As well as providing practical support, hope and encouragement to victims of disaster, the Uniting Church encourages its members to give generously to appeals launched.
The Uniting Church appeal funds you can support include:
The Assembly Disaster Relief Fund which was established by the Assembly of the Uniting Church so that the church could provide assistance for the recovery of individuals and communities affected by disasters within Australia.
The fund helps with local projects which sustain and encourage adaptation and growth in the face of disaster and which do not duplicate government, public appeal and civic relief activities. This fund has Tax Deductibility status. Contact Jenny Bertalan.
The NSW Synod Appeal Fund for wider-ranging projects relating to pastoral care in disasters in New South Wales or the ACT which are not usually considered eligible for the other disaster relief funds. This fund does not have Tax Deductibility status. Contact Sandra Wright.
Worldwide the churches have established disaster appeals to support Christians and others in countries where disaster has brought devastation.
The Uniting Church’s disaster appeal funds can be accessed by Uniting Church presbyteries and boards for projects relating to disasters.
The Assembly Disaster Relief Fund, restricted because of its Tax Deductibility provision to specific “disaster relief” welfare-type payments, will consider applications from presbyteries or boards for projects which do not attract government funding (Department of Community Services), or which insurance payouts or community-wide public appeals do not cover. Contact Jenny Bertalan.
Presbyteries or boards of the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT can apply to the Synod Secretariat for grants from the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT Appeal Fund, for wider-ranging projects relating to pastoral care in disasters which are not usually considered eligible for the other disaster relief funds. Contact Sandra Wright.
The Synod Disaster Recovery Committee advises the Assembly Trustees and the Secretariat on their reply to applications for funding.