FRRR Has More Funds Available

August 13, 2018

The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal – which has funded projects in the South Burnett ranging from a generator for Wild Horse FM to workshops by the South Burnett Community Orchestra – now has more than $525,000 available for grants to rural, regional and remote communities to address local community priorities.

An FRRR spokesperson said generous support from more than 15 donors, including Australia Post, Portland House Foundation, John T Reid Charitable Trusts and Sidney Myer Fund, means that more community groups across Australia would be able to apply for up to $5000 to support projects that strengthen their community.

Priority will be given to towns of 10,000 people or fewer.

FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton said the Small Grants for Rural Communities program was deliberately flexible to enable local leaders to apply for funds to address their greatest needs.

“Rural, regional and remote communities are incredible places to live, work and raise families. However population size, distance, and remoteness also present challenges and in some cases, greater disadvantage than their urban counterparts,” she said.

Ms Egleton said the extra funds mean available meant money would be able to support specific areas that have not had much support in recent years.

“One of the most under-funded areas that we uncovered in a recent review of FRRR’s impact over the past 16 years was support to strengthen the resilience and capacity of local, often volunteer-led, non-profit organisations,” she said.

“We are delighted that Australia Post has responded to this gap and provided funds that will go toward supporting leadership development and capacity building of rural, regional and remote communities.”

Another area that will receive more focus is health and wellbeing, thanks to the John T Reid Charitable Trusts.

The Trusts has been a long-term partner of FRRR, but this year has this year FRRR has provided a 60th Anniversary grant to help improve health and well-being outcomes in rural, regional and remote communities.

Applications to FRRR close on September 26.