Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program

Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program will boost support for communities across remote, rural and regional Australia to improve resilience, environmental sustainability and liveability through the power of connection. 

The program offers grants up to $10,000 for not-for-profit community organisations that are providing access to information, technology, education and facilities to support their communities to embrace new technologies and ways of working to build social capital and digital capability.

The program seeks to foster: 

  • Resilient communities that are well prepared and socially connected when disaster strikes with the ability to renew and recover together;
  • Sustainable communities that are diverse and inclusive, planning for the health, wellbeing, and prosperity of their people and the planet; and
  • Liveable communities that have digital capability, and help to equip individuals with the skills to live, learn and work in a digital society.
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This program is now closed.

Future program dates are yet to be determined.

Recipient Announcements

How to apply

Please read the information on each of the three 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?

For any program related queries for Telstra’s Connected Communities program contact:

  • Danielle Griffin, Program Manager

Ph: 1800 170 020 or Email: info@frrr.org.au

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 detailed in the Program Guidelines below carefully. Click on each headline to reveal the detail.

Gather information to support your grant application

Please read the information below to support the planning and preparation of your project. It also sets out what you MUST include for your project to be considered. There are plenty of helpful resources to support you along the way.

Please contact FRRR if you have any questions about the following information.

Your grant application MUST include:

Need some more help?

We have a large selection of resources on our Grantseeker Resources page to help you along the way.

Submit your grant application via the Grants Gateway

Applications closed 5pm AEDT, 30 March 2023.

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

Applications are closed for Telstra’s Connected Communities program

Helpful resources:

It is time to submit your application. If it is helpful, you can download a sample 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.

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

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

“FRRR’s grant application was clearly set out, staff were friendly and helpful when I had a few questions, and the whole process was easily achievable. We are grateful for the opportunity to receive funding to improve Adavale Lane Community Centre so it can be accessed and used for the benefit of our whole community.”

Danielle Diener, Secretary – Adavale Lane Community Centre Incorporated, SRC R9

Inspiration

Explore other communities projects that have improved resilience and environmental sustainability through enhancing digital capability.

A mobile boost for Freycinet’s Volunteer Marine Rescue Assoc

The Freycinet Volunteer Marine Rescue Association, based in Swansea on Tasmania’s east coast, could only access mobile phone coverage by going outside its building. An FRRR grant supported the installation of a mobile phone booster.

Yulgilbar Foundation Fund, Grants available for community groups in the Clarence Valley

New technology helps Clarence Landcare stay connected

In 2019, Clarence Landcare received a $5,000 grant from FRRR through the Small Grants for Rural Communities program, thanks to support from The Yulgilbar Foundation, to update their office furniture and technology.

Solar energy helps sustain and retain community connection

The Hillston Creative Arts Council owns and operates the local information centre. They were looking for ways it could remain sustainable without overburdening the financially-stressed community, and used a $7,562 grant to install solar panels.