Financial assistance and resources relevant to community radio - COVID-19

The COVID-19 outbreak is proving a challenging and uncertain time for the community radio sector and the arts/music industries and small businesses that support us.

Below are resources that provide relevant updates regarding financial stimulus and grants for not-for-profits and/or charities and arts organisations.

Please note that not all packages will apply to all stations or situations. Please contact the appropriate Government agency or organisation to find out more information and discuss your unique situation.

This list and the links it refers to may not be comprehensive as there are new stimulus and grants being announced regularly. While we have indicated what we think the highlights are, you should always seek financial advice to assist you in determining the best route to these funds.

Last updated 27/04/2020.

$: COVID-19 Government Support for Charities and Not-For-Profits

This guide outlines the most material announcements for not-for-profits and charities, with a focus on Commonwealth Government measures that apply broadly across the not-for-profit sector.

The guide reflects policy announcements as at 22 April 2020. It has been prepared by Social Ventures Australia with support from the Paul Ramsay Foundation

$: State and Territory Stimulus Packages & Philanthropic Grants - updated 04/05/20

The CBAA is updating this spreadsheet with links to not-for-profit/charity relevant State and Territory Stimulus Packages as well as non-Government grants. Please click through the links to the specific website to get the most up to date information. 

$: Overview: financial assistance for not-for-profits and charities

Compiled by Our Community's Funding Centre, this page provides information about financial assistance available to not-for-profit organisations and community groups affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. It is updated daily and includes information from both Federal and State stimulus packages, as well as non-Government grants.

$: JobKeeper Payment for Not-for-Profits - ATO

If your not-for-profit is impacted by the coronavirus outbreak you may be eligible to access the JobKeeper subsidy of $1,500 per fortnight per employee, to continue paying your employees. The ATO also has a not-for-profit hotline: 1300 130 248

Following conversations with charities, the government reduced the required fall in turnover to 15% for charities registered with the ACNC.

$: CBF Grants for Community Broadcasters

The CBF has announced measures to assist community broadcasters weather COVID-19, including quick-response grants and a new Crisis Fund.

Watch: Webinar: COVID-19 - Funding Support & Opportunities for Community Broadcasters

In this webinar, you'll learn:

• What support is available to you via the CBF COVID-19 Grants & Funding for Stations;
• What relevant philanthropic grants, as well as State and Federal stimulus, is available;
• Tips, tricks and other measures you can utilise if you need assistance; and
• How the CBAA and sector are calling on Government to increase their support.

Advice: Join #GivingTuesdayNow

#GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of generosity and unity, a day to come together and give back in response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19, no matter who or where we are. This year it will run for one day on Tuesday 5 May and the CBAA will support you to run a campaign.

Advice: ACNC - Charities and COVID-19

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission recognises that a charity’s usual operations may be affected by the outbreak and spread of COVID-19, as well as measures being established to try and control its spread. They have provided some useful information regarding extensions to reporting, holding AGMs, drawing on charity reserves and other useful topics.

Advice: Information about solvency and directors' responsibility

There is some temporary relief for directors from personal liability for trading while insolvent. However this depends whether your organisation is an incorporated association or an entity under the Corporations Act. Read this great resources from AICD for more.