Future Drought Fund’s Communities Program
Empowering Local Leaders.
Building Social Resilience.
In partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) is delivering the Future Drought Fund’s Communities Program.
This $36 million initiative (2024–2028) is designed to ensure that agriculture-dependent regions have the social capital, connected networks, and leadership capability to navigate the challenges of a changing climate.
On 28 May 2025, the Honourable Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, announced the extension of the Future Drought Fund’s Communities Program for another three years, with $36 million in support from the Government.
This funding will help enable people in agriculture-dependent communities to build and maintain their social resilience to drought.
Program Elements
Community Impact Program
Grants and Leadership Activities
(FRRR + ARLF) The Community Impact Program offers an integrated package of support in 12 regions to strengthen the social capital, wellbeing, and connectedness of communities to prepare for and build social resilience to drought. It includes Community Impact Grants from FRRR and Community Impact Leadership Activities to be delivered in region by ARLF.
Regional Drought Resilience Plan Social Outcomes Grants
(FRRR) This new stream of support will offer resourcing to organisations to deliver on social resilience priorities outlined in their region’s Regional Drought Resilience Plan.
Small Network Grants
(FRRR) Not-for-profit organisations outside of the Community Impact Program regions will be able to apply for funding over multiple rounds to deliver small, discrete projects to support their communities to prepare for drought.
Mentoring
(ARLF) Virtual 12-month mentoring program bringing together mentees connected to rural, regional and remote Australia, who want to contribute to their community’s drought resilience, with experienced mentors.
Capacity Building Initiative
(FRRR) This initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity of regional community based not-for-profit organisations that are essential to building social resilience in rural and regional Australia.
Watch the launch webinar to find out more
What regions will be covered?
There will be a focus on regions identified as drought sensitive, with dedicated opportunities designed to suit local leaders. The map outlines the regions in the Community Impact Program and Local Government Areas (LGAs).
FAQs
A full list of FAQs related to the Future Drought Fund’s Communities Program can be found here.
Delivered in partnership
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