The Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program offers a suite of funding opportunities to support the resilience, wellbeing, and long-term sustainability of remote, rural, and regional communities across Australia. Managed by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), these grants empower local people and organisations to create meaningful impact in their communities.
The program includes Four major streams:
- Small & Vital (including Larger Leverage Grants)
- Prepare & Recover
- In a Good Place (Mental Health)
- VFFF Backing the Future (partner initiative)
1. Small & Vital – Grassroots Community Strengthening
The Small & Vital stream supports community-led initiatives that directly benefit local people, places, and climate resilience.
Funding Available
- Small Grants: Up to $10,000 for grassroots projects in communities under 15,000 people.
Project delivery timeframe: up to 12 months - Larger Leverage Grants: Up to $50,000 for projects that strengthen the digital skills, confidence, and online safety of adults—including connectivity infrastructure and digital training.
Project timeframe: up to 18 months
Priority Areas
- Outback, remote and under-resourced communities
- First Nations–led initiatives
- Projects enabling generational transition
- Climate solutions and resilience
- Capacity building for equitable energy transition
Applications accepted year-round; assessed quarterly.
Upcoming Rounds
- Round 28: Closes 24 March 2026 at 5pm AEDT
Funding announced by end of June 2026 - Round 29: Opens 25 March 2026 | Closes 24 June 2026
Funding announced by end of September 2026
2. Prepare & Recover – Climate & Disaster Resilience
The Prepare & Recover stream supports medium- to long-term resilience projects in communities impacted by past disasters or preparing for future climate-related risks.
Funding Available
- Up to $25,000 for community-driven resilience, preparedness, and recovery initiatives.
Funding Priorities
- Projects responding to past or anticipated climate events
- Strengthening community capability, networks, and information-sharing
- Community-led resilience planning
- First Nations–led initiatives
- Support for outback and highly impacted communities
- Energy transition capacity building
Round 28: Closes 24 March 2026, 5pm AEDT
Round 29: Opens 25 March 2026 | Closes 24 June 2026
3. In a Good Place (IAGP) – Mental Health in Rural Australia
The In a Good Place program supports mental health and wellbeing in rural and farming communities.
Funding Focus
Projects that:
- Reduce stigma and encourage open conversations
- Support help-seeking behaviour
- Build social connection and reduce isolation
- Strengthen emotional and community wellbeing
Two Funding Streams
- Community Wellbeing – general rural mental health
- Farmers & Farming Communities – tailored to agricultural communities
Round 11: Now open | Closes 19 February, 5pm AEDT
Funding announced end of June
4. VFFF Backing the Future – Innovation for Young People
A collaborative initiative between VFFF and FRRR, Backing the Future supports early-stage ideas aimed at improving outcomes for young people (ages 12–30) in rural and regional NSW and QLD.
Funding Available
- Up to 10 grants of $50,000 each (for individuals or groups)
Eligible Project Areas
- Access to decent work
- Care for the environment
- Contribution to society
- Exploration of Christian faith and values
FRRR provides tailored applicant support, coaching, and capacity building.
2026 QLD Round: Now open | Closes 9 March 2026
How to Apply
- Applications for each stream must be submitted to only ONE SRC category per grant round.
- Guidelines and application portals are available on the FRRR website.
- Workshops, webinar recordings, and support resources are provided to assist applicants.