The January 2026 fires in Victoria and NSW have destroyed thousands of homes, and many communities are in need of help. From food share services to monetary donations, every little bit counts towards rebuilding community, restoring native habitats and looking after those that are injured or who have lost everything.
If you’ve got the capacity to help out in any way, there are a few great charities, council initiatives and fundraisers that have been set up in the last few days.
For those that have been directly affected by the Victorian bushfires (January 2026) and are looking for government resources, head to the Services Australia website for information on recovery payments and making claims.
7 places to donate money and supplies
1. Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR)
After supporting communities during the wake of the 2009 Black Saturday and 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires, the FRRR have reopened their Disaster Recovery Appeal. Focusing on helping rebuild communities after disaster, but also in the preparation for future emergency events, this appeal involves a monetary donation of any amount.
For general donations to the FRRR, you can choose to donate to the Disaster Resilience and Recovery Fund, which funds small grants for the preparation of future disasters. Or, you can donate to the Strengthening Rural Communities: Prepare & Recover Program, which gives grants to communities whenever they’re in need.
2. Victorian Farmers Federation
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has activated their Disaster Relief Fund, which will provide immediate, farmer-led support to producers impacted by bushfires burning in Victoria. According to Vice-President Peter Star, this relief fund allows the VFF to get funds directly “into the hands of affected farmers quickly, without the red tape”. Head to the VFF Disaster Relief Fund to make a tax-deductible donation to affected farmers.
3. Bendigo Bank Victorian Bushfire Appeal
In response to the devastating fires impacting multiple communities in Victoria, Bendigo Bank has initiated its own Victorian Bushfire Appeal. It is being facilitated by the bank’s charitable arm, the Community Enterprise Foundation, which dispersed more than $40 million to communities during the 2019/2020 bushfires.
This time around, Bendigo Bank’s appeal will offer “immediate relief to those who need it and foster long-term resilience where it is needed most”, according to CEO Richard Fennell. Donations can be made online or directly at any Bendigo Bank Branch.
4. Wildlife Victoria Urgent Summer Appeal
Wildlife Victoria is aiming to provide urgent care to native animals that have been affected by bushfires and extreme heatwave conditions this January with their Urgent Summer Appeal. Primarily focused on reducing the effects of heat stress on wildlife, this donation will go directly to wildlife requiring emergency assistance and buying the necessary medical supplies.
5. MHA Care Moira Fires Fundraiser
MHA Care is a not-for-profit organisation that provides home and community care services in the Moira Shire in Northern Victoria. Because of the devastating effects of the January bushfires in this area, they have launched the Moira Fires Fundraiser. This appeal is for both goods and monetary donations to help house, feed and care for residents of this area who have lost their homes or are in need of extra support.
They have also become the central donation point for Moira Shire Council and Moira FoodShare, a rural food-relief network that supports both Victoria and NSW. Check out their website for more information on accessing food-share points or donating to the food-share network.
6. Australian Red Cross
The Australian Red Cross was a large supporter of communities impacted by the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires. For the January 2026 bushfires, they have not yet released any specific disaster relief program; however, you can donate to their Australian Emergency Fund. This donation is for the Red Cross to be able to provide services during emergencies and disasters.
7. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS)
Support local brigades in both NSW and Victoria by donating to the CFA and the RFS. The Country Fire Authority in Victoria has monetary donations available for brigades and a general public fund. The NSW Rural Fire Service has information on donating in several ways, including online, depositing funds directly or posting a cheque.
Donating to either of these organisations will directly benefit volunteer firefighters and will keep the services running.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
