Deadline: 24-Jun-25
The Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) Small & Vital Program gives small remote, rural and regional communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities.
Program Purpose
- FRRR’s S&V program supports thriving, resilient and sustainable remote, rural and regional communities across Australia. In particular, priority will be given to projects that:
- Support communities to implement generational transition;
- Invest in outback, remote, and less-resourced communities;
- Build capacity and resourcing for a just and equitable energy transition; or
- Support First Nations-led initiatives that strengthen culture, country, economic participation and reconciliation.
Funding Information and Duration
- Small grants up to $10,000 are available for a broad range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities that strengthen local people, places and climate solutions, with a preference for smaller communities (populations under 15,000). The timeframe to deliver these projects is up to 12 months.
- Targeted larger leverage grants up to $50,000 are available for projects that focus on strengthening the digital skills, confidence and safety of adults enabling them to get online, build social connections, and access services, information, education, and employment through training, as well as acquiring the digital and connectivity infrastructure where needed. The timeframe to deliver these projects is up to 18 months.
What can be funded?
- A broad range of charitable projects are considered under this program, including:
- Delivering, or providing activities, events, programs and services;
- Purchasing or hiring equipment and materials;
- Community infrastructure projects;
- Activities and resources that will strengthen your organisation (capacity building); and
- Community resource development.
Types of Projects Supported?
- Projects funded must align with one or more of the following charitable outcomes:
- Bringing people and community organisations together to foster stronger, more resilient communities;
- Fostering and celebrating a sense of identity, diversity and cultural connection within the community;
- Supporting diverse groups within remote, rural and regional communities including, but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse, those living with disability, and LGBTQIA+;
- Improving community health and social wellbeing;
- Enabling people to develop skills, knowledge and confidence to lead and contribute to the prosperity and renewal of their community;
- Building a sustainable volunteer base and/or supporting the wellbeing of volunteers;
- Celebrating and resourcing volunteer-led efforts;
- Increasing access and inclusion for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, including remote communities.
Eligibility Criteria
- To apply, you must meet the following criteria:
- Applicant organisations must be a not-for-profit organisation with either an Incorporation Certificate and/or an ABN. If you are unsure if your organisation is a registered not-for-profit (e.g. if you are a Co-operative, Other Unincorporated Entity, Public Company or Trust), please contact FRRR;
- There are two streams of funding available within the Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) Program: Small & Vital and Prepare & Recover. Organisations may submit their application in one of these streams per SRC grant round, and any other applications in this round will be considered ineligible;
- Project must be for charitable purposes and offer clear public benefit;
- Not-for-profit organisations with or without DGR-1 endorsement are eligible; and
- Projects must benefit communities in remote, rural or regional Australia.
For more information, visit FRRR.
