The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) has awarded more than $1 million to over 100 community organisations across rural and regional Australia, supporting local projects that address essential community needs and bolster resilience in these areas.

Through its Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program, FRRR awarded $1,051,688 to 103 projects aimed at enriching community infrastructure, preparing for and recovering from disasters and sustaining local economies. This round of funding was distributed across Australia’s most remote and underserved areas, helping not-for-profits take the lead in making their communities more vibrant and sustainable.

Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Portfolio Lead, emphasised the vital role of community-led initiatives. “We know that for every state, region and town, priorities will be different, and we are here to work with local groups to help them address their needs and strive to celebrate their vibrancy and acknowledge their tenacity.”

“The projects we fund truly matter and have a meaningful impact. Our Strengthening Rural Communities program proves that a grant, no matter how small, can make a big impact in a regional place.

“Although innovative and resilient, local not-for-profit organisations just don’t have the resources to withstand the acute impacts that wide-sweeping policy changes can have on remote, rural and regional Australia.”

The projects receiving funding cover a broad spectrum, from practical infrastructure upgrades to cultural and social initiatives:

• In South Australia, funds are being used to upgrade kitchens and bathrooms in community halls to meet updated hygiene standards. These upgrades ensure these spaces remain viable gathering points during celebrations and crises. The Riverton Bowling Club, for instance, received support to improve its facilities for community events.
• In New South Wales, regional communities face economic challenges due to a migration shift back to metro areas. To attract visitors and sustain local economies, projects like the “Turn Right for a Night” tourism sign initiative in Warren are being funded. The local Rotary Club received $10,000 to install signs promoting regional attractions, drawing traffic and business to the area.
• In Western Australia, election-year funds have been directed at disaster recovery, yet FRRR maintains focus on projects that build long-term resilience. For instance, the Warmun Art Aboriginal Corporation will use its grant to develop flood-proof infrastructure, protecting a nationally significant art collection.
• Concerns over government initiatives like crackdowns on youth crime have prompted Queensland and Northern Territory communities to focus on events that build social cohesion, such as the Kilkivan Great Horse Ride Street Market in Queensland and the Northern Territory Writers Festival.
• In Tasmania, volunteer fatigue is a growing concern, with groups like the Chudleigh Agricultural & Horticultural Society upgrading facilities to improve volunteer support and safety.

FRRR’s SRC program, launched in 2019, has awarded over $27.4 million to more than 2,360 projects in rural Australia. However, demand for funding continues to surpass availability, with $362,000 in additional support requested in this round alone.

Karena noted the importance of ongoing support from donors. “To meet the continued demand for funding, FRRR needs the support of the philanthropic and corporate sectors to empower rural communities to lead projects and local solutions that will ensure their future is vibrant and sustainable.”

The SRC program awards grants four times a year, and community groups are encouraged to apply to continue driving projects that benefit rural Australia.

Related: FRRR in partnership with VFFF in Backing the Future