NRCF celebrates 20 years and announces new grant recipients

The Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) marked 20 years of supporting over 645 regional projects last Thursday with a milestone gathering in Byron Bay.

Delivering $10 million in donations since its inception, the NRCF also announced the next round of grant recipients working in community-driven impact initiatives.

Founded in 2003, the NRCF connects donors with grassroots initiatives to address social and environmental challenges.

NRCF CEO Sam Henderson said the anniversary celebrated the profound impact of community giving.

“From humble beginnings, we’ve witnessed the extraordinary capacity of our region to come together and create meaningful change,” Henderson said.

“Tonight is about honouring our journey and those making a difference on the ground.”

The celebration gathered 220 donors, grant recipients, and community leaders to celebrate the power of community giving at the Elements at Byron event.

Announcing the 2024/25 Community Grants Program recipients who exemplify the diverse and inspiring work across the Northern Rivers was an event highlight.

Recipients included Zero Emissions Byron, Autism Camp Australia, Agape Outreach Inc., Northern Rivers Women’s and Children’s Services, Ballina Hot Meal Centre, and Tweed Coast Youth Service. A complete list can be found on the NRCF website.

President of Resilient Uki Melanie Bloor said without NRCF support, resilience groups like theirs would be in a far more challenging situation.

“With these funds, we’ll develop a guide to empower Northern Rivers communities to better respond to crises, using lessons from past floods and successful models like those in New Zealand,” Bloor said.

Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue general manager Steve Whalan said the foundation’s support had been transformative.

“With grants that will help us install solar panels and a Tesla battery, we’ve significantly reduced our energy costs, which means more resources can go directly towards rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife,” Whalan said.

Patron John Callanan and Chair Johan Kortenhorst pledged $50,000 each to establish sub-funds of their own, inspiring on-the-spot commitments on the night, totalling an additional $850,000.