Back in August, 285 Cafes and 45 Coffee Roasters partnered up for CafeSmart 2021, an incredible effort during lockdowns and difficult times for the industry and our communities. This week, due to everyone’s generosity, we have been able to make 96 community grants, valued at $169,000 to support people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
CafeSmart is an event that brings us together over a coffee or your favourite brew, to tackle homelessness and directly contribute a positive change in our local communities. Thats hard during a lockdown, but café owners, such as Marie Chan and her team at Goodies Takeaway (our 2021 Fundraising Champs), stepped up to raise awareness and funds for their local homelessness and community organisations. Together with their customers’ support, the venue helped raise $2500 for Bridge It, a small start up charity in St Kilda. CEO Carla Raynes, sent this message when she heard about the funding…
“As a new charity, supporting young women experiencing homelessness, we are relying on grants and donations to be able to operate. The funds we will receive from CafeSmart will support the two new residential programs we are opening in St Kilda. Creating homes for women is at the heart of what we aim to do at Bridge It and we couldn’t do this without the generous support. Thank you to all the cafes and supporters who made this possible.”
Carla Raynes, Bridge It, St Kilda, VIC.
These latest, localised, CafeSmart Community Grants are funding practical support for vulnerable people, whose current situations were either created or made worse by recent events. Community organisations, including Domestic Violence services, are all reporting increasing demand for their services, some by as much as 300%. The latest lockdowns, rising rental costs, the end of welfare supplements and unpredictable work have all impacted people’s lives and capacity to pay bills, put food on the table for their families and find affordable places to live. Jeremy Maxwell from South Peninsula Community Information told us…
“We are finding that there has been a significant increase in the number of clients accessing our services and we are also seeing an increase in families and younger people needing assistance, as the government COVID support decreases. For many of these clients, this is the first time that they have needed to access any type of support and as many other agencies are currently shut down due to COVID, it is very difficult for them to obtain any type of food or material aid in the area.”
That’s why these CafeSmart grants are so important, helping people in crisis, right now.
This Impact Map shows exactly where CafeSmart 2021 grants have gone and cafes who have made this possible…
Here’s what your support has meant to our charity partners…
”Your donations act like a soft cushion for our clients at the most terrifying and challenging time of their lives.
The South West Refuge Inc team, Bunbury, WA
”The past 12 months have been very tough for so many in our community. Rough Edges has been providing food relief for more people than ever before. This donation from StreetSmart and the cafes and supporters will be directed to our Food Relief program, and will mean we can supplement prepared meals with fresh produce, to ensure that our patrons have access to healthy food options as well as warm drinks and meals.
Jen Webster, Rough Edges, NSW
”Thank you, this grant will enable us to provide babies and young children in need with essential toiletries such as nappies, wipes and formula. As a grassroots charity powered by volunteers, we are very grateful for community support to enable us to continue this wonderful service.
Jeanette Dyer, Roundabout, ACT
”The StreetSmart donations go towards practical assistance for our clients and families experiencing homelessness. Currently we are housing four young people who have used some of the funds to purchase much needed necessities, as they arrived here with very few possessions.
Diana Franchina, Chameleon Regional Community Housing, QLD
“Thank you. I was able to go shopping for myself and I could get pyjamas, trainers and some other clothing and personal stuff. It feels great to have new things” – K aged 18 years.”
Below you can find all 96 grant recipients from CafeSmart 2021 – click on your State to see more…
| State | Grants | No of Grants |
| ACT | $ 3,500.00 | 2 |
| NSW | $ 44,000.00 | 27 |
| NT | $ 2,000.00 | 1 |
| QLD | $ 27,250.00 | 17 |
| SA | $ 7,750.00 | 5 |
| TAS | $ 3,000.00 | 2 |
| VIC | $ 60,500.00 | 30 |
| WA | $ 21,000.00 | 12 |
| Total | $ 169,000.00 |
96 |
| Grant Recipient | Project | Grant Amount | Area |
| Karinya House | Supporting Women impacted by Homelessness | $1,750.00 | Canberra |
| Roundabout | Emergency relief baby packs | $1,750.00 | Canberra |
| Grant Recipient | Project | Grant Amount | Area |
| Sydney Metro | |||
| Addison Road Community Organisation | Addi Road Food Relief Hub | $2,000.00 | Inner West |
| Bayside Women’s Shelter Inc | Moving On Project | $1,500.00 | |
| Bonnie Support Services Ltd | Kids Creative Time | $2,000.00 | Bankstown |
| Caretakers Cottage Limited | Welcome Packs | $1,750.00 | Inner East |
| Community Care Kitchen | Emergency Food During Lockdown | $2,000.00 | Bankstown |
| Community Northern Beaches Inc. | Homeless Outreach Service | $1,500.00 | Manly |
| Dandelion Support Network Inc | Safe Sleeping For Babies Post Covid | $1,750.00 | South – Cronulla |
| Darcy St Project | Free Meals | $1,500.00 | North West |
| DV West | Emergency relief | $1,750.00 | Outer West |
| Hills Community Aid | Financial Inclusion/Emergency Relief | $1,500.00 | Outer North West |
| Mudgin-gal Aboriginal corporation | Public Service Announcement | $2,000.00 | Inner West |
| South West Multicultural and Community Centre Inc | Engage Connect Collaborate | $1,750.00 | Outer South West |
| St John’s Community Services Limited | Food Relief & Community Building | $1,750.00 | Inner East |
| Taldumande Youth Services | Food relief for COVID-19 impacted Vulnerable and Homeless Young People | $1,500.00 | Inner North |
| Weave Youth And Community Services | Move to safety | $1,750.00 | Inner South |
| Women’s Justice Network | Mentoring support | $1,750.00 | CBD & Central |
| Regional NSW | |||
| Byron Community Centre | Fletcher Street Cottage – supporting operations | $1,500.00 | North Coast |
| Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre | Support for the Coffs Community | $1,500.00 | Nambucca Heads |
| Nova for Women and Children | Driving towards Freedom | $1,500.00 | Newcastle |
| Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre Incorporated | PMNC Laundry set up | $1,500.00 | Port Macquarie |
| SEWACS | Youth Homelessness assistance | $1,500.00 | Batemans Bay / Moruya |
| Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast Inc. | It’s Up to Us | $1,500.00 | Sapphire Coast |
| The Family Centre Australia Ltd | Home Starter Packs | $1,250.00 | TweedHeads |
| Veritas House | Emergency support to young people | $1,500.00 | Orange |
| VINE COMMUNITY CARE | Vine Community FoodCare | $1,250.00 | Yass Valley |
| We Care Connect | Reversing the impact of poverty with material aid | $1,500.00 | Central Coast – Gosford |
| Wollongong Emergency Family Housing | Crisis accommodation | $1,750.00 | Wollongong |
| Grant Recipient | Project | Grant Amount | Area |
| Darwin Aboriginal & Islander Womens Shelter Inc | Crisis Clients Assistance | $2,000.00 | Darwin |
| Grant Recipient | Project | Grant Amount | Area |
| Brisbane Metro | |||
| 3rd Space | Community Support for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness | $1,750.00 | Inner City |
| Goodna Street Life Inc | Helens Haven | $1,250.00 | Outer South West |
| Mt Gravatt Community Centre Inc | Meals and Connections (MAC Project) | $1,500.00 | Outer South East |
| Nundah Community Enterprises Cooperative | More Meals that Give Twice | $1,250.00 | North East |
| Open Doors Youth Service Inc | Young and Proud | $1,750.00 | Inner City |
| Picabeen Community Association Inc | Support, Connect, Belong | $1,250.00 | North West |
| Sandbag Inc | Neighborhood Centre Program | $1,250.00 | North |
| West End Community House | R.I.S.E. | $1,750.00 | West End |
| Zig Zag Young Women’s Resource Centre | Transitioning to Independent Living Project | $1,750.00 | Inner South |
| Regional QLD | |||
| Caboolture Community Work Cooperative | Saving Jobs | $1,500.00 | Caboolture |
| Chameleon Regional Community Housing Accommodation and Welfare Association Inc | Helping Hand | $2,250.00 | Redcliffe |
| EDON Place DFV Centre Inc | Essential Goods for Women experiencing DFV | $1,500.00 | Bundaberg |
| Gold Coast Youth Service | The Feed | $1,500.00 | Gold Coast |
| Shelter Housing Action Cairns (SHAC) | Emergency Relief | $1,500.00 | Cairns |
| Sunny Street – Bread & Roses Sisterhood Australia Pty Ltd | Sunny Street outreach healthcare | $2,500.00 | Sunshine Coast |
| The Neighbourhood Hub | Adopt a Family | $1,500.00 | Mackay |
| Yoorana Women’s Domestic Violence & Resource Service Inc | Support for women in refuge | $1,500.00 | Maryborough |
| Grant Recipient | Project | Grant Amount | Area |
| Adelaide Metro | |||
| Heart & Soul | Foodbank Purchases | $2,000.00 | |
| Treasure Boxes | Crisis Relief Fund | $2,000.00 | |
| Regional SA | |||
| Murray Bridge Community Centre Inc | Emergency Meal Kits | $1,250.00 | Tailem Bend |
| The Hut Community Centre | The Food Pantry | $1,250.00 | Stirling |
| Uniting Country SA – Yorke & Mid North Homelessness and DV Services | Yorke and Mid North Homelessness Essential Packs | $1,250.00 | Moonta |
| Grant Recipient | Project | Grant Amount | Area |
| Grans Van | Food Relief – Van Upgrade | $1,500.00 | Regionsl TAS North |
| Tassie Mums | Everyday Essentials | $1,500.00 | Hobart |
| Grant Recipient | Project | Grant Amount | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Metro | |||
| Avalon Centre Inc | Homeless clothing distribution | $2,250.00 | Inner South |
| Big Group Hug Ltd | Formula for Babies | $2,250.00 | North |
| Bridge It Limited | The Cocoon – Accommodation for Young Women | $2,500.00 | Inner South |
| Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre Inc | COVID- 19 Support Program | $2,250.00 | Inner North |
| Emerge women and children’s support network | Animal assisted therapy for COVID affected children | $2,500.00 | South – Bayside |
| Fitted for Work | Support ongoing service delivery | $2,250.00 | Inner East |
| Flat Out Inc | Support for criminalised women who experience homelessness | $2,500.00 | Inner West |
| Halal Food Bank Melbourne | Food Hamper 2021 | $2,250.00 | Outer North West |
| Hope Street Youth and Family Services | Hope through Art | $2,250.00 | Inner North |
| IN 2 LIFE | Melbourne Youth Bus | $2,250.00 | CBD |
| inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence | inSpire: Social connections and resilience | $2,500.00 | Inner East |
| National Homeless Collective | Melbourne Period Project | $2,250.00 | Inner North |
| Safe Futures Foundation | Doonas, doona covers for our families | $2,000.00 | Outer East – Ringwood |
| Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC) | Rebuilding Community Connection | $2,500.00 | South – Chadstone |
| South Port Community Housing Group | Picnics in the Parks | $2,250.00 | Inner South |
| St Jospeh’s Outreach Services | Healthy Food Options for SJOS Food Store | $2,250.00 | Inner South |
| The One Box | The One Box: Supplying fresh and nutritious food to Hope Centre | $2,250.00 | Inner North |
| Victoria Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd | VACSAL-BWAYS HOMEWORK CLUB | $2,250.00 | Inner North |
| West Welcome Wagon Inc | Sleep Sound | $2,500.00 | Inner West |
| Youth Projects | We’ve got you covered | $2,250.00 | CBD |
| Regional VIC | |||
| Brophy Family & Youth Services | Friday Feed Community Meals project | $1,500.00 | Warnambool |
| Carevan Foundation Albury N.S.W | Meal Service delivery | $1,500.00 | Albury-Wodonga |
| Eureka Mums | First 1000 days | $1,750.00 | Ballarat and Daylesford |
| Geelong Food Relief Centre Inc | The weekly purchase of nutritious food for the Geelong Food Banks | $1,750.00 | Geelong and West |
| Geelong Mums | Support for families in need | $1,500.00 | Colac |
| Kyneton Caring Community Inc | Foodbank | $1,250.00 | Kyneton |
| Northern District Community Health | 1 Night | $1,250.00 | North – Kerang |
| The Salvation Army | Doorways Program | $1,250.00 | Gippsland – Wonthaggi |
| Southern Peninsula Community Information & Support Centre | SPCSIC Emergency food and material relief | $1,250.00 | Mornington Peninsula |
| Yarram & District Health Service | Material Aid | $1,250.00 | Gippsland – Yarram |
| Grant Recipient | Project | Grant Amount | Area |
| Perth Metro | |||
| First Nations Homelessness Project | FNHP | $1,500.00 | Airport / Belmont |
| Indigo Junction Incorporated | Food security | $2,000.00 | Outer East – Midland |
| Patricia Giles Centre for Non Violence | Emergency Relief | $1,750.00 | North |
| St Patrick’s Community Support Centre | Community Store | $1,500.00 | Fremantle |
| Standing Shoulder to Shoulder | Standing shoulder to shoulder | $1,500.00 | Inner North |
| Street Friends WA Homeless Foundation Ltd | Clothes for Souls- Giving warm clothes and hygiene items to homeless | $2,000.00 | CBD / Inner City |
| The Essentials Collective Inc | Basics for Blokes | $1,500.00 | Inner South – Victoria Park |
| The Underground Collaborative | Employment Program | $1,500.00 | Inner South – Victoria Park |
| Youth Futures Ltd | TINOCA – Crisis Accommodation | $1,750.00 | North |
| Regional WA | |||
| Desert Blue Connect | Mum’s Mental Health Expo | $1,000.00 | Geraldton |
| Margaret River Community Centre Inc | Emergency Relief support | $2,000.00 | Margaret River |
| South West Refuge Inc | ground zero | $3,000.00 | Busselton |
A massive THANK YOU to our amazing coffee community, we couldn’t do this without you! Incredible coffee roasters, including Five Senses, Allpress, Single O, Locale Espresso, Padre, Yahava, Industry Beans and many more, helped us connect to hundreds of cafes across all states and territories. Our Sponsors, Vitasoy, La Marzocco, Broadsheet and BeanScene, brought funding and networks to build our capacity to help more people this year. Thanks also to our partners who donated to match public donations including Yardi, La Marzocco, Australian Communities Foundation “Alf & Meg Steel Fund” sub fund and Australian Philanthropic Services.
Here’s our Top 15 Cafes with their local matched charity partner:
| Top 15 Fundraising Cafes | Matched Grant Recipient |
| Goodies Takeaway | Bridge It |
| Told You So | Chameleon Regional Community Housing |
| Jake & the Beans Talk | Avalon Centre |
| Yahava Kwik Koffee Busselton – Causeway | South West Refuge |
| Mitte | VACSAL |
| Yahava Kwik Koffee Busselton – Fredrick St | South West Refuge |
| Miss Ruby Cafe | Emerge |
| GZ Cafe | Geelong Food Relief |
| Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes | Roundabout |
| Rudimentary | West Welcome Wagon |
| MAKER Coffee South Yarra | St Joseph’s Outreach services |
| Leaf Bean Machine Cafe | St Patrick’s Community Services |
| Yahava Kwik Koffee Bellevue | Indigo Junction |
| MAKER Coffee Richmond | Fitted for Work |
| Single O – Surry Hills | St John’s – Rough Edges |
It’s always exciting bringing you the good news and the results of everyone efforts and hard work, and we can’t wait to do it all over again.
‘Till CafeSmart 2022!
