THE Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR) are inviting applications from not-for-profit groups (NFPs) in remote, rural and regional communities for funding to support projects that reduce emissions and address the impacts of climate change.

FRRR’s Community Led Climate Solutions program (CLCS) is offering grants to NFPs via two streams, with a total funding pool of $650,000 available for initiatives that address climate change at a local level.

Grants in either stream can be used for a range of purposes, including to educate local people; adopt clean energy practices; support First Nations climate focused initiatives; reduce emissions; implement low carbon power sources; embrace reuse and regenerative practices; support solutions that deliver sustainable agriculture and food systems; encourage biodiverse ecosystems; or ensuring the transition is just for all.

Sarah Matthee, climate solutions portfolio lead at FRRR, said the CLCS program was flexible and funds a wide range of initiatives because FRRR recognises that different communities are at different stages of their climate journey.

“Every place is different, and the priorities of each community are different, including when it comes to responding to the impacts of our changing climate,” she said.

“That’s why we have kept the guidelines for this program broad – enabling not-for-profits to seek support for the project that will be right for their context, their climate and their community.

“A great example is Yackatoon Retirement Village (Yackandandah), who we were able to support with a grant to enable them install a 25kW solar array and 27kWh of batteries on the village’s communal hall facility and main office.

“This installation will not only reduce costs and cut emissions, but when there are main grid outages, such as during a disaster or heatwave event, residents can access power in these communal areas.

“Anyone thinking about applying should first read the guidelines carefully to make sure we can back your project idea.”

An online Grantseeker Workshop, including a Q&A session on the Community Led Climate Solutions grant program, will be held on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, from 12:30pm - 1:30 pm.

Register at https://events.humanitix.com/community-led-climate-solutions-grant-seekers-webinar

The larger scaling grants require an expression of interest to be lodged by 5pm, 22 May, with those shortlisted notified by 5 June.

Full applications for the scaling grants, as well as for the engage and deliver stream, close 5.00pm on 26 June.

To learn more and apply, visit: https://frrr.org.au/community-led-climate-solutions.

This program is generously supported by Hand Heart Pocket, Paul Ramsay Foundation, Elders Insurance, backed by the QBE Foundation and the PNI Foundation.