Bushfire Appeal Q&As for Churches

How do I make an application on behalf on an individual I know who has been affected by the fires?

All applications for funds from the bushfire emergency relief appeal must be made through the local Baptist church, and be signed by an officer of the church. If you are aware of someone who is in need of assistance, please either contact your local Baptist church, or alternatively, please contact Trudy Skilbeck at the Baptist Union of Victoria on 03 9880 6100 or Gordon Wild at Baptcare on 03 9831 7221 for assistance.

Why do all applications have to be arranged through a Baptist church?

Baptcare is able to receive donations to the bushfire relief appeal and provide tax deductible receipts to donors because it has been granted Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status through the Department of Justice. As a requirement of this DGR status, Baptcare must comply with the Fundraising Act, and must therefore ensure that all distributions made to beneficiaries of the appeal can be accounted for and followed up via a Grant Agreement. To allow for appropriate and accurate follow up and reporting, the Grant Agreement must be signed by an officer of a Baptist church.

How long does it take to process an application for relief funds?

When an application is received by either the BUV or Baptcare, it must then be signed by two representatives from the BUV and two representatives from Baptcare. The application is then processed by Baptcare’s accounts team. Funds should be received within three days of the application being received.

What types of activities/items will be funded through the appeal?

The bushfire relief appeal was specifically designed to provide emergency relief to people who were affected by the Black Saturday fires. This includes:

  • Emergency aid for food, clothing and personal needs.
  • Emergency accommodation.
  • Transitional community services that have been interrupted by the bushfires e.g. child care.
  • Bereavement and counselling.
  • Initial clearance and rebuilding preparation.
  • Other services as advised by pastors and chaplains closest to the need.

What is the BUV’s role in the appeal?

The appeal is a partnership between Baptcare and the BUV. The BUV’s role includes:

  • Promotion of the appeal within Baptist churches.
  • Receiving appeal applications and answering related questions.
  • Representation on the Appeal Committee.

What is Baptcare’s role in the appeal?

The appeal is a partnership between Baptcare and the BUV. As Baptcare has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, it has the ability to provide tax deductible receipts. All donations to the appeal must be received by Baptcare, thus Baptcare has full responsibility for the administration of the appeal which includes:

  • Management of all income to the appeal and distribution from the appeal.
  • Donation processing (receiving donations, processing donations and sending receipts).
  • Chairing the Appeal Committee.
  • Processing applications to the appeal and answering related questions.
  • Distributing funds from the appeal.
  • Following up all appeal applications and reports and ensuring compliance with the Fundraising Act.
  • Communicating with all donors to the appeal.
  • Promotion of the appeal within Baptcare’s networks, Baptist churches and the wider community.

 

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