Applications are now open for the Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country Grant Program.
This is a new opportunity for First Nations businesses and organisations, or a consortium (with a First Nations lead), to apply to become a Delivery Partner and guide the way in building resilience to dry times and climate impacts.
This Program is about Mob working with Mob—sharing ideas, making decisions together, and leading projects that matter to them. It recognises the deep cultural knowledge Mob have used to care for Country for over 65,000 years – including managing dry times.
We’re looking for Delivery Partners to work with their communities to co-design and support projects that are:
Delivery Partners will:
Delivery Partners won’t deliver the activities themselves – they’ll support Mob to carry them out.
Funding available per Delivery Partner:
Applications close 9:00PM AEDT, 16 December 2025.
To apply and access the Grant Opportunity Guidelines, FAQs and other program information, visit Grants Connect
For support, email: support@communitygrants.gov.au
Background
The Australian Government has committed funding to the Future Drought Fund (FDF) over the next 8 years to help rural and regional communities prepare for dry times and the changing climate.
As part of this commitment, $15 million over 4 years from 2024-25 is available to establish supporting activities, including a grant program to facilitate place-based, First Nations-led projects, and dedicated funding to increase First Nations participation in drought and climate resilience activities under the FDF.
To ensure First Nations voices guide this work, a First Nations Advisory Group has been established to provide advice on how FDF Programs can better reflect First Nations perspectives on preparing for dry times and the changing climate.
This includes $12 million over 3 years from 2025-26 for the Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country Grant Program. This Program will partner with First Nations people, organisations and businesses to support connection to Country through community-led projects.
