First Nations-led organisations across regional Australia are being encouraged to apply for a new round of funding aimed at supporting locally driven climate solutions, with up to $400,000 available through the Community Led Climate Solutions program.
The program, delivered by Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, opened this week and offers grants of up to $20,000 for projects that address climate change at a local level while delivering environmental, social and economic benefits.
Funding is available to First Nations-led and First Nations-directed organisations in remote, rural and regional communities, supporting initiatives that reduce emissions, build climate resilience or increase awareness of practical climate solutions.
Projects eligible for funding include clean energy initiatives, education and capacity building, low-carbon power sources, regenerative and reuse practices, sustainable agriculture and food systems, biodiversity protection and projects that support a just transition for communities.
FRRR Head of Granting Jill Karena said while the program is open to a wide range of community groups, there is a strong focus on backing First Nations communities to lead climate action in ways that reflect local priorities and knowledge.
“Remote, rural and regional communities across Australia are experiencing climate impacts in different ways, because every place is different,” Ms Karena said.
“This program recognises that and allows for NFPs to shape the climate solutions that will work in their context – whether that’s educating people about what climate action can look like, improving energy resilience by enhancing community infrastructure, restoring habitat, building capability, or testing solutions and sharing their impact.”
Ms Karena said previous funding rounds had supported a diverse range of projects led by First Nations organisations, including climate education, land restoration and renewable energy initiatives.
“A great example is Yued Aboriginal Corporation, who we supported with a grant on their journey to establish a nursery for seed collection and native propagation by Yued Noongar Rangers,” she said.
“We have also funded projects that educate locals on ways to lessen or mitigate the impacts of a changing climate.”
Ms Karena said FRRR recognises that groups in remote and very remote communities can face practical barriers when applying for grants and encouraged potential applicants to seek early guidance.
“We know that groups in remote and very remote communities face some unique, practical challenges when it comes to applying for grants, like digital connectivity,” she said.
“We encourage anyone thinking about applying for a grant to first take a look at the program guidelines to check whether we can back your idea. Then, reach out to our team to have a yarn about the idea and application.”
Applications close at 5pm AEDT on 12 March 2026, with grants to be announced in late June. Funded projects must be delivered between July 2026 and July 2027.
Since launching in 2023, the Community Led Climate Solutions program has distributed $1.6 million across 67 grants to support locally led climate initiatives.
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