NSW Rural Assistance Authority – Natural Disaster Relief Loan (Not for Profit Organisations)

This program aims to assist voluntary non-profit organisations directly affected by a declared natural disaster. Low interest rate loans are available for the restoration of essential facilities that have been damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster and may also be directed towards temporary storage or leasing of alternate premises.

The features of the loan include:
- Amount: Up to $25,000 is available.
- Term: Up to five years.
- Interest: 0.45% fixed interest rate for the term of the loan.
- Repayments: Monthly, half-yearly, quarterly or annual repayments of principle and interest.
- Fees and charges: Security searches and registration; No ongoing fees or charges.
- Security: Registered Mortgage over the land; Other security, including a mortgage from another person may be considered.

Assistance under this scheme by its nature is not compensatory therefore applicants need to be in urgent and genuine need of assistance.

Applications for assistance must be lodged within six months of the declaration of a natural disaster.

Please refer to the website for the list of declared natural disasters and its closing dates.

Eligible applicants must:
- Be registered or incorporated as a not-for-profit organisation.
- Perform a service to the community or environment and are funded by grants or donations.
- Not perform a commercial function, charge a fee for service or represent commercial or industrial groups (e.g. industry bodies).
- Be within an area declared a natural disaster and have suffered damage to facilities or other assets as a direct result of the declared disaster event.
- Demonstrate that the organisation does not have the financial capacity to meet restoration costs from its own resources or insurance.
- Demonstrate that the organisation has the financial ability to repay the loan sought.
- Be unable to obtain assistance through normal channels.
- Provide security, acceptable to the NSW Rural Assistance Authority.