UPDATE: The Future Drought Fund’s Communities Program has been launched with an urgent commitment of $36 million from the Federal Government to bolster drought resilience across Australia’s rural and regional communities. This groundbreaking initiative is set to deliver critical support over the next three years, starting immediately.
The funding is designed to empower local organizations with a mix of grants and capacity-building activities, including leadership development programs. The first two granting components, Small Network Grants and Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) Social Outcome Grants, are now open for applications.
Small Network Grants will distribute $3 million in three funding rounds, allowing grants of up to $50,000 for projects that enhance community networks, host events, and facilitate training. These grants are available to not-for-profit organizations across 314 local government areas (LGAs) in agriculture-dependent regions.
“This initiative aims to equip communities to be proactive rather than reactive as they face inevitable dry times,” said Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR. She emphasized that the program will enhance local resilience, enabling communities to be better prepared and more connected when drought strikes.
In addition to organizational support, individuals from agriculture-dependent communities can join a national mentoring initiative led by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF). CEO Matt Linnegar stated that the mentoring program is crucial for leveraging the strength of rural communities, encouraging collaboration among those who have endured drought challenges.
The Community Impact Program, set to launch in early 2024, will further enhance social capital and community wellbeing in 12 targeted regions. Local organizations will partner with FRRR to design community-driven projects aimed at building resilience.
The engagement process will begin soon, with FRRR and ARLF staff meeting with organizations in these regions. Grant applications for approved initiatives are expected to open in July 2024.
For further details about the program and grant applications, visit the official websites: [FRRR](https://frrr.org.au/funding/fdf-communities/) and [ARLF](https://rural-leaders.org.au/national-mentoring-initiative/).
This critical funding initiative is a timely response to the growing need for sustainable drought preparedness in Australia, ensuring that communities can withstand the impacts of climate change while fostering local leadership and resilience.
