Deadline: 24-Jun-2026
The Strengthening Rural Communities – Prepare and Recover program funds projects that help remote, rural, and regional communities build resilience against climate impacts and recover from disasters. Grants of up to $25,000 support community-led initiatives that enhance preparedness, recovery, collaboration, and long-term sustainability.
Programme Overview
This program provides funding to support medium- to long-term recovery and preparedness efforts in communities impacted by disasters or climate events. It focuses on projects that:
- Prevent, prepare for, respond to, or recover from disasters, weather events, or climate impacts
- Demonstrate broad community benefit and support locally determined priorities
- Build capacity for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and social connections
- Promote “build back better” infrastructure considering historical and future climate risks
- Recognize First Nations knowledge and strengthen cultural practices for community healing and connection
- Target initiatives with limited access to other funding sources
Grant Details
- Funding Amount: Up to $25,000 per project
- Purpose: Enable communities to recover from past disasters while improving preparedness and resilience for future events
- Project Duration: Typically 1–10 years after a disaster, supporting medium- to long-term recovery and adaptation
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must be:
- Not-for-profit organisations with an Incorporation Certificate and/or Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Organisations with or without Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) endorsement
- Community-focused entities that can demonstrate charitable purpose and public benefit
Notes:
- Organisations uncertain of their not-for-profit status (co-operatives, unincorporated entities, public companies, trusts) should seek clarification
- Each organisation may submit only one application per grant round
- Projects must directly benefit remote, rural, or regional communities across Australia
Program Streams
The broader Strengthening Rural Communities initiative includes three streams:
- Small and Vital
- Larger Leverage
- Prepare and Recover (this program)
Important: Applicants can apply to only one stream per grant round; multiple submissions across streams are ineligible.
Eligible Project Types
Funded projects may include initiatives that:
- Build community resilience and disaster preparedness
- Strengthen networks and information sharing
- Enhance climate knowledge and social connections
- Rebuild infrastructure with climate adaptation and risk reduction
- Incorporate First Nations knowledge and cultural practices
- Address recovery needs in areas underserved by other funding sources
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility and select the Prepare and Recover stream
- Prepare a project proposal detailing:
- Community needs and expected benefits
- Activities supporting disaster preparedness or recovery
- Budget and resources, ensuring alignment with grant limits
- Submit one application per organisation for the current grant round
Expected Outcomes
- Communities become more resilient to future disasters and climate impacts
- Strengthened collaboration and knowledge sharing within and across communities
- Infrastructure and services rebuilt with sustainability and climate risk mitigation in mind
- Cultural practices and First Nations knowledge integrated into recovery and resilience efforts
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly show community-led planning and engagement
- Demonstrate public benefit and impact
- Align project activities with resilience, preparedness, or recovery objectives
- Provide a realistic budget and timeline
FAQ
Q1: Who can apply?
A1: Not-for-profit organisations with an Incorporation Certificate and/or ABN, with or without DGR endorsement.
Q2: What is the maximum grant amount?
A2: Up to $25,000 per project.
Q3: Can an organisation apply to multiple streams?
A3: No, each organisation may submit only one application per grant round.
Q4: Where must the projects be implemented?
A4: In remote, rural, or regional communities across Australia.
Q5: Are there project duration limits?
A5: Projects typically cover 1–10 years after a disaster, supporting medium- to long-term recovery.
Q6: What types of projects are eligible?
A6: Projects enhancing community resilience, disaster preparedness, recovery, climate adaptation, collaboration, or cultural practices.
Q7: Can organisations with limited funding options apply?
A7: Yes, preference is given to initiatives with limited access to other donors or government funding.
Conclusion
The Prepare and Recover stream empowers communities to recover stronger from disasters and build resilience for the future. By funding locally driven projects, it strengthens collaboration, cultural practices, and climate preparedness, ensuring remote, rural, and regional communities are better equipped to face future challenges.
For more information, visit FRRR.