Networks to Build Drought Resilience Program

Round 2 of the Future Drought Fund’s Networks to Build Drought Resilience grant program is now open.

Funded by the Australian Government and a range of other donor partners, the program focuses on strengthening social connectedness, building social capital and funding transformative local initiatives that will enable agricultural communities to be more prepared for the impacts of drought.

In total, there is $2.9 million available to not-for-profits and community groups to support grassroots projects that help build resilience within local networks and enhance the ability to respond to drought.

Community-led initiatives

The grants can fund community-led initiatives such as events, projects, activities, training and small-scale infrastructure that will strengthen community engagement, networking and preparedness for drought. For example, this could include:

• Creating or strengthening networks, such as farmers, young-farmers or women in agriculture;
• Training or upskilling in tools and techniques to cope with future climate events;
• Addressing mental health and wellbeing; or
• Small-scale upgrades to facilities that make it easier to come together.

The FRRR (Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal) is particularly keen to hear from groups seeking between $20,000 and $50,000, although there are other tiers of funding available.

Apply today

Applications for this round close 15 November 2021, with funds awarded in late February 2022. Projects need to be completed by the end of August 2022.

To learn more about the program, the types of initiatives the program can support, how to apply, and to download the guidelines, visit the Networks website.

Free grantseeker workshops

There are also two free webinars you can attend where the FRRR will share more about the program and the kind of projects it can fund.

Date:       Tuesday, 5 October 2021
Times:     Either 11:00am OR 7.00pm AEDT
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/networks-to-build-drought-resilience

Get in touch

The FRRR team is always happy to talk through your community led project. Contact them directly on 1800 170 020 or email futuredrought@frrr.org.au to book in a dedicated time to speak with staff about your project. They have one-on-one half-hour appointments available on Wednesday 6 October, where you can speak with the team regarding your application and project.