Not-for-profit report cards enhance drought resilience

Disaster recovery stories: 16 December 2024

Not For Profit HQ Limited received a $50,000 grant via FRRR through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative – Community Impact Program.

The aim of the project was to strengthen the capacity of community organisations in the Fitzroy Capricornia region, which comprises six local government areas. In collaboration with the Dawson Catchment Coordinating Association, the project conducted assessments for local not-for-profits (NFPs), delivering each organisation a tailored report with recommendations to increase their capacity.

Driving local action to help communities adapt and prepare for drought was a core aim of the initiative. The project sought to enhance resilience through upskilling NFPs in targeted areas like Clarks Creek, Banana Shire and the Central Highlands.

Organisational assessments, referred to as health checks, were conducted for local NFPs. A transparent report card was then provided to organisations, based on 32 benchmarks used in the assessment. These reports enabled organisations to accurately evaluate their strengths, in addition to identifying areas requiring improvement. Each group included in the process received an improvement plan tailored to the specific needs of the organisation. These plans provide a pathway to leadership training, enhanced operational plans and skills development.

Additionally, the project helps map out regional community organisations, providing a foundation for identifying areas lacking the presence of essential community groups. The initiative has seen new relationships fostered with local governments, contributing to a greater likelihood of ongoing communication and support, with a focus on long-term drought resilience strategies.

Leadership and mentor training will be offered in partnership with ARLF as well as existing mentoring systems, reinforcing local networks and organisational capacities. With stronger leadership capabilities in NFPs, community members doing crucial work will be able to expand their network reach and develop targeted training programs.

A better understanding of existing skillsets, combined with opportunities to engage in professional development, will enable crucial community groups to operate more effectively. This initiative will significantly enhance drought preparedness at a grassroots level, building stronger, more vital community networks, during and after times of drought.