relief /rɪˈliːf/ noun
Food, money, or services provided to individuals in need; a feeling of reassurance following release from anxiety or distress; the prevention or alleviation of poverty.
Support for Rural Families When it’s Needed Most
The RBS Relief Fund provides practical, timely financial support and household bills relief to farming and rural families during tough times due to events beyond their control.
From drought, flood and natural disasters to industry shocks and unexpected personal circumstances, the Relief Fund helps ease immediate pressure so families can stabilise and focus on next steps.
The Relief Fund is designed to complement Rural Business Support’s Financial Counselling Services, not replace them. By providing short-term relief alongside longer-term financial guidance and targeted programs, we help families navigate difficult periods with dignity, clarity and support.
Our Mission
The Relief Fund focuses on practical assistance that addresses real, day-to-day needs. Small grants can make a significant difference, helping cover essential costs such as groceries, utilities, school expenses, or medical bills during periods of extreme pressure.
But support does not stop there.
In periods of ongoing hardship or after a major event, the Relief Fund can also support targeted programs that help people regain their footing. These programs ease immediate stress while building confidence, stability, and a pathway back toward financial self-sufficiency.
Importantly, support through the RBS Relief Fund is delivered with a strong understanding of local communities across South Australia and the Northern Territory. This ensures assistance reaches those who need it most, when they need it, and in a way that supports longer-term financial wellbeing.
Make a Difference Today
When rural families are under pressure, small amounts of support can make a meaningful difference.
Your donation helps cover everyday costs like groceries, utilities, education, fuel as well as wellbeing and medical expenses during periods when income is stretched or disrupted.
Every contribution supports practical relief, delivered quickly and responsibly to families who need it most.
RBS is an independent charity registered with the ACNC and has deductible gift recipient status. This means that donations over $2 may be tax deductible in Australia.
Allocating our Resources
The Rural Business Support Relief Fund is committed to using donated funds responsibly and where they are needed most.
No more than 20% of donations are used to support essential administration, capability, measurement and impact reporting. These are the functions that allow the Relief Fund to respond quickly, operate responsibly, and deliver meaningful support to rural families and small businesses.
These costs are not hidden in marketing or fundraising. We take a clear and transparent approach so donors can see how funds are used and the role they play in delivering real outcomes.
We believe in paying what it takes to do this work well. Strong systems, skilled people, and good governance are essential to making sure support reaches those who need it, in a way that is safe, effective, and sustainable.
Transparency sits at the centre of how the Relief Fund operates. We report on how funds are distributed and the support delivered, so you can see the difference your contribution makes.
Your support helps ensure the Relief Fund is there when it matters most.
Our Impact
Paid in direct financial support
Grants distributed
Farming and rural families supported
Rural Business Support Relief Fund Data – 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2025
Why the Relief Fund Matters
Since its launch in July 2022, the RBS Relief Fund has provided meaningful support to rural families experiencing financial distress, working closely with Financial Counsellors and trusted partners to deliver assistance responsibly and effectively.
The RBS Relief Fund plays a vital role during times of prolonged pressure, when families are managing the cumulative impact of weather events, market volatility, rising costs and reduced income, and when other forms of assistance may be delayed or unavailable.
Annual Impact Reports
Impact Report
2024
Impact Report
2023