Strengthening Rural Communities – Small & Vital

PUBLISHED 20 April 2026

EXPIRY DATE 24 June 2026

The Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) Small & Vital stream gives small remote, rural and regional communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities. There are two tiers of Small & Vital funding available.

Small grants up to $10,000 are available for a broad range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities that strengthen local people, places and climate solutions, with a preference for smaller communities (populations less than15,000). The timeframe to deliver these projects is up to 12 months.

priority will be given to projects that:

• Invest in outback, remote and less-resourced communities;
• Support First Nations-led initiatives that strengthen culture, Country, economic participation and self-determination; and
• Support communities to implement generational transition.

Applications close on 24 June 2026.

For further information please visit: Strengthening Rural Communities – Small & Vital