We're supporting regional Australia with more grants for Connected Communities
Last year we introduced Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program and we are now looking for nominations for 2024. This program aims to deliver $600,000 in support over three years.
We have $200,000 allocated to this program for this year and will make grants up to $10,000 available for not-for-profit community organisations that provide access to information, technology, education and facilities for the purpose of building both social capital and digital capability.
The program has three themes and aims 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.
The Telstra Connected Community Grant Program is being run in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal. FRRR is a not-for-profit organisation that connects common purposes and funding from government, business and philanthropy with the genuine local needs or rural people and places. It will administer the program and funds, while Telstra will award the funds.
How to apply for a connected communities grant
We encourage applicants representing not-for-profit organisations in regional, remote and rural Australia to apply. This can include associations, charities, local councils and entities such as education and health organisations.
Applications for the 2024 program open on Tuesday, 27 February and close at 5pm on Wednesday, 27 March. Successful grants will be announced in June 2024 and applicants will have 12 months to complete the funded projects.
For people wanting to find out more, there is a webinar that will be held on Tuesday, 5th March. Please check the FRRR Website to find out more details.
About the 2023 Grant recipients
Last year 30 local groups and not-for-profits across regional Australia received funding through this program. A full list of the 2023 recipients can be found on HERE
Some case studies of the successful groups can also be found by downloading our assets below.