Grassroots groups across rural and remote Australia will share $8.28 million to strengthen community resilience to drought, and there is still nearly $3 million on the table for regional projects.
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) has awarded its largest ever single grant round, with 118 community-led projects funded through the Future Drought Fund’s Communities Program, which is funded by the Australian Government.
In NSW, 32 groups are sharing $1,778,863.
They include ShoreTrack Ltd, which will use a $30,000 grant to run Future Ready: Youth-Led Drought Skills, a series of practical farm-based workshops to build drought resilience among young people in Macksville.
Murray Darling Women’s Network Inc. in Wentworth received $150,000 to build leadership and connection among rural women across far south-west NSW. Hay Shire Council received $35,000 for two Regional Youth Leadership Summits, and Temora Business Enterprise Group received $46,000 for a women’s resilience program.
Nationally, 44 per cent of projects are in outback or very remote communities, and almost 75 per cent of places supported have fewer than 5,000 people. Thirty-four projects involve partnerships with First Nations communities, and five are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander-led.
“There is nearly $3 million still available for projects that align to the Regional Drought Resilience Plans, so we are keen for groups in those areas to get in touch with us,” said FRRR Head of Granting Jill Karena.
“In many regions, we haven’t yet awarded any funds, so there is still up to $100,000 available.”
“That can make a really big impact.”
“I encourage people to think laterally about what the unique needs are in their community.”
“What was particularly hard during the last severe drought in your area?”
Ms Karena gave one example of the kind of thinking FRRR wants to see.
“During the last drought, we heard that many women cut their own hair because there wasn’t enough water to wash and maintain longer hair,” she said.
“It raises an interesting question; what if women had access to skills and support to create short hairstyles they felt confident and comfortable with?”
“This is about looking at what people missed out on during difficult times and considering how those gaps could be addressed locally in the future,” she said.
“The focus of this program is social resilience, so we’re looking for ideas that strengthen community connections and help communities be better prepared for whatever comes next.”
“If you’ve got an idea, give us a call and let’s talk it through.”
Groups with an idea are encouraged to contact the program team on 1800 170 020 or futuredrought@frrr.org.au, so they are ready to apply when programs open early next year. The next round of Community Impact Program funding opens in April 2027.
See the full list of funded projects at frrr.org.au.
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