Financial Assistance for Artists
FUNDING FOR ARTS RECOVERY PROJECTS
The Victorian Government has announced $50,000 in funding for an Arts Recovery Quick Response Fund, to be administered by Regional Arts Victoria (RAV).
Grants of up to $2,500 are available for local artists to work in their communities on arts recovery projects. Submission deadlines for the fund close on the 1st of every month beginning 1 May until September 2009. For further details, including guidelines and application forms, visit the RAV website
ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESSES
DIRECTLY AFFECTED
ABN registered businesses are eligible to apply for a one-off grant of up to $5,000 from Rural Finance Corporation for immediate repair and restoration costs. ABN registered artists and arts organisations are eligible to apply to this fund. Additional funds up to a total of $25,000 are available for eligible businesses with significant damage, as is a low interest loan scheme for amounts up to $200,000.
For more information, contact Rural Finance Corporation on 1800 255 925 or visit the Rural Finance Corporation website.
Also see - Loss of Income.
INDIRECTLY AFFECTED
Businesses indirectly impacted by the bushfires may be eligible for grants of up to $5,000 through the Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) Business Relief Fund. For further information, please phone VECCI's Corporate Social Responsibility Manager - Michelle Hayward on 03 8662 5227 or email: mhayward@vecci.org.au
ASSISTANCE FOR EMPLOYEES OF ABN-REGISTERED ARTISTS AND ARTS ORGANISATIONS
TOOLS OF TRADE
The Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund is offering support to employees of a registered business who have lost equipment vital to their trade, including safety equipment. Payments of up to $5,000 are available, based on the cost of replacing your tools.
This payment is not available to those who receive grants under the Commonwealth/State National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangement for businesses directly affected by the fires.
Further information is available from the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund website or by calling 1800 180 213.
LOSS OF INCOME
The Commonwealth Government is providing immediate financial assistance to employees, small business owners and farmers over 16 years of age who have experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the Victorian bushfires.
For more information on eligibility, visit the Centrelink website or contact the Australian Government Victorian Bushfires Hotline on 180 2211.
ASSISTANCE FOR VISUAL ARTISTS
The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) Benevolent Fund provides limited financial assistance to visual arts practitioners faced with financial difficulty as a result of serious illness, accident or some other unexpected catastrophe. For more information, visit the NAVA website or call 02 9368 1900.
ASSISTANCE FOR VOLUNTEERS AND COMMUNITIES
In addition, a range of new and existing grants are available to support volunteers and communities affected by the bushfire crisis.
These grants aim to provide practical help to volunteers and local community organisations providing volunteer emergency relief in fire-affected communities. Both grants provide funds to support volunteers, including reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses, equipment replacement, counselling and personal support, training, recruitment and recognition of volunteers.
Grants are also available for local governments and community organisations who host community events to assist in the bushfire recovery process. Applications are currently being accepted from the local government areas of Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Yarra Ranges, Cardinia and Casey. (NB: Regional Development Victoria will accept applications from other fire-affected areas - contact Regional Development Victoria on 03 9651 9467)
Community Arts Organisations may be eligible to apply to these funds.
Further information is available on the Department of Planning and Community Development website or by calling 03 9208 3333.
ASSISTANCE FOR CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS
The Helen Macpherson Smith Trust has established a special $2 million HMS Bushfires Grants Fund which will make a significant direct contribution towards assisting the restoration of community life. Grants will be made to
local and state-wide charitable organisations specifically in support of capacity-rebuilding projects and programs to restore the community life of the damaged Victorian townships.
For more information visit the
Helen Macpherson Smith Trust website or contact 03 9631 2551.
Your local council can provide further information on accessing grants.