Media Release

From small grants big things grow

20 June 2002

Australia's only national foundation dedicated to the needs of rural and regional Australia has launched a new small grants program for small rural communities.

The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) will offer about $250,000 a year in grants to benefit people in rural and remote communities.

FRRR was initially supported by The Sidney Myer Fund and the Federal Government through the Department of Transport and Regional Services, and works in partnership with other corporations throughout Australia. The Foundation continues this year with clear goals for its work with communities across Australia.

After wide-ranging discussions with many small communities, the FRRR's chief executive officer, Sylvia Admans, said ,'It is evident that there are three key goals - retaining young people in rural/regional areas, building the stability of communities and securing economic viability in appropriate and sustainable enterprises.'

The FRRR's new program has been developed to help rural and remote communities meet these goals with small, well targeted grants.

To make small grants more accessible to communities in rural Australia, a collaborative program supported by grants from the William Buckland Foundation, Perpetual Trustees, The RE Ross Trust, The Myer Foundation and the FRRR has been established. The Foundation also administers the program.

This collaborative approach is designed to: make better, targeted use of funds improving access for rural and regional communities; provide a simpler application process, and enhance efficiency and effectiveness for philanthropic trusts and foundations who wish to support small communities.

What can be funded?

Organisations can apply for projects and activities that offer clear public benefit for communities living in small rural and remote locations in Australia, contributing to their development in social and community welfare, economic, environmental, health, education or cultural areas.

Applications from communities with a population of 10,000 or less will receive priority and grants will be made in amounts up to $5,000. To be eligible, projects must be for a charitable purpose. As this a collaborative fund there are some funds which are restricted either to Deductible Gift Recipients (DGRs) or to within Victoria, though the greater portion of unrestricted funds are available for general charitable purposes. All applications for projects that are charitable will be considered. Organisations should also have an ABN.

How to apply ?

Applications can be made to the FRRR by post or email. There will normally be two grant rounds annually with closing dates of March 31 and September 30 in 2002, 2003 and 2004. However, applications for emergency or unanticipated reasons may be accepted throughout the year.

For further information, contact FRRR on freecall 1800 170 020