The Inner North Community Foundation established the Northside Relief Fund in 2023 in partnership with Melbourne Magistrates Court of Victoria and other generous donors. It aims to support local emergency relief and material aid organisations in the Inner North region.

Funds raised are granted quarterly (September, December, March and June) and distributed evenly via the three Local Government Areas:

• Merri-bek City Council 
• City of Darebin
• Yarra City Council

Eligible organisations that provide emergency relief are encouraged to register for this grants round with the Foundation. The allocation of funds does not involve an application process, however if successful reporting on how money will be distributed is required prior to funds being released. Funding will be allocated in a randomised fashion for each LGA, from eligible emergency relief providers who have registered and who are active in the Inner North.

Grants of $1,000 are available to support charitable organisation in providing emergency relief in Darebin, Merri-bek and Yarra. Emergency relief support inhabitants of the Inner North to meet basic needs.

Examples of emergency relief include but not limited to:

• Food security, including culturally appropriate food 
• Costs associated with delivering emergency relief services
• Natural disaster recovery
• Medicine
• Shelter 
• Clothing

Eligibility:

Applicants must be charitable organisations that:

• Are located in the municipalities of Darebin, Merri-bek or Yarra and primarily serve those communities, or are organisations which have strong links to communities with the three municipalities 
• Are registered item 1 DGR charity 
• Are categorised by the ACNC as small or medium organisations (i.e. annual turnover less than $1M) with reporting publicly available. Large organisations may be considered if funding directly benefits vulnerable people in Darebin, Merri-bek or Yarra 
• Provide emergency relief support to meet basic needs

What will not be funded:

Funding is not available for:

• Projects that take place outside of Darebin, Merri-bek, or Yarra 
• Baseline operational and administration costs. 
• Individuals, ‘for profit’ organisations, sports clubs, government bodies, political parties or their candidates
• Projects that are not consistent with Local, State or Commonwealth laws, including the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995
• Completed projects, capital works, assets (other than minor equipment) and repayment of outstanding loans or debts. 
• Major institutions (government agencies, universities, hospitals).

• Phone: (03) 8689 1922
• Email: Bianca.macielpizzorno@innernorthfoundation.org.au