FRRR – Tackling Tough Times Together Grants Program

This program aims to help communities access the resources they need to support one another through the ongoing effects of the drought.

The objectives of the program are to:
- Reduce social isolation by facilitating strong social cohesion and connection.
- Support and engage the community in leadership development and skills training.
- Support opportunities for social and educational participation and address disadvantage caused by the drought, for children and young people.
- Reduce volunteer fatigue and build the capacity, capability and sustainability of local not-for-profit organisations to provide support to their communities, particularly where they are playing an increased role during the drought.
- Support local economic recovery or renewal through projects that stimulate economic activity and cash-flow within communities.

There are three streams of grants available:
- Up to $20,000.
- Up to $60,000: Applicants must initially speak to the FRRR Program Manager before lodging an application.
- Up to $150,000: Applications for this stream are by Expression of Interest, and applicants must speak with the TTTT Program Manager before submitting an expression of interest. Multi-year projects are welcomed.

The 2020-21 funding round dates are:
- Round 19: Closed 22 October 2020, 5pm AEST (EOIs for the $150,000 tier must be received by 5pm AEST on 10 September 2020)
- Round 20: Closes 25 February 2021, 5pm AEST (EOIs for the $150,000 tier must be received by 5pm AEST on 15 December 2020)
- Round 21: Closes 24 May 2021, 5pm AEST (EOIs for the $150,000 tier must be received by 5pm AEST on 13 April 2021)

Eligible applicants include:
- Not-for-profit community-based organisations from communities across rural, regional and remote Australia where funds support projects and activities that offer clear public benefit (i.e. are for a charitable purpose) and address a need in the community.
- Organisations with an ABN or Incorporation Certificate.
- Organisations with and without DGR endorsement.

An organisation is eligible to submit one application per grant round.

Applications are welcome from any eligible organisation for any eligible purpose, however, the following applications will be prioritised:
- Projects initiated and delivered by local community groups.
- Organisations that do not have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Tax status.

Eligible activities include:
- Delivering activities, programs and services.
- Purchasing or hiring equipment and materials.
- Community infrastructure projects.
- Art, drama and creative expression projects to assist people to creatively express their experiences, which are otherwise limited due to the drought.
- Experiences for school children such as camps that connect young people and provide an opportunity to have fun with other young people off-farm.

Operational and administrative costs associated with the project will be considered. This could include wages, paying a skilled contractor, or paying for overhead costs incurred in the project’s delivery.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete list of eligible activities.

The main assessment criteria include:
- Clear project information
- Project budget
- Organisational financials of the ABN/Incorporation number holder
- Supporting materials

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete list of the assessment criteria.

The following are ineligible for funding:
- Individuals, private or commercial businesses
- Projects that support core business and areas of responsibility of Federal, State and Local Governments
- Overseas travel and overseas projects
- Prizes, gifts, trophies or awards
- Projects that have already occurred or will occur before the grant is confirmed
- Political lobbying
- Projects solely focused on animal welfare

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete list of restrictions.