FRRR – Community Group Futures

This program aims to support community organisations working in and for the benefit of communities affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires. It seeks to provide resources for organisations to consider their viability, sustainability and future roles in their communities, and to strengthen organisational capabilities to achieve their aspirations.

The program supports the following outcomes:
- Communities enjoy access to a range of high quality, relevant and sustainable local service options.
- Non-for-profit organisations are underpinned by efficient and effective structures, systems and processes.
- Non-for-profit organisations are led and managed by skilled and capable people, whether they be volunteer or paid.
- Innovative and collaborative approaches exist to address community needs and priorities and resourcing challenges for organisations.

Funds are available across three program streams:
- Organisational capability: Grants of up to $15,000 for training and $20,000 for positions are available.
- Viability and sustainability: Grants of up to $20,000 to engage external expertise are available.
- Cost efficiencies for community infrastructure: Grants of up to $10,000 are available.

Applicants are recommended to speak with the program manager about their project before submitting an application.

Eligible applicants include:
- Not-for-profit community-based organisations permanently operating in and for the benefit of communities affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires. Please refer to the website for the eligible local government areas and priority locations.
- Organisations with an ABN or Incorporation Certificate.
- Organisations with and without DGR endorsement.

An organisation is eligible to submit one application per grant round.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete eligibility requirements.

Eligible activities include:
1. Organisational capability
- Training: NFP committees/boards in governance, planning, financial management, human resource management, risk management, asset management.
- Paid positions: Develop and embed policies/procedures, financial systems and processes, evaluation frameworks and processes.

2. Viability and sustainability (skilled support)
- Strategic planning
- Business planning and implementation support
- Financial analysis and planning for sustainability
- Shared back office services across similar geographic or service boundaries
- Exploring collective impact approaches to key social issues
- Legal support for mergers
- Community engagements

3. Cost efficiencies for community infrastructure
- Community asset cost efficiencies such as solar panels or water tanks

The main assessment criteria include:
- Clear project information
- Project budget
- Organisational financials
- Supporting materials

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete list of the assessment criteria.

The following are ineligible for funding:
- Individuals, private or commercial businesses.
- Projects that support core business and areas of responsibility of Federal, State and local Governments.
- Ongoing core organisational operational costs (e.g. rent, utilities, regular wages, loan repayments).
- The encouragement or advancement of sport, recreation and social activities are not considered charitable activities under Australian law. Applications from sporting organisations need to clearly demonstrate charitable outcomes and benefit to the wider community that are above and beyond the sporting activities of the club.
- Overseas travel and overseas projects.
- Prizes, gifts, trophies or awards.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete list of the restrictions.