The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal invites NFPs to apply for the funding to support projects that drive positive and sustainable environmental, social and economic outcomes.
FRRR’s Community Led Solutions (CLCS) program offers grants to NFPs in remote, rural and regional communities via two streams, with a total funding pool of $650,000 available for initiatives that address change at a local level:
- Stream 1 – Engage and Deliver: Grants up to $20,000 for local projects implementing or building awareness of practices and solutions that can reduce emissions and benefit the community
- Stream 2 – Scaling: Grants from $20,001 to $75,0000 to scale locally led initiatives alleviating socio-economic challenges resulting from the changing and enabling communities to decarbonise, adapt and thrive
Grants in either stream can be used for a range of purposes, including the following:
- Educating local people
- Adopting clean energy practices
- Supporting First Nations’ climate-focused initiatives
- Reducing emissions
- Implementing low-carbon power sources
- Embracing reuse and regenerative practices
- Supporting sustainable agriculture and food system solutions
- Encouraging biodiverse ecosystems
- Ensuring a just transition for all
“Every place is different, and the priorities of each community are different, including when it comes to responding to the impacts of our changing said Sarah Matthee, FRRR Solutions Portfolio Lead. “That’s why we have kept the guidelines for this program broad, enabling not-for-profits to seek support for the project that will be right for their context, and community.”
One grantee of the CLCS program is Yackatoon Retirement Village, which was able to install a 25 kw solar array and 27 kWh of batteries in its communal hall facility and main office through the grant. This installation will not only reduce costs and cut emissions but also enable residents to access power in these communal areas when there are main grid outages, such as during a disaster or heatwave event. Additionally, the emergency alarms for older residents can remain operating so they can call for help when the need arises.
FRRR has also funded projects that support leadership in the transition. A great example is the employment of a part-time coordinator for the Darling Downs Environment Council Inc to engage community members in southern inland regional Queensland on the transition to renewable energy, supporting informed decision-making, mobilising action to address concerns and building awareness of opportunities.
“These are just a couple of examples of what can be funded. Anyone thinking about applying should first read the guidelines carefully to make sure we can back your project idea. And, of course, our team is also available to chat about project ideas, too,” Matthee added.
Applicants for the Scaling stream should lodge an expression of interest by 22 May, 5 pm AEST, with those shortlisted notified by 5 June. Full applications for the Scaling grants, as well as for the Engage and Deliver stream, close on 26 June, 5 pm AEST. To learn more and apply, visit the CLCS page.
The program is generously supported by Hand Heart Pocket, Paul Ramsay Foundation and Elders Insurance and backed by the QBE Foundation and the PNI Foundation.
Read also: FRRR awards over $800K in grants to community groups and NFPs
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.
Trending
Popular
