FDF Communities 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.

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.

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

• Future Drought Fund
• More information