The inGrained Foundation, the charity arm of brewer Stone & Wood, has donated $201,000 to not-for-profits in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.
The funding is aimed at addressing the social and environment concerns in the area.
One focus is on endangered koalas in the region with Bangalow Koalas hoping to restore and regenerate local habitats.
Bangalow Koalas Founder, Linda Sparrow, said the grant allows the organisation to plant 1055 trees.
“This planting has regular koalas utilising the trees from as early as 18 months after planting so we know what we are doing is actually making a real difference and we can see our koala wildlife corridor taking shape,” Ms Sparrow said.
An organisation that cares for new mums in the local Aboriginal community has received a grant that will enable the creation of 130 “Coolamon Cribs” which come as a care package of cribs and essentials for new mums.
Coolamon Community co-founder, Evie Wood, said the Aboriginal health services her organisation works with provide culturally safe healthcare.
“The ‘Coolamon Crib’ is given to mums-to-be, usually in their second trimester of pregnancy and is part of a well established program of pre and post natal care promoting healthy pregnancy, nutrition, breast-feeding and safe sleeping after baby is born,” Ms Wood said.
“[It] contains all those items a mother needs to support her and her new baby in those important early months, including baby’s bedding and clothing and mother’s essentials for personal care.”
With significant flooding affecting the area in recent years, not-for-profits operating in the building space like the Shedding Community Workshop will also receive funds. It supports locals with skills in carpentry and building within an inclusive safe space at Mullumbimby.
Other recipients within the region include Fingal Head Coastcare, Dementia Inclusive, Rainforest Rangers, Queer Family: an LGBTIA+ support service, Green Heroes, Human Nature Adventure Therapy and SHIFT Project: a program to support women moving from homelessness to independence.