Funding To Boost Drought Plans

The Future Drought Fund wants Australia’s rural communities to begin preparing for the next drought now, and funding agencies are looking for not-for-profit groups that can help the process (Photo: QRAA)

September 1, 2022

The Bureau of Meteorology may be forecasting a wetter-than-usual summer but it’s never too early to start planning for the next drought.

Regional not-for-profit groups are being urged to apply now for funding they can help their communities better prepare.

The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) have opened the first program under the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, funded by the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund.

FRRR and ARLF will invest $29.6 million over the next three years to build on the Future Drought Fund’s previous Networks to Build Drought Resilience program (led by FRRR) and Drought Resilience Leaders program (led by ARLF).

They are looking for locally based not-for-profit groups in 35 regions across Australia to act as lead partners.

The South Burnett, North Burnett, Cherbourg, Toowoomba and Western Downs council areas are included in Region 8 of the program.

The initial Community Impact Program will have two main components:

Community Impact Grants: FRRR will award 35 grants of between $200,000 and $500,000 and work with locally led community organisations to develop, co-design and deliver projects that strengthen community networks, capabilities and facilities that support drought preparedness; and

Community Leadership Activities: ARLF will offer a range of funded leadership development activities to support community members to develop their leadership skills, and equip them with the networks to respond to drought preparedness in their community.

The locations and projects in each of the 35 regions will be chosen based on potential drought impact, community readiness and how well it fits in with other government and philanthropic investments.

Expressions of interest close on September 26.

Shortlisted groups will begin co-design in their communities in November, and funding will be confirmed in May 2023.

Groups will have until June 2025 to implement their projects.