News and Reports: Edition 11

Floods & cyclone disaster relief update

We have seen the extraordinary importance of not-for-profit organisations and volunteers in helping communities to cope with tragedy, however compassion fatigue is a danger. Read Peter Shergold’s recent blog on the topic.

The recently released Blackbaud Online Giving Report shows that online donations are on the increase in the US, up 35% in 2010 compared to 2009. This trend has been seen in Australia, with the Queensland Premier's relief fund now at over $230 m, much of this donated online (as at 8th March 2011). 

National Volunteering Strategy Consultation

The Australian National Volunteering Strategy Consultation has been released. It highlights the importance of the internet for creating a database of volunteer opportunities and information, and reveals that 43% of those surveyed would like to volunteer from home, online.

Key findings will inform the National Volunteering Strategy which will be launched by the Gillard Government in July.

• Read report

Not-for-profit online stores launched

Last month the Salvos launched their first online store which sells clothes, accessories, collectables and beauty products. they are not the first not-for-profit to do this; Mission Australia’s 'Big Heart' is a social enterprise has been selling products online via eBay for some time.

• Click here to read more about the launch of Salvos online stores.
• Visit Salvos online store
• Visit BigHeart online store

Federal funding for Community Finance Organisations

The Federal Government has announced funding of $6m to five Community Finance Organisations.  This pilot is to support community-based financial institutions to provide loans to those individuals and organisations generally excluded from mainstream banks.

• Click here to read more

School for Social Entrepreneurs wins Social Innovation Award

The School for Social Entrepreneurs – an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the development and increased capacity of social entrepreneurs – has been awarded the inaugural Macquarie Social Innovation Award for 2010.
The Award – a $100,000 grant – is designed to recognise and reward an Australian
organisation or program aimed at meeting local social needs by offering inventive solutions.

• Visit SSE website
• Visit the Macquarie Group Foundation website

Coming Up

Productivity Commission Report into long-term disability care and support

Bruce Bonyhady spoke previously on Social Business about his advocacy of a National Disability Insurance Scheme. The Productivity Commission issued its draft report last week, suggesting the need for an additional $6.3 billion to be found from general revenue. Community organisations have three months to respond to the report.

Advocates of the scheme have just launched a brand new website.Visit www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au to find out more or to show your support.

• Read draft Productivity Commission report into Disability Care and Support

ACOSS National Conference

The ACOSS National Conference is to be held in Melbourne on 29-30th March.

• Visit ACOSS National Conference website