Deadline: 11-Dec-2025
The FDF Communities – RDRP Social Outcome Grants is providing funding opportunities to help communities build resilience against drought through the Communities Program.
Over the next three years, the FDF will invest $36 million to support initiatives that enhance social connection, community capability, and the capacity of people and communities to adapt to changing conditions. The program integrates and extends previous initiatives, including the Networks to Build Drought Resilience Program, the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, and the Drought Resilience Leaders Program.
Funding decisions will prioritise projects that strengthen social resilience, foster long-term social connections, and increase the capacity of communities to adapt over time. Initiatives that clearly link to drought preparedness, are tailored to local needs, and reflect the unique geographical, climatic, and community context are highly valued. Projects identified in the Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) are particularly relevant, as are initiatives that build on previous learnings, sustain momentum, and deepen the impact of previously funded FDF projects. Collaboration among diverse, non-agricultural community-based organisations is encouraged, along with projects that engage young people and First Nations communities. Projects must also avoid duplication of other Future Drought Fund investments or similar community resilience initiatives.
An indicative funding pool of $2 million is available for up to 50 approved RDRP regions to apply for a grant of up to $100,000 per RDRP region in Round 1. The minimum request is $1,000. The maximum request is up to $100,000, in $1,000 increments
To be eligible, organisations must be not-for-profit entities with an ABN or Incorporation Certificate. Projects must be for charitable purposes and provide a clear public benefit. Initiatives must benefit agriculture-dependent communities in remote, rural, or regional Australia and either be identified in an eligible RDRP or align with a social resilience theme within the plan. Organisations that contributed to the development of the RDRP will be prioritised.
Applications will be considered ineligible if submitted by individuals, sole traders, private or commercial businesses, or by organisations without legal status or without the consent of the governing body holding the ABN or Incorporation Certificate. Applications missing required financial documentation, with overdue final reports from previous FRRR grants, for projects already underway, or that are incomplete, will also be deemed ineligible. Given the volume of applications, FRRR assesses submissions based on the documentation received at the time of application, and follow-ups for missing documents are unlikely.
This funding provides an important opportunity for eligible organisations to implement locally relevant initiatives that strengthen social resilience, prepare communities for drought, and foster long-term capability and collaboration across rural and regional Australia.
For more information, visit FRRR.