The NAB Foundation has allocated $600,000 in grants to 25 organizations across Australia to aid communities in disaster recovery and preparedness. These grants are part of the NAB Foundation's Community Grants program, which supports projects focused on training, planning, environment and wildlife conservation, community recovery, and infrastructure development.
Paul Carter, NAB Retail Executive, emphasized the importance of these efforts: “After a natural disaster strikes, the recovery can take months or years, and it is the tireless work of local community organisations that keep it going and help these areas get back on their feet.” He added that the grants aim to equip local groups with necessary resources for effective disaster response.
The Community Grants program is an element of NAB Ready Together, an initiative supporting customers and communities facing natural disasters. Since its inception in 2021, this program has distributed $5.2 million to 395 projects nationwide. The next grant application round opens in August.
Scott McKeen, CEO of CAAPS Aboriginal Corporation in Northern Territory, highlighted the impact of a $50,000 grant from NAB Foundation: “When returning to remote flood affected community homes...it is often months before our NT community members can safely restart their normal lives.” This funding will enable CAAPS to expand emergency relief accommodation for displaced Aboriginal Territorians.
Melissa Jones, CEO of BlazeAid—a volunteer organization aiding rural Australians post-disaster—expressed gratitude for a similar grant: “BlazeAid is there for the first step in their recovery.” The funds will facilitate two new mobile kitchens for volunteers assisting with rebuilding efforts in New South Wales and Queensland.
These initiatives reflect NAB Foundation's commitment to fostering resilience within Australian communities through targeted support for disaster readiness and recovery efforts.