The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), in partnership with the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund (FDF), proudly delivers the Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) Social Outcome Grants. This important funding program supports not-for-profit organisations in remote, rural, and regional Australia to strengthen social capital, wellbeing, and connectedness—helping communities prepare for and adapt to future drought conditions.

The grants are a vital part of the Future Drought Fund’s Communities Program, which invests in the long-term strength and sustainability of agricultural communities. By empowering local groups to take action at a grassroots level, the program ensures that rural communities can identify and address their own drought preparedness priorities in ways that best suit their unique social and environmental contexts.

Program Overview

The RDRP Social Outcome Grants aim to enable locally driven projects that foster community connection, resilience, and preparedness. Recognising that social wellbeing is at the core of drought resilience, this program funds initiatives that strengthen relationships, networks, and local capacities to adapt to changing climatic conditions.

By focusing on social outcomes rather than direct economic or environmental measures, the program acknowledges that communities with strong bonds and high levels of cooperation are better equipped to manage stress and change during periods of drought.

Apply Here!

Key Program Details

• Applications close: 11 December 2025
• Funding announcement: Late April 2026
• Round 1 funding pool: Approximately $2 million
• Grant amount: Minimum $1,000 – Maximum $100,000 (in $1,000 increments)
• Eligible applicants: Locally based, not-for-profit organisations
• Eligible regions: Up to 50 approved RDRP regions across Australia
• Next rounds:
  • Round 2: Opens May 2026, closes June 2026 (awarded by October 2026)
  • Round 3: Opens February 2027, closes March 2027 (awarded July 2027)

Program Objectives

The RDRP Social Outcome Grants are designed to support projects that deliver measurable social benefits and build long-term community resilience. Specifically, funded projects should demonstrate clear linkages to drought preparedness by fostering:

1. New or strengthened community-based networks that improve social connection and mutual support.
2. Enhanced communication and collaboration between local groups, organisations, and individuals.
3. Increased knowledge and understanding of drought, its impacts, and preparedness strategies.
4. Improved access to community resources, infrastructure, and services.
5. Inclusive participation across diverse community members and organisations, including young people and First Nations communities.
6. Strengthened leadership and local capability to plan, manage, and deliver community initiatives.
7. Greater adoption of place-based practices tailored to local needs and conditions.

In the long term, these outcomes contribute to stronger social capital, wellbeing, and connectedness, ensuring that regional communities are more cohesive, adaptive, and resilient in the face of drought and other challenges.

Funding Priorities

The FRRR and the Future Drought Fund have established a clear set of priorities to guide funding decisions. Preference will be given to projects that:

• Strengthen social resilience and community networks as a foundation for drought preparedness.
• Focus on long-term social connection and capacity building, rather than short-term relief.
• Clearly demonstrate linkages between project outcomes and drought resilience.
• Are locally designed and context-specific, reflecting the unique needs of each region.
• Are identified in a Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) or aligned with one of its social resilience themes.
• Build upon previous Future Drought Fund projects, sustaining momentum and deepening community impact.
• Show strong community readiness and collaboration, engaging multiple organisations.
• Include active participation from young people and First Nations communities.
• Avoid duplication of other FDF or community resilience programs.

What Can Be Funded

The RDRP Social Outcome Grants fund simple, one-off, or seed-type activities that directly contribute to the program’s social resilience goals. Funding may be used for:

1. Community Networks and Collaboration

• Initiatives that strengthen the capacity, capability, and collaboration of community-based networks or locally based not-for-profit organisations.
• Activities that connect groups across sectors—such as farmers, community groups, schools, and councils—to share experiences and plan collaboratively for future droughts.

2. Community Events

• Field days, conferences, forums, and summits that encourage the exchange of drought-related knowledge, promote social cohesion, and inspire collective action.
• Workshops or storytelling sessions that build awareness of drought risks and showcase successful local adaptation examples.

3. Training and Capacity Building

• Skill development programs in community risk management, planning, and project delivery.
• Training in leadership, communication, and community engagement that helps individuals contribute more effectively to local resilience efforts.

4. Small-Scale Community Infrastructure

• Modest improvements to community meeting places, halls, or facilities that increase usage and social interaction.
• Purchase of minor equipment essential to running local gatherings, training, or events.

5. Development and Learning Initiatives

• Programs that promote personal, professional, or leadership development in drought-affected regions.
• Initiatives that enhance understanding of climate change impacts and adaptive practices.

Each of these categories aims to strengthen local relationships and build the human and social assets necessary to withstand future droughts.

Apply Here!

What Cannot Be Funded

To ensure effective and equitable use of funds, certain project types and expenses are ineligible under the program. These include:

• Projects located outside of remote, rural, or regional Australia.
• Activities that fall within the core responsibilities of government entities.
• Projects that primarily produce economic or environmental outcomes rather than social ones.
• Applications that re-grant funds to other organisations.
• Sporting club activities unless they demonstrate broad charitable benefit and clear drought resilience outcomes.
• Projects focused on animal welfare, commercial ventures, or private benefit.
• Initiatives already funded through other government programs.
• Activities that have already commenced or been completed prior to funding decisions.
• Major capital works, land purchases, or infrastructure construction.
• Political advocacy, alcohol purchases, or excessive hospitality costs.
• Merchandise production, prizes, or trophies.
• Core operational expenses like rent, salaries unrelated to project delivery, or administrative overheads.

However, reasonable program coordination and delivery costs are eligible, as long as they directly support the implementation of the funded activity.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the RDRP Social Outcome Grants, organisations must meet the following conditions:

1. Be a not-for-profit organisation with a valid ABN or Incorporation Certificate.
2. Have projects that serve charitable purposes and provide a clear public benefit.
3. Be based in and deliver activities within an eligible RDRP region in remote, rural, or regional Australia.
4. Submit only one application per grant round.
5. Propose a project that either:
   • Is explicitly identified in the region’s approved Regional Drought Resilience Plan; or
   • Aligns with a social resilience theme in that Plan.
6. Preferably be an organisation that contributed to the development of the RDRP.
7. Ensure the project directly benefits agriculture-dependent communities.

Ineligibility Conditions

Applications will be ineligible if:

• Submitted by individuals, sole traders, or for-profit entities.
• The applying body lacks legal standing and has not provided written consent from a governing partner.
• Required financial documentation is missing.
• There are overdue reports from previous FRRR grants in the past seven years.
• The proposed project has already occurred or begun before funding decisions are announced.
• The application is incomplete at the time of submission.

FRRR advises applicants to contact the grants team for clarification if uncertain about eligibility or submission requirements.

Application Process

Applying for the RDRP Social Outcome Grants involves the following steps:

1. Review the Program Guidelines:
   Carefully read the official guidelines to confirm eligibility, alignment with program objectives, and required documentation.
2. Prepare Your Application:
   • Clearly define your project goals, expected outcomes, and how they link to drought resilience.
   • Demonstrate collaboration and community support.
   • Include a realistic budget and project timeline.
3. Submit via the FRRR Online Portal:
   Applications must be submitted through the official portal before the deadline.
4. Await Assessment:
   Applications are reviewed competitively based on alignment with priorities, community benefit, and project feasibility.
5. Notification and Funding Agreement:
   Successful applicants will be notified in April 2026, and must enter into a funding agreement before project commencement.

If you experience difficulties with internet access, you may contact the FRRR team to explore alternative submission options via phone or email.

Apply Here!

Contact Information

For any queries about the RDRP Social Outcome Grants, applicants can reach out to the FDF Communities team:

Ruth Stevens
RDRP Social Outcome Grants Coordinator
Call: 1800 170 020
Email: futuredrought@frrr.org.au

For general FRRR enquiries:
Call: (03) 5430 2399
Email: info@frrr.org.au

Learning from Experience: The Power of Shared Knowledge

As past droughts have shown, knowledge sharing and collaboration are critical for resilience. One grant recipient from the previous Networks to Build Drought Resilience Program noted:

“Lessons learnt from previous droughts shared amongst the network are of such high importance. This funding has created a platform for us to share real and raw drought stories—giving others the insight, energy, and safe space to think differently about drought preparedness.”

These testimonials highlight the importance of peer learning and community storytelling as powerful tools for change. By providing local groups with the resources to facilitate these conversations, FRRR and the Future Drought Fund are helping communities build confidence, capacity, and compassion in the face of climate uncertainty.

Inspiration from Past Projects

GroWQ’s Lifesaving First Aid Initiative

The GroWQ Association’s Rural First Aid Training program empowered 188 participants across Central West Queensland with lifesaving skills tailored to remote environments. This project demonstrated how a simple, well-targeted initiative can save lives and strengthen community ties.

Participants gained confidence in managing medical emergencies in isolated areas—skills that also contribute to community resilience during times of drought or natural disaster.

This project, like many others supported by FRRR, showcases how small-scale initiatives can have a profound and lasting social impact when they are community-driven and context-specific.

About FRRR

The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) is Australia’s leading philanthropic foundation focused on the long-term vitality of rural communities. By connecting funding partners with local initiatives, FRRR bridges the gap between government, corporate, and grassroots efforts to sustain rural life.

Through its broad range of grant programs, FRRR has supported thousands of local projects that foster resilience, innovation, and wellbeing across Australia’s diverse regional landscape.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung people as the Traditional Custodians of Djaara Country (Bendigo), where FRRR is based. We extend this acknowledgement to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations, particularly in the regions where we fund community projects. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and to the ongoing custodial, cultural, and educational practices of Australia’s First Peoples.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article may contain images, audio, or names of people who have passed away.

Conclusion

The Future Drought Fund Communities – RDRP Social Outcome Grants represent a forward-looking investment in the heart of regional Australia. By supporting social connection, leadership, and local capacity, these grants enable rural communities to adapt, recover, and thrive—not only through drought but in all future challenges.

Through collaboration, learning, and inclusion, FRRR and the Future Drought Fund are helping communities turn uncertainty into opportunity, and isolation into strength.

For more opportunities, visit: opportunitiesforwomen.org/