Deadline: 12-Mar-2026
The Community Led Climate Solutions (CLCS) grant program provides up to $20,000 per project to not-for-profit organisations in remote, rural, and regional Australia to deliver community-driven climate action initiatives. Round 4 makes $400,000 available for projects focused on clean energy, circular economies, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, decarbonisation, and just transitions. The program is delivered by Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and supported by multiple philanthropic funding partners.
The CLCS program funds practical, locally led projects that:
-
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
-
Support climate adaptation
-
Strengthen environmental sustainability
-
Build social and economic resilience in regional Australia
It prioritizes community education, engagement, and action-based climate solutions.
Program Overview
Total Funding Available (Round 4): $400,000
Maximum Grant per Project: $20,000
Eligible Applicants: Not-for-profit organisations
Geographic Focus: Remote, rural, and regional Australia
The program supports charitable projects aligned with measurable climate outcomes.
What the Program Funds
The grant supports a broad range of climate-related initiatives, including:
1. Clean Energy & Decarbonisation
-
Community renewable energy initiatives
-
Energy efficiency education programs
-
Local emissions reduction strategies
2. Circular Economy Projects
-
Waste minimisation
-
Resource recovery and reuse
-
Upcycling and sustainable materials initiatives
3. Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems
-
Regenerative farming education
-
Climate-resilient food systems
-
Soil health and water efficiency initiatives
4. Biodiverse Ecosystems
-
Habitat restoration
-
Native vegetation projects
-
Biodiversity conservation programs
5. Just Transitions
-
Community workforce adaptation to climate shifts
-
Inclusive climate planning
-
Skills development for low-carbon economies
Types of Activities Supported
Funding can be used for:
-
Community events and workshops
-
Education and engagement campaigns
-
Programs delivered by staff or contractors
-
Development of community resources
-
Feasibility studies
-
Implementation of community infrastructure
-
Organisational capacity-building initiatives
Projects must demonstrate clear community-wide climate impact.
Special Conditions for Infrastructure Projects
Projects requesting funding for:
-
Solar panel installations
-
Battery systems
-
Community gardens
Must show a primary community climate solutions impact, not merely operational cost savings or internal organisational benefit.
The broader public benefit must be clearly demonstrated.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must:
-
Be a not-for-profit organisation
-
Operate in remote, rural, or regional Australia
-
Deliver projects with measurable climate outcomes
-
Demonstrate community leadership and participation
The program prioritizes locally driven initiatives that align with community needs.
About the Program Delivery Partner
The program is delivered by Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).
FRRR is a national foundation that:
-
Strengthens social and economic resilience
-
Connects funding with local priorities
-
Supports grassroots innovation
-
Builds sustainability and community leadership
Round 4 Funding Partners
Round 4 is supported by:
-
Hand Heart Pocket
-
Paul Ramsay Foundation
-
Elders Insurance (in partnership with QBE Foundation)
-
The Sidney Myer Fund
These partners support resilient, inclusive communities preparing for climate change impacts.
Why This Program Matters
Remote, rural, and regional communities face unique climate risks, including:
-
Extreme weather events
-
Drought and agricultural disruption
-
Biodiversity loss
-
Infrastructure vulnerability
The CLCS program empowers communities to:
-
Lead their own climate adaptation strategies
-
Build local capacity and climate literacy
-
Strengthen economic and environmental resilience
-
Deliver measurable, long-term sustainability outcomes
It supports climate action that is community-owned and locally relevant.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organisation:
-
Is not-for-profit
-
Operates in eligible geographic areas
-
Aligns with climate solution objectives
Step 2: Define Clear Climate Outcomes
Your proposal should clearly explain:
-
The climate problem addressed
-
Expected environmental outcomes
-
Community engagement approach
-
Measurable impact indicators
Step 3: Develop Budget
-
Request up to $20,000
-
Justify all expenses
-
Show how funds directly support climate solutions
Step 4: Demonstrate Community Benefit
Highlight:
-
Local leadership
-
Broad community participation
-
Long-term sustainability
Step 5: Submit Application
Apply through FRRR’s official grants portal before the stated round deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Proposing projects with limited climate relevance
-
Requesting funding primarily for operational savings
-
Failing to demonstrate measurable impact
-
Not showing strong community engagement
-
Submitting incomplete budgets
Successful applications clearly connect local needs to tangible climate outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funding is available in Round 4?
A total of $400,000 is available, with grants up to $20,000 per project.
2. Who can apply?
Not-for-profit organisations operating in remote, rural, or regional Australia.
3. Can infrastructure projects be funded?
Yes, but projects such as solar panels or batteries must demonstrate broader community climate impact.
4. Does the program fund staff or contractor costs?
Yes. Activities, programs, and services delivered with staff or contractor support are eligible.
5. Are feasibility studies eligible?
Yes. Feasibility and implementation of community infrastructure projects are supported.
6. What is meant by “just transition”?
It refers to ensuring communities are supported socially and economically as they shift toward low-carbon systems.
7. Who delivers the program?
The program is delivered by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).
Conclusion
The Community Led Climate Solutions Round 4 grant program provides critical funding for not-for-profit organisations in regional Australia to lead climate education, engagement, and action initiatives.
With grants up to $20,000 and a total funding pool of $400,000, the program supports community-driven clean energy, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy projects that deliver measurable environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Organisations committed to locally led climate resilience should apply and align their proposals with strong community impact and sustainability outcomes.
For more information, visit FRRR.
