networks.
Foundations encourage partnerships and matched funds
The Northern Rivers Community Foundation can increase an organisation’s capacity to attract state or federal funds by matching a government grant so that a project is more viable or reaches a greater target audience.