Deadline: 16-Dec-2025
The Australian Government is inviting First Nations businesses, organisations, or consortia with a First Nations lead to apply for the Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country Program from 2025–26 to 2027–28 across multiple states and territories in Australia to support community-led projects that build drought and climate resilience through co-designed initiatives.
The program supports the Australian Government’s commitment to building drought and climate resilience in partnership with First Nations peoples. Delivery Partners, in collaboration with communities, will undertake a co-design process to identify place-based, community-led projects, such as local priority activities within the grant project, that build drought and climate resilience. Delivery Partners will manage grants and support the rollout of these activities, aiming to strengthen connection to Country and build resilience to dry times and climate impacts. While Delivery Partners will not directly run the projects, they play a vital role in enabling and supporting communities in their successful delivery. Up to $1 million in administrative funding will be available to Delivery Partners to manage the grant, plus up to $1 million in project funding to be distributed to selected sub-grantees to deliver the co-designed place-based projects. The program aligns with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap Priority Reform 2 – Building the Community-Controlled Sector.
The Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country Program is a targeted grant opportunity designed to empower First Nations communities to build long-term resilience to drought and climate challenges. The program will run over three financial years, providing funding and support for up to six First Nations businesses or organisations as Delivery Partners. These Delivery Partners will facilitate a collaborative co-design process with local communities, helping them to identify and prioritize projects that directly address their unique environmental and cultural needs.
Delivery Partners will receive administrative funding to manage the grant and oversee the distribution of project funding to sub-grantees. They will play a crucial role in supporting communities to deliver initiatives effectively, ensuring that local priorities are met while promoting cultural connection to Country. Although Delivery Partners do not implement the projects directly, their guidance and management are essential for the success of the program.
Eligibility for this program is restricted to specific entity types, including companies, cooperatives, Indigenous corporations, local governments, incorporated associations, and statutory authorities. Applicants must also have an account with an Australian financial institution that is set up for the purpose of grant funding.
For more information, visit GrantConnect.