Local Communities Eligible for Slice of $400,000 Climate Fund

In Short:

• Funding Available: Not-for-profits in the Hay, Balranald, Carrathool, and Central Darling regions can apply for grants up to $20,000 for local climate initiatives.
• Flexible Projects: Eligible projects include clean energy adoption, regenerative agriculture, habitat restoration, and community education.
• Key Deadlines: Applications close 12 March 2026, with a free introductory workshop scheduled for today, 17 February.

Community groups across the Hay, Balranald, Carrathool, and Central Darling shires are being encouraged to apply for a new round of funding aimed at tackling climate challenges at a local level.

The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) today opened applications for its Community Led Climate Solutions program, offering grants of up to $20,000 for not-for-profit organisations.

With $400,000 available nationally, the program targets emissions reduction and climate resilience projects specifically tailored to the unique needs of regional Australia.

Jill Karena, FRRR’s Head of Granting, says the program’s deliberately flexible design reflects the reality that climate impacts look different depending on where you are.

"Remote, rural and regional communities are experiencing climate change in varied ways," Ms Karena said.

"The program allows not-for-profits to shape solutions that make sense in their particular context, whether that involves education, infrastructure improvements, habitat restoration, capability building or testing new approaches and sharing results."

For Back Country NSW residents, this could mean anything from installing solar panels on community-owned buildings to funding local workshops on regenerative agriculture or habitat restoration along our river systems.

Ms Karena pointed to a successful project in Gympie as a blueprint for success, where solar retrofits for social housing lowered costs for tenants.

"It's an example of how practical climate solutions can strengthen wellbeing and dignity in communities," she said.

The current round is supported by several partners, including the Paul Ramsay Foundation and Elders Insurance. Since 2023, the program has distributed $1.6 million across 67 grants.

"These changes matter because they’re long lasting and transferable, building momentum by making climate solutions visible, relevant and accessible to everyday people," Ms Karena said. "This helps ensure the transition to a low emissions future is fair and inclusive."

Applications close at 5:00 pm AEDT on March 12 2026. Local groups interested in applying can attend a free online workshop TODAY February 17 from midday to 1:00 pm AEDT via Humanitix.