Back to School (BTS)

Back to School (BTS) is a national program that helps remote and rural children and young people access quality educational experiences. Since 2005, this practical, positive program has helped thousands of students to engage in learning and strengthen their educational outcomes. 

Working through local community organisations who act as Back to School partners, the program provides $50 digital gift vouchers to students in need redeemable at Target, Kmart or local retailers. The vouchers can be used for items such as school uniforms, clothing, shoes, school bags and stationery – or anything that helps students feel ready to learn.


Please note: FRRR is unable to distribute vouchers directly to families.

Proudly supported by

Future rounds


2024 Matched Funding
:

Opens September 2023 (TBC)
(for Community Foundations only)

2024 General Round:

Opens October 2023 (TBC)

The 2023 Back to School (General) program is now closed.

2023 vouchers have been distributed.

How to apply

Please read the information on each of the two tabs below to make sure this is the right grant for your project.

If you want to explore other grant options, please go to Find Funding Now.

I have a question, who can I talk to?

Jeanice Henderson
info@frrr.org.au
1800 170 020

Confirm you are eligible to apply for this grant

To make sure this is the right grant for your community, please read the grant information below carefully. Click on each headline to reveal the detail.

For further detail, please clink the FAQs tab above to read through the Back to School Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s).

Download the Guidelines

If you need to share this information with others, you can download the guidelines above.

Back to School: Frequently Asked Questions

Please read the information below to help you learn more about the program.

If you have any further questions, please contact Jeanice Henderson, BTS Program Coordinator by emailing info@frrr.org.au or free call 1800 170 020.

Submit your grant application via the Grants Gateway

Please contact FRRR if you have questions about any aspect of the Grants Gateway online application form.

Before you submit your application via the online Grants Gateway, please ensure you have:

  • confirmed you are eligible to apply for this grant
  • provided clear information about your project
  • checked that you are an eligible legal entity
  • provided the financial information required
  • created a budget for the project
  • gathered supporting materials
  • spoken to an FRRR contact person where you were unsure of any requirement
  • gathered community support for the project
  • checked the information you are providing to make sure it is clear and relevant to the project

Helpful resources:

It is time to submit your application. If it is helpful, you can download a copy of the application form.

Please read the instructions on how to use the Grants Gateway How-to Guide and have your questions answered with our Grants Gateway FAQs.

If you have significant issues accessing a stable internet connection, please contact our team to discuss an alternative way of applying:
Ph: 1800 170 020 or Email: info@frrr.org.au

Inspiration

Read more about the impact that these vouchers have had.

Back to School Program – making a real difference in rural Australia

A $50 voucher goes a long way for families that are struggling to put food on the table, let alone buy new school clothes and stationery. The BTS voucher distribution program continues to have a positive and significant impact for families in need in Deniliquin.

Back to School vouchers help farming families

FRRR’s $50 Back to School vouchers are making a big difference to farming families that have been impacted by consecutive natural disasters. For one family of four, it meant sending them to school with all they needed to start the school year.

Buderim Foundation distributes Back to school vouchers

Watch the video to hear what the Buderim Foundation and local school chaplain have to say about how Back to School vouchers will assist local school children and their families.