Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub

New national program empowers rural communities to prepare for drought

FDF CP 25/26 Oct Social Tiles - FDF CP General (3)
FDF CP 25/26 Oct Social Tiles - FDF CP General (3)

FDF CP RDRPSOGNew program empowers rural communities to prepare for drought

 

$36m initiative strengthens social resilience across rural Australia

 

Future Drought Fund backs communities through new national program

 

The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) have launched the Future Drought Fund’s new Communities Program, a $36 million Australian Government initiative designed to strengthen social resilience in agriculture‑dependent regions.

As a Future Drought Fund–supported initiative, the Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub is committed to helping communities across regional Victoria strengthen their networks, skills and preparedness for drought. The Vic Hub, which is also funded by the Future Drought Fund, welcomes the launch of this new program, which aligns closely with its own goals.

Building on previous drought resilience efforts, the new Communities Program introduces a range of tailored supports to help rural and regional communities prepare for future dry conditions. It includes:

  • Community Impact Program — launching in 2026 across 12 regions, combining grants, leadership development and coordinated local planning.
  • Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) Social Outcome Grants — up to $100,000 per approved region, supporting projects and activities identified in the region’s existing RDRP.
  • Small Network Grants — up to $50,000 for local government areas outside the Community Impact Program regions, assisting with events, training, network development and small‑scale infrastructure.
  • National Mentoring Initiative — a 12‑month virtual experience offering individuals the chance to build networks and share knowledge.
  • Capacity Building Initiative — to be co‑designed with communities to ensure locally relevant support.

 

FDF CP General

FRRR Chief Executive Officer Natalie Egleton emphasised the program’s focus on proactive, community‑led resilience.

“The aim is for people to be better skilled, informed, connected and resourced, so that they can draw upon these strengths in times of drought,” she said.

Applications are now open for the Small Network Grants and Regional Drought Resilience Social Outcome Grants.

 

To learn more or apply, visit: https://frrr.org.au/funding/fdf-communities

 

You will also find this on our Grants page