Help fund immediate disaster relief
Here to help.
Australia Foundation for Disaster Relief is a new community organisation established to contribute to disaster relief and recovery.
- Relief
- Recovery
- Community
Australian at Heart.
Humanitarian in Purpose.
Disasters do not recognise borders. A family swept out by floodwaters in regional Queensland, a community impacted by a cyclone in the Pacific, a village crushed beneath an earthquake in Southeast Asia the need is the same. The call for compassion is the same.
The Australia Foundation for Disaster Relief (AFDR) was established by a group of people who believe that where you are born should not determine whether help arrives when disaster strikes. We are rooted in Sydney, Australia. But our purpose has no borders.
Founded as a not-for-profit Company Limited by Guarantee, AFDR is built on a simple but unshakeable commitment: every dollar goes directly toward the communities we exist to serve. We do not distribute profits. We do not serve shareholders. We serve people in need.
We partner with organisations that provide everything from relief in the immediate hours of a disaster to long-term rebuilding programs that restore homes, livelihoods and hope. AFDR walks the full journey with every community we support.
Disaster reveals the vulnerability of a community.
Our response reveals its
inner strength.
Operating model
Partnership-led humanitarian support
AFDR delivers impact through trusted partnerships with humanitarian and community organisations that possess local knowledge, established community relationships, and on-the-ground capabilities.
Relief
Recovery
Rehabilitation
Relief
Raise funds to support organisations providing urgent assistance to communities affected by disasters and humanitarian crises.
Recovery
Support the road to recovery
Mobilise financial support for organisations helping individuals, families and communities recover and rebuild following a disaster.
Rehabilitation
Help communities rebuild for the future
Support initiatives that contribute to longer-term rehabilitation, rebuilding and stronger community resilience after disasters.
Involved at every stage
Focus areas
Emergency aid
Food Water Shelter
Medical assistance
Essential supplies
Crisis response
AFDR’s role
Mobilise funding, coordinate support, engage partners, raise awareness, facilitate rapid assistance.
Desired outcomes
Immediate needs addressed, lives protected, suffering reduced, communities stabilised.
Focus areas
Temporary accommodation
Education support
Livelihood restoration
Mental health and wellbeing
Community rebuilding
AFDR’s role
Fund recovery initiatives, collaborate with specialist organisations, connect donors and partners with recovery projects.
Desired outcomes
Families regain stability, communities restore essential services, economic and social recovery accelerated.
Focus areas
Infrastructure restoration
Community capacity building
Skills development
Resilience programs
Disaster preparedness initiatives
AFDR’s role
Support strategic rehabilitation projects, foster long-term partnerships, contribute to sustainable development outcomes.
Desired outcomes
Stronger, more resilient communities with improved capacity to withstand future crises.
Strategic outcomes framework
By working with and supporting our partners on the ground, we work to achieve the following outcomes.
- Relief
- Save Lives
- Meet Immediate Needs
- Deliver Emergency Assistance
- Protect Vulnerable Populations
- Recovery
- Restore Livelihoods
- Rebuild Communities
- Support Social & Economic Recovery
- Restore Hope & Stability
- Rehabilitation
- Build Resilience
- Strengthen Long-Term Capacity
- Enable Sustainable Development
- Reduce Future Disaster Impacts
Our approach to work
A few principles guide AFDR as it takes its first steps.
Understand
Understand what communities and those already responding actually need before deciding how we can help.
Collaborate
Respect existing experience, local knowledge and the organisations already doing important work.
Contribute
Keep our contribution grounded in real needs and the circumstances of each community.
Respect
Build trust through responsible decisions, transparent use of resources and straightforward communication.
About us
Disasters do not discriminate, and neither should support.
Australia Foundation for Disaster Relief (AFDR) is an Australian charitable organisation dedicated to supporting communities affected by disasters anywhere in Australia.
Founded on the principles of compassion, humanity, and collective responsibility, AFDR works across geographical, cultural, and political boundaries to provide timely and meaningful assistance to those impacted by natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and other emergencies.
Our approach is built on partnership. Rather than duplicating efforts, AFDR collaborates with trusted organisations that have an established presence on the ground and a deep understanding of local needs. Through these partnerships, we help deliver support across all stages of disaster response, including:
AFDR brings together people from diverse backgrounds and works closely with community groups, business organisations, charitable institutions, and bipartisan political representatives to maximise the impact of every initiative. We believe that disasters do not discriminate, and neither should support.
Guided by the values of inclusivity, transparency, and service, AFDR provides assistance irrespective of nationality, ethnicity, religion, political beliefs, gender, or social background. Our focus remains firmly on helping those in need and strengthening communities through collaboration and compassion.
At AFDR, we believe that when communities, businesses, governments, and volunteers come together with a shared purpose, we can deliver hope, dignity, and practical support to people facing their most challenging times.
Our mission
To mobilise resources through partnerships and community support to provide meaningful disaster relief and recovery assistance to affected individuals and families, regardless of where disaster strikes.
Our mission is not limited by any factors. Our compassion and commitment is for to the people who need us most.
Our vision
A world where every community affected by disaster has the support, strength and opportunity to recover, rebuild and thrive.
Many ways to help
AFDR will grow through people and organisations willing to contribute their time, knowledge, resources and support.
Volunteer with AFDR
AFDR is volunteer-powered. We welcome people from every background and skill set.
Trusted Partners & Collaborators
AFDR works alongside community organisations, international humanitarian bodies, and corporate partners who share our commitment to compassionate, effective disaster relief without borders.
Community Organisations
Local organisations who understand their communities and can help us learn where support may be useful.
International & Local Humanitarian Bodies
Humanitarian organisations with an established presence on the ground, working with AFDR across relief, recovery and rehabilitation.
Corporate Partners
Businesses interested in contributing resources, expertise, services or financial support as AFDR develops.
Many ways to help
AFDR will grow through people and organisations willing to contribute their time, knowledge, resources and support.
Volunteers
People willing to contribute their time, skills and experience when opportunities arise.
Community organisations
Local organisations who understand their communities and can help us learn where support may be useful.
Businesses
Businesses interested in contributing resources, expertise, services or financial support as AFDR develops.
Our people
Board and Advisors
Questions
FAQ
Want to know more about AFDR, our initiatives or opportunities to get involved? Get in touch with us. We’d be happy to hear from you.
What is AFDR's mission?
To mobilise resources through partnerships and community support to provide meaningful disaster relief and recovery assistance to affected individuals and families, regardless of where disaster strikes.
Where does AFDR operate?
AFDR delivers impact through trusted partnerships with humanitarian and community organisations that possess local knowledge, established community relationships, and on-the-ground capabilities.
Is AFDR a registered organisation?
Yes Australian Foundation for Disaster Relief is registered with ABN 51 702 776 261
Is AFDR currently responding to disasters?
AFDR is in its establishment phase. We are developing the relationships, processes and capability required to contribute responsibly to future relief and recovery activities.
Can I volunteer?
We welcome expressions of interest from people who would like to contribute. Opportunities will develop as AFDR’s activities and capability grow.
How can my organisation work with AFDR?
We welcome conversations with community organisations, businesses and other groups interested in contributing to disaster relief and recovery.