Community & Business
14 February, 2025
Grants aim to reduce future disaster impacts
LOCAL community groups and not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in regions affected by declared disasters or extreme weather events between 2019 and 2024 can apply for funding to reduce the impact of disasters and prepare for future weather events.
As extreme weather events increase in frequency and severity, the Rebuilding Futures program being offered by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) has strengthened its focus on supporting communities to be prepared and resilient.
The latest round of funding will provide grants across two funding streams for projects that can mitigate risks by adapting physical infrastructure, enhancing social connectedness or building the capacity of NFPs.
Stream 1 offers grants up to $20,000 for locally-prioritised recovery or preparedness initiatives that build resilience through equipment or infrastructure, enhance the wellbeing and the mental health of communities; create stronger networks; or develop resources that share information and enhance understanding of disaster risk.
Stream 2 offers grants of up to $50,000 to help small, locally-based organisations to upgrade small-scale community owned infrastructure to better withstand the impacts of future disasters.
A small number of grants are available for local community places, such as community halls or meeting places, that play a critical role in disaster response and recovery. These grants will be focused on strengthening the ability of the wider community to be resilient to future declared disasters and extreme weather events.
FRRR’s Disaster Resilience and Recovery Lead Nina O’Brien said the organisation was aware of many small, grassroots community groups struggling to access funding and expertise for projects they know will help their community to prepare or recover, beyond the bricks and mortar.
“People often only see the physical damage from disaster events but it’s important to take a holistic approach to supporting community recovery through a balanced focus on strengthening both built and social infrastructure, which is critical to longer-term community wellbeing,” she said.
“These events take a huge emotional toll on the community. It can really knock people about. Resilient, functional and well-resourced community meeting places are a critical component of the complex community recovery process, and we are incredibly pleased to be working alongside Suncorp to help local community organisations be better prepared for the future.”
“This critical community infrastructure needs to be built to last, and it’s exciting to see significant advancements in technology and materials for mitigation infrastructure, which will greatly enhance our communities’ resilience to extreme weather.
Applications for the Stream 2 grants (up to $50,000) must be lodged by 25 February. Full applications for both streams close on 3 April. Funding will be awarded in June.
