FRRR awards over $800K in grants to community groups and NFPs

Grassroots NFPs will use the funding for various initiatives that celebrate, strengthen and support their rural communities.

A total of 84 community groups across remote, rural and regional Australia are sharing $827,253 in funding from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) flagship grants program, Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC).

SRC’s Small & Vital stream has awarded around $560,000 to support 67 projects that create inclusive and accessible community spaces, provide mentoring, training and learning opportunities, improve employment prospects, and offer people the chance to connect and engage with others and their wider community.

Meanwhile, the program’s Prepare & Recover stream has awarded about $270,000 to 17 initiatives that build community resilience, preparedness and capacity to mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events, as well as support medium- to long-term recovery in regions impacted by previous disasters.

“Our grants are often just one part of the bigger picture in terms of getting projects off the ground,“ said Jill Karena, FRRR Head of Granting. “But we know that this funding is often a crucial catalyst, encouraging further investment in local solutions.“

Donors ranging from private individuals to larger foundations collaboratively support the SRC program. FRRR always accepts applications to this program, which awards funds around four times a year.

“Demand for funding continues to grow, as the cost of living and operational expenses rise, government priorities shift, and the impacts of climate change and disasters evolve. To meet this demand, FRRR needs the support of the philanthropic and corporate sectors. A collaborative effort is needed to empower rural communities to lead a vibrant and sustainable future,” Karena highlighted.

Geraldine Grones

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Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.