Donations to the CRT will target helping communities to rebuild. It sits under a broader rebuilding initiative, led by General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, CVO, MC, which aims to coordinate support from the business community such as providing employment opportunities for volunteers and victims who have lost work as a result of the disasters, additional services for communities, reconstruction support and financial relief.

Funds contributed to the CRT can be used to distribute to impacted individuals and organisations – this will be determined by the CRT Advisory Panel based on who/what they deem eligible beneficiaries for funding on a case by case basis. Guidelines and eligibility for the CRT will be published online here when available.

Donations to the AVST will be available to support the families of any recognised emergency services volunteer in Australia who dies in the course of their volunteer work responding to a disaster after 1 July 2019. The AVST has its own, separate Advisory Panel, led by Equity Trustees’ Chairman, the Hon Jeff Kennett AC.
 
Funds contributed to the AVST can be used to distribute to impacted individuals and families – this will be determined by the AVST Advisory Panel based on who they deem eligible beneficiaries for funding on a case by case basis. Guidelines and eligibility for the AVST will be published online here when available.

Are the trusts charitable and my donation tax deductible?
 
Yes, all donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
 
Who can donate? Is it just for businesses / corporates?
  
Anyone can donate to either of the two trusts, individually or as a corporate.
 
Public Ancillary Funds or a Private Ancillary Funds, or structures with DGR Item 2 status are also able to donate funds.

Who will be responsible for investing the money?
  
Equity Trustees will manage the investments. See our Asset Management capability here.