Funds available for climate solutions

First Nations organisations in remote, rural and regional communities across Australia are encouraged to apply for funding for projects that will help their communities take the lead to identify and address the impacts of climate change at a local level.

The Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal Community Led Climate Solutions program has grants via two streams, with a total funding pool of $650,000 available.

Stream 1 – Engage and Deliver: Grants up to $20,000 for local projects that implement or build awareness of practices and solutions that can reduce emissions and benefit the community.

Stream 2 – Scaling: Grants from $20,001 to $75,0000 to scale locally-led initiatives that alleviate socio-economic challenges resulting from the changing climate and enable communities to decarbonise, adapt and thrive.

Sarah Matthee, Climate Solutions Portfolio Lead at FRRR, said the program was keen to support First Nations communities amongst its grantees, to direct their own climate journey.

“Every place is different and the priorities of each community are different, including when it comes to responding to the impacts of our changing climate and how we continue to care for country,” she said.

“That’s why the program is flexible and funds a wide range of initiatives – enabling local organisations to seek support for the project that will be right for their context, their climate and their community and country.”

“A great example is Wilya Ajjul Janta Aboriginal Corporation, who we supported with a grant on their journey to create sustainable and culturally appropriate housing solutions in Tennant Creek.

“We have also funded projects that support the transition to sustainable energy.

“In Borroloola in the Northern Territory, we’ve funded the Ngardara Cooperative’s work supported by Original Power, which will see the community leading the establishment of their own solar microgrid, providing them with a sustainable energy source and reducing their reliance on diesel-powered electricity.

“Other communities are monitoring how the changing climate is impacting their country. In north Queensland, Yuku Baja Muliku Landowner & Reserves Ltd is using an FRRR grant to support their decision-making and advocacy, resourcing Rangers to monitor biocultural indicators on their country.”

An online Grantseeker Workshop, including a Q&A session on the Community Led Climate Solutions grant program, will be held on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, from 12:30pm – 1:30 pm AEST.

Register at https://events.humanitix.com/community-led-climate-solutions-grant-seekers-webinar

* The larger Scaling Grants have a two-part application process.

The first involves submitting a short expression of interest by 5pm AEST, 22 May 2025.

They will then be reviewed and some groups will be invited to submit a full application.

Groups will know if they have been shortlisted by 5 June. Full applications for the Scaling Grants, as well as for the Engage and Deliver stream are due by 5.00pm AEST on 26 June 2025.

To learn more and apply, visit: https://frrr.org.au/community-led-climate-solutions.