Funding to improve community capabilities in drought affected areas

The $841.6 million Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) supports the Australian Government’s commitment to:

• create jobs
• drive economic growth
• build stronger regional communities into the future

For Round 4 there is a total of $200 million available.

The Community Investments Stream will fund new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans, or leadership and capability strengthening activities that provide economic and social benefits to regional and remote areas.

Grants of between $5,000 and $1 million are available. However, given the nature of eligible projects we expect most grants will be under $100,000.

For most projects grant funding will be up to either 50% or 75% of your eligible project costs. Your location will determine the percentage of grant funding you can receive.

You may apply for a partial or full exemption to your cash contribution if you can demonstrate that you are experiencing exceptional circumstances.

For small projects with a total grant amount of equal to or less than $20,000, grant funding will be up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs.

Your project will need to deliver economic and social benefits to a regional or remote community.

What are the eligibility criteria?

To be eligible you must have an Australian business number (ABN).

You must be one of the following:

• an incorporated not-for-profit organisation
• an Australian local government agency or body as defined in the glossary of the grant opportunity guidelines
• a non-distributing co-operative

We can only accept applications where:

• your project is taking place in a drought-affected location in Australia, as outlined under 2.1.1 of the grant opportunity guidelines
• your project is located in Australia and in an eligible location unless you can clearly demonstrate the significant benefits and employment outcomes, that flow directly into an eligible area
• you can provide evidence of how you will provide your share of project costs if applicable

As part of the application process, you will be required to provide evidence supporting your claim that your project will be delivered in a location affected by drought. This evidence could include:

• projects located in a local government area that is eligible for the Australian Government’s Drought Communities Programme - Extension
• projects located in a locality drought-declared by the relevant state or territory government
• official Bureau of Meteorology rainfall data indicating an extended period without or significant decline in rainfall
• demonstrated impact of economic and/or employment decline as a result of drought.

For us to consider you a not-for-profit organisation you must demonstrate your not-for-profit status through one of the following:

• Current Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission's (ACNC) Registration
• State or territory incorporated association status
• Constitutional documents and/or Articles of Association that demonstrate the not-for-profit character of the organisation

Your project must:

• be taking place in a drought-affected location in Australia, as outlined under 2.1.1 of the grant opportunity guidelines
• be seeking a grant of at least $5,000, and up to a maximum of $1 million 
• be aimed at new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans, or leadership and capability strengthening activities that provide economic and social benefits to regional and remote areas
• comprise one of the following activities:
  • local events
  • strategic planning
  • regional leadership and capability.
• not have commenced
• be completed by 31 December 2022.

For more information on eligibility please refer to the grant opportunity guidelines.

How do you apply?

You should read the Am I ready to apply factsheet, Grant opportunity guidelines and Sample grant agreement before you apply.

Grant opportunity guidelines provide detailed information on the grant opportunity, including:

• granting activity objectives
• all eligibility and assessment criteria
• the assessment processes
• reporting and acquittal requirements
• a description of review mechanisms

To apply, you must submit your application through the online portal. You’ll need to set up an account when you first log into the portal. The portal allows you to apply for and manage a grant or service in a secure online environment.