The Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) Prepare & Recover program is now accepting applications for grants of up to $25,000, designed to help rural and regional Australian communities better prepare for future climate-related disasters or assist in their long-term recovery efforts. The program provides vital funding for projects that focus on building resilience, enhancing local resources, and strengthening community-led efforts.
Key Details of the SRC Prepare & Recover Program
Maximum Grant Amount: $50,000
Eligibility: Not-for-profit organizations, community groups, and charities operating in rural, regional, or remote Australia
Program Focus: Climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and recovery
Funding Scope: Community infrastructure, capacity building, and disaster risk management initiatives
What the Grant Supports
The SRC program funds a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing the risks of climate-related disasters while helping communities recover from past events. These initiatives include but are not limited to:
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Community Infrastructure: Building or improving infrastructure that enhances resilience against disasters.
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Equipment Purchases: Funding for tools, machinery, or vehicles that aid in disaster preparedness and recovery.
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Volunteer Capacity Building: Strengthening the skills and resources of local volunteers who play a crucial role in disaster response.
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Local Decision-Making Resources: Providing communities with the tools to make informed, local decisions to manage disaster risks.
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Networking and Information Sharing: Encouraging collaboration and communication across communities to better prepare for and respond to climate impacts.
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Inclusion and Self-Organization: Supporting activities that foster greater inclusion and community self-organization to address future disaster risks.
Projects funded through this program should aim to build sustainable resilience that can benefit the community for years to come. The program specifically prioritizes initiatives led by the community that enhance local capabilities and resources to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for funding, applicants must be not-for-profit organizations with an incorporation certificate or an Australian Business Number (ABN). Eligible projects must:
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Be charitable in nature and provide a public benefit
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Serve remote, rural, or regional Australian communities that are affected by, or at risk of, climate-related disasters
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Demonstrate a focus on disaster preparedness or recovery efforts (either preventing future disasters or assisting with long-term recovery from past ones)
Important Note: Applications from for-profit businesses, government entities, and projects that primarily benefit private interests will not be considered. Sporting organizations must show that their projects benefit the broader community and not just sports activities.
Funding Needs
The grants are particularly suited to projects that focus on:
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Community Engagement: Building trust and collaboration across local populations
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Environmental Sustainability: Supporting initiatives that help protect natural resources while enhancing resilience to climate impacts
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Capacity Building: Strengthening the community's ability to manage risks and respond effectively
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Crisis Management: Developing and enhancing crisis management strategies for better disaster preparedness
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Facilities and Infrastructure: Improving physical spaces that serve as disaster recovery hubs or community centers
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Equipment and Tools: Ensuring that communities have access to the necessary equipment to respond to disasters
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Wages and Salaries: Supporting staff who will directly contribute to disaster resilience and recovery efforts
Why This Program Matters
Rural and remote communities are often hit the hardest by climate-related disasters. With limited access to resources, these communities may struggle to prepare for and recover from the effects of extreme weather events, bushfires, floods, or droughts. The SRC Prepare & Recover program recognizes the need for tailored, community-led solutions that empower locals to take charge of their disaster resilience and recovery efforts.
This grant provides much-needed support to strengthen local networks, enhance infrastructure, and promote sustainable disaster risk management strategies. By prioritizing community-led resilience, the program seeks to reduce vulnerability and build stronger, more sustainable rural and regional communities for the future.
How to Apply
If your organization is working to strengthen rural communities and enhance disaster preparedness or recovery, consider applying for this grant. The application process is open until June 24, 2025, and successful applicants will receive funding of up to $25,000.
