Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)
A report commissioned by FRRR into its long-running Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT) drought support program has found that funding local not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) and community groups and activities that strengthen social capital during drought sustains communities and supports recovery.
The TTTT program ran from 2014 to 2022 and was collaboratively funded by government and philanthropy, awarding $18.6 million via 681 grants. The majority of funding – 84% – went to outer regional, remote or very remote community groups, which often struggle to access other funding. At least half a million people benefited from the program.
The report found there were clear benefits from the projects funded, both during the drought and in the longer-term. The funding helped mitigate the extreme impacts of drought on local people and communities, either directly through investment in human and social capital, or indirectly through built infrastructure investment, strengthening the enabling conditions for short and long-term community vitality.
The review also found:
FRRR’s CEO, Natalie Egleton, says that the TTTT program remains a unique grant program in the funding landscape across remote, rural and regional Australia.
“This program is unmatched in terms of supporting regional communities throughout the drought, and to a depth and ease of accessibility when other funding was not readily available. While there were guidelines of course, the program was flexible and allowed community groups to respond to and prioritise what was important in their town.
“Some of the other key learnings were around the importance of having a longer than usual timeframe for groups to deliver the projects, as well as the importance of the funding being available for more than just two or three years. This allowed some places to co-design projects that have had a lasting legacy. Continued support after drought-breaking rain was also critical,” she explained.
This report has reinforced FRRR’s advocacy for funding that is right-sized and tailored to rural communities and grassroots NFPs during drought as an approach that can mitigate the effects of drought on communities, economies and landscapes.
You can read the report online on FRRR’s website.
FRRR is hosting a webinar to share more of these learnings on Thursday 29 August, from 1:00-2:00 pm AEST. Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/tackling-tough-times-together-frrr-webinar.
By Jill Karena, Place Portfolio Lead
Philanthropy invests significantly in communities by making grants right across Australia. In FRRR’s case, we are focused on supporting remote, rural and regional communities, especially grassroots organisations that often can’t access traditional philanthropy. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, which is why we offer a range of programs – some where we work deeply over multiple years through place-based initiatives to build the capacity of a group of local not for profits, and others where we work broadly through our small grants programs – offering up to $25,000, although most are around $10,000.
These small grants programs are our most in-demand which are well suited to co-funding approaches that enable collective contributions to achieve more together and create leverage for funders and communities. While not always ‘sexy’, the needs met through these grants address areas of disadvantage and basic quality of life in communities with little visibility to funders and policymakers. They range from upgrading toilets and kitchens, which improves accessibility of community facilities, to installing air-conditioners to manage climate extremes, and seed funding new ideas to stimulate new approaches to volunteering, health services, and disaster preparedness. Moreover, their value goes far beyond the dollars themselves. From more than 20 years of experience, we can safely say that in the case of many grassroots community groups, small is good.
Small grants, big impact
By their very nature, small grants are simpler to navigate and have lower barriers to entry, making them more appealing to a wider range of organisations. Some grant programs, like FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities, also offer expert support by phone or email, making the process even easier.
Small grants can be the straightforward and friendly ‘front door’ through which grassroots organisations can step to build their capability, connect their community and navigate and drive change. In fact, for many communities experiencing disadvantage, small grants are one of the few ways that they can get the resources and opportunities to launch new ideas or approaches in their communities. And they deliver far more than just money.
Dipping a toe in, learning as they go
For communities that have not applied for funding before, small grants build their experience and confidence in developing project ideas, applying for funding, project management, budgeting and meeting reporting requirements. In the last 12 months, more than a third of Strengthening Rural Communities grant applicants (503 organisations) were first time applicants. Even if they aren’t successful the first time around, constructive feedback, such as the detailed information we always offer to unsuccessful applicants, can give them the confidence to apply again.
Biting off just what they can chew
Many communities are great at developing a long-term vision for their community that might focus on local services, economic development, environmental sustainability or climate change adaption but much as they’d like to do so, it’s simply not possible to achieve everything at once. Small grants enable a community to tackle making those big changes one project at a time. This supports them to make incremental progress against their long-term goals, while the lower scrutiny and risk associated with a small amount of funding can be less anxiety-inducing for organisations who are new to grant seeking.
Attracting more funding
Securing their first small grant is a pivotal moment for an organisation. It’s not just about funding support – it is also a recognition of the value of an organisation’s work and its ability to contribute to their community’s future. Once they’ve been successful, it’s often a catalyst for aiming higher and developing self-belief and self-reliance to create positive change in their community.
Demonstrating that they can successfully manage their first small grant and deliver tangible results builds an organisation’s credibility and can help open the door to securing larger grants to scale-up their project or take on a more ambitious idea. Often, it’s also the vote of confidence that other donors need to see to also come in and support the group’s work.
Getting to work sooner
Small grants usually have shorter application and approval timelines and offer more flexibility to enable communities to tailor projects to meet local priorities and needs, or quickly respond to unexpected disasters and other shocks. Smaller grants also usually come with fewer restrictions and reporting requirements compared to larger grants, which can often make it easier to negotiate with the funder to adapt their project if conditions change.
Finding and piloting local solutions
The flexibility of small grants also encourages communities to experiment with local problem solving, potentially sparking new approaches that are scalable or portable to other communities. Often small grants are seed funding to pilot locally generated or adopted ideas that are not of interest to larger grant programs. Using small grant funding to demonstrate the viability of a community idea can generate the evidence needed to secure larger grants or other support to bring the idea to reality.
“Thank you so much for providing the funds for this grant. This renovation has given Council initiative to support the Toy Library by maintaining the building so we can provide an inviting space and nurturing space for the community. The Toy Library has had many, many years of dedication by passionate volunteers to support and nurture the children of Tamworth and I think it deserves it!
When I started as president the library looked awful and didn’t reflect the commitment, love and pride that our small but dedicated group deserved. Now I feel like our space reflects our organisation. An important community organisation that cares and values the children, parents and carers of Tamworth and feels that learning through play is core to a child’s life and development! Another positive change is that the renovations have been a catalyst for council to complete much needed (and much requested) maintenance on the building by fixing gutters, replacing doors and cracked tiles and replacing the old sink and toilet.”
Tamworth Toy Library Incorporated
Connecting the Community
Small grants also offer a reason for different groups in the community to work together to develop and deliver projects that are meaningful and manageable. When community members, other community organisations and Local Government see the results from a small grant project that makes their community better, it is a great morale booster, and they are more likely to be motivated to get involved in future community initiatives.
“The event’s success lies in its ability to bring the community together, boost the local economy, and celebrate cultural heritage. The event provided a platform for residents to come together after the floods, share their experiences, and rebuild social connections. Through artistic workshops, events, and exhibitions, community members bonded over shared creative experiences, fostering unity and a sense of belonging.”
Arts Deloraine – festival / youth workshops (flood recovery)
Building local capacity
It’s not just the mere fact of offering smaller-value grants that makes an impact. It’s what those grants fund that also helps to build local capacity, especially in small communities or where a new group has formed. For example, many of the grants FRRR funds are about helping groups build their own capacity – whether that’s the likes of governance training or strategic planning support.
“The grant received for strategic planning has paid for itself many times over. We had members who had ideas in their head but didn’t know how to plan or implement them. Since receiving the grant, we’ve been able to increase attendance of our market to over 5000 visitors in November 2021! We’ve also been able to provide free stalls to local community groups to increase their outreach. This also has a flow on effect to small businesses in the town. The pub is booked out for lunch, little local businesses thrive due to the amazing success of the market.”
Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges
Bigger is not always better
Often, we hear suggestions that larger grants are better – but the reality is that many of the most deserving groups in the smallest and most remote locations simply will not – or indeed simply are not able to – apply for many of those grant opportunities.
While it’s great to see larger grants made available to communities, especially through Government programs, it is critical that we not lose sight of how important small grants are in strengthening capability and capacity in remote, rural and regional communities. Small communities, as you might guess, are, well… small! This can make it hard to compete with larger communities, especially when it comes to demonstrating measures of impact which funders often ask for – small communities can’t point to economies of scale or large numbers of beneficiaries.
With fewer people to draw on, volunteers are often stretched and there are less likely to be paid resources or an experienced grant writer to chase high-value grants or manage large-scale projects. Groups often won’t apply because they don’t have the capacity to meet the reporting requirements or to manage the other governance expectations, such as the frequency of reporting or detailed probity plans. Even the prospect of managing large sums of money can be scary for a first-time grant applicant and some small communities can find it simply overwhelming!
What makes small grants so impactful in rural and remote Australia is their flexibility and relative simplicity, which means they’re more accessible and attractive to those communities that don’t have the resources to wrestle with the complexities of large grants. So we urge all those who are working so hard to grow the funds that are directed via the social sector to make sure that small grants continue to be a key stream of funding. If you’re funding large grants, consider coupling that with some smaller grant funding as well – they may well become organisations you’re able to fund in the future. Or, if you’re funding with a very tight focus, consider how small grants with more flexibility may bring unexpected pathways to that impact. Of course, we always welcome more partners for our collaboratively-funded Strengthening Rural Communities program, so get in touch if you’d like to know more.
Nearly $100,000 in grants awarded to local NFPs
Five not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) in the Bay & Basin region are sharing in $99,494 in funding that will strengthen the NFP sector and inter-organisational relationships in Bay & Basin, helping the community to thrive and achieve long-term stability.
Funded through FRRR’s Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program, in partnership with the Bendigo Bank Community Enterprise Foundation, these funds will allow Bay & Basin NFPs to develop the tools, resources and skills they have identified they need to achieve longevity and enduring opportunities in their communities.
IRCF is a multi-year grassroots program aimed at building the capacity and connectedness of NFPs in select communities in regional New South Wales. As well as grants, these organisations will receive organisational support and coordination in the form of workshops that will help them to implement more effective systems, processes and training within their organisations.
The five funded initiatives focus on developing strategic and sustainable business skills, technological transformation, and supporting youth and community engagement. These local activities address needs highlighted through a community-led Roadmap, the development of which was facilitated by FRRR.
Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said that the IRCF program’s expansion into the Bay & Basin region has been a great boost for local communities, with significant investments now being made for the future.
“These not-for-profit organisations are enabling community-led action and resilience through their long-term initiatives.
“It’s wonderful to see local organisations prioritising community engagement and creating safe cultural spaces, particularly for local youth. Like Vincentia High School, which will use their $24,000 grant to help create a safe community space with their integrated community health hub called Walawaani-ngarn (welcome place),” Ms Egleton said.
David Impey, CEO of Bendigo Bank’s Community Enterprise Foundation, said they are pleased to have been able to help expand the IRCF program to include Bay & Basin.
“We’re delighted to be on board with a program that’s making a real and practical difference. Organisations like the Lady Denman Heritage Complex Huskisson will be transformed by their $6,424 grant, as it will allow them to transition from using outdated catalogue software to a more efficient and secure cloud-based method of storage.”
The three other grant recipients in the Bay & Basin region are:
- Sanctuary Point Community Pride Incorporated, Vincentia – Organised Youth Bay and Basin – $26,000 – Support the development of a youth forum and youth-led projects through the engagement of a youth practitioner to connect and support Bay & Basin youth.
- Huskisson Public School Parents and Citizens Association, Huskisson – Equipping the Huskisson P&C for a Viable Future – $13,070 – Enhance the sustainability of the Huskisson P&C through succession planning, development of strategic documents, laptop purchase and insurance costs.
- Bay & Basin Community Resources Limited, Sanctuary Point – Marketing and Communications Connecting BBCR and Communities – $30,000 – Enable Bay & Basin Community Resources to improve their communications and marketing through the employment of a marketing coordinator for six months.
Kate Dezarnaulds, who previously served as FRRR’s Program Manager for IRCF, will be transitioning into an IRCF co-facilitator role to serve the needs of these South Coast NFPs more directly. FRRR is also recruiting for a co-facilitator who identifies as First Nations, to work alongside Ms Dezarnauld. Those interested in applying can contact the FRRR team at https://frrr.org.au/contact-us/.
In addition to Bay & Basin, the IRCF South Coast program is also working in Nowra, Batemans Bay and Ulladulla, with the support of The Snow Foundation and in Junee, Leeton and Nambucca Valley in partnership with the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation.
For more information about the Investing in Rural Community Futures program visit https://frrr.org.au/ircf-program/.
Nearly $700,000 in funding awarded to local community groups
Funding announced by FRRR today, is helping local community groups in Junee and Nambucca Valley to carry on their operations, despite multiple disruptions, by funding staff, developing efficient processes and boosting their capabilities through collaboration and technology.
Fourteen local not-for-profits (NFPs) are sharing $695,166 in grants, which will strengthen how their organisations function, and bolster the ways in which these groups can support their communities.
Funded by FRRR, in partnership with Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF), Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) is a five-year program designed to provide local NFPs with the tools and support they need to make lasting impacts in their areas of focus for the community. As part of the program, FRRR worked with the groups to create a tailored NFP sector roadmap, reflecting their shared goals. This funding and other ongoing support, including local facilitators on the ground, is helping bring these plans to life.
Nancy Sposato, FRRR Program Manager, said that the IRCF program, now in its third year, gives participating not-for-profits the opportunity to identify common issues and develop local strategies that will support their long-term sustainability.
“Through these grants, we have supported six organisations we’ve previously funded, alongside eight new organisations. This package really shows a deeper understanding and sophistication in how organisations are approaching capacity building,” Ms Sposato explained.
“At this point in the program, it is fantastic to see collaborations and sector alliances building within each community. A great example of this is support for Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council in the Nambucca Valley, who will deepen First Nations NFP sector collaboration and support key leaders to develop a cultural-competency induction package.
“Local employment continues to be a key capacity building measure in supporting stability and sustainability, particularly considering COVID related disruptions. For example, Junee Business and Trades will be able to employ a part-time grants officer, which will make it easier for local NFPs to apply for funding to support local projects. These grants also respond to the need for technology system and small-scale infrastructure upgrades, further enhancing organisational efficiency.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Junee and Nambucca Valley NFPs, and continuing to support them as they implement their unique roadmaps,” Ms Sposato, said.
In addition to Junee and Nambucca Valley, the rural community of Leeton is taking part in the VFFF-funded IRCF program. FRRR has also partnered with The Snow Foundation to expand the program into the Shoalhaven communities of Batemans Bay, Nowra and Ulladulla. In June, FRRR partnered with Bendigo Bank’s charitable arm, Community Enterprise Foundation to further expand the IRCF program into the Bay and Basin region.
For more information about the Investing in Rural Community Futures program visit – https://frrr.org.au/ircf-program/.
The full list of grant recipients and their projects are below.
Organisation | Project | Grant | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
JUNEE | ||||
Junee Business & Trades Incorporation | Appoint a Grants Officer Enable local Junee NFPs to access funding to support local projects through the employment of a part-time grants officer position. | $118,959 | ||
Junee Community Centre Inc | Subsidy for Centre Manager Sustain the Junee Community Centre by subsidising the centre manager role to support organisational governance, partnerships, and strategy development. | $140,000 | ||
Junee Community Power Inc | Junee Community Circular Fund (JCCF) Alleviate energy poverty by providing additional support to the Junee Circular Fund to facilitate completion of the installation of solar power to the Junee Senior Citizens Hall. | $47,508 | ||
Junee Hostel for the Aged Inc | Modernise Aged Care for Junee | $49,706 | ||
Regional Heritage Transport Assoc - Junee Inc | Moving the Junee Roundhouse Museum into the 21st Century Strengthen the capacity of the museum to operate more effectively with the installation of electronic software and appropriate hardware. | $25,724 | ||
Riverina Working Equitation Incorporated | Illabo Showground Combined User Group Strategic Planning Enable the Illabo Showground's combined user group to develop a strategy for the future sustainability of the grounds. | $3,580 | ||
NAMBUCCA VALLEY | ||||
Bowraville Community Development Association Incorporated | Surveying the Bowraville NFP Community About the Future Use of the Pioneer Community Centre Strengthen the use of the Bowraville Pioneer Community Centre by surveying the Bowraville community organisations to determine future use. | $13,750 | ||
MiiMi Aboriginal Corporation | Gumbaynggirr Receptionist | $54,470 | ||
Mujaay Ganma Foundation Aboriginal Corporation | Yuraal Guunumba Ngurraay: Gumbaynggirr Native Foods Community Garden Project STAGE 2 Continue to foster community engagement, organisational capacity, and share cultural knowledge by engaging trainee coordinators and mentors to sustain the Mujaay Ganma's Yuraal Garden Project. | $31,173 | ||
Nambucca Heads Mens Shed Inc | Exploring Energy Options Increase organisational capacity and save operational costs for community organisations by exploring the viability of using renewable energy to help sustain not-for-profit organisations in the Nambucca Valley. | $11,000 | ||
Nambucca Valley Council | Local News Shared Strengthen the collaboration of the local community newsletter committees of the Nambucca Valley to build capability, share content and amplify the voice of young people across the Valley. | $43,292 | ||
Nambucca Valley Phoenix Limited | Investing in Strategy - Building a Sustainable Social Enterprise Building a Sustainable Social Enterprise. Strengthen the capacity of the organisation to deliver on their new Strategy and aspiration to become a sustainable social enterprise by strengthening their brand and supporting staff. | $47,000 | ||
ShoreTrack Ltd | ShoreTrack MOS (Management Operational System) Enable ShoreTrack Ltd to develop an internal operational management system to maximise the organisation’s capacity and operationalise their strategy. | $36,300 | ||
Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council | Jinda biin duguula (Sisters Together) To deepen First Nations NFP sector collaboration and to support key leaders to develop a cultural competency induction package. | $72,704 |