Applications open for Connected Communities Grants (Australia)

The Telstra Connected Communities 2026, delivered by Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, provides funding to strengthen remote, rural, and regional communities in Australia through digital solutions. With a total pool of $200,000, individual grants up to $10,000 support projects that enhance digital literacy, social connection, cyber security, sustainability, and disaster preparedness. Eligible initiatives include community training, technology access, First Nations-led programs, and digital tools for resilience and emergency readiness.

Program Overview

Telstra’s Connected Communities 2026 Grant Program aims to enhance the liveability, sustainability, and resilience of rural, regional, and remote communities by leveraging digital technologies.

The program focuses on:

• Liveable Communities: Equip individuals with digital skills to live, learn, and work in a digitally connected society

• Sustainable Communities: Encourage diversity, inclusion, environmental responsibility, and long-term prosperity

• Resilient Communities: Build social connectivity, disaster preparedness, and community recovery capabilities

Funding Details

• Total Grant Pool: $200,000

• Individual Grant Maximum: $10,000

• Purpose: Support community-led initiatives that embrace new technology and digital capabilities

Funding can support both new and existing projects where additional resources will scale impact and broaden community benefits.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organisations that:

• Provide access to information, technology, education, or facilities

• Serve remote, rural, and regional communities

• Aim to build connected, resilient, and sustainable communities

The program encourages projects that foster inclusivity, community benefit, and long-term digital engagement.

Eligible Activities

Projects supported may include:

• Digital Skills and Literacy: Training, workshops, or equipment that improves digital capability for community benefit

• First Nations-Led Initiatives: Digital programs that strengthen culture, Country, economic participation, and reconciliation

• Digital Equity: Providing technology access for students or underserved community members

• Community Operational Capacity: Using digital solutions to improve organisational efficiency and service delivery

• Resilience and Disaster Preparedness:

  • Digital tools to adapt to climate and extreme weather events

  • Enhancing connectivity at emergency meeting points

  • Cyber security upgrades for community organisations

  • Online awareness and cyber safety programs for vulnerable groups

• Environmental Sustainability: Recycling e-waste and promoting sustainable technology practices

Key Outcomes

Projects should demonstrate measurable impact in one or more of the following areas:

• Improved digital literacy and accessibility

• Strengthened community social connections

• Enhanced disaster preparedness and resilience

• Increased inclusivity and support for First Nations and diverse communities

• Adoption of environmentally sustainable practices in technology

How to Apply

1. Confirm Eligibility:

   • Ensure the organisation is a not-for-profit serving rural, regional, or remote communities

2. Define Project Objectives:

   • Identify clear digital, social, or environmental outcomes

3. Develop an Implementation Plan:

   • Include timelines, resource needs, and expected community impact

4. Prepare a Budget:

   • Request up to $10,000

   • Clearly outline how funds will be spent to deliver project outcomes

5. Submit Application:

   • Complete the official application form provided by FRRR

   • Attach supporting documentation such as project plans, quotes, or evidence of community need

Why This Grant Matters

• Supports digital inclusion in underserved communities

• Builds community resilience to disasters and climate events

• Enhances cyber security and operational efficiency for local organisations

• Encourages sustainable, environmentally responsible use of technology

• Fosters First Nations-led initiatives and culturally inclusive projects

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as an ineligible organisation type

• Requesting more than the maximum grant amount of $10,000

• Failing to clearly define digital, social, or environmental outcomes

• Overlooking community engagement or inclusivity

• Ignoring sustainability or disaster preparedness components where relevant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to apply?

Not-for-profit organisations serving remote, rural, and regional communities in Australia.

2. What is the maximum funding per project?

Up to $10,000 per project.

3. Can existing projects receive funding?

Yes, funding can support both new and ongoing projects to scale impact.

4. Are individual artists or businesses eligible?

No, the program targets not-for-profit community organisations.

5. What types of activities are supported?

Digital literacy, technology access, First Nations initiatives, disaster preparedness, cyber security, and sustainability-focused projects.

6. Is funding available for equipment?

Yes, grants may cover equipment, tools, and technology required to implement the project.

7. How does the grant support disaster preparedness?

By improving connectivity at emergency meeting points, providing digital tools, and enhancing community cyber readiness.

Conclusion

The Telstra Connected Communities 2026 Grant Program empowers rural, regional, and remote communities in Australia to leverage digital technologies for sustainable, resilient, and inclusive development.

By funding projects that build digital literacy, strengthen social connection, enhance disaster readiness, and promote environmental sustainability, the program fosters liveable communities capable of thriving in a connected and changing world.