FDF Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country Program

Purpose and Program Overview

The Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country Program is an initiative of the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. It provides a total of $12 million to support First Nations-led, community-driven projects. The program’s intent is to build resilience to drought and climate impacts on Country. The program is guided by the principle of “by Mob, for Mob.”

The grant will select up to six First Nations businesses or organisations to act as “Delivery Partners.” These partners will work with their communities to identify, co-design, and deliver projects. The broader role of this program is to recognise and support the expertise of First Nations people in managing land and water. This initiative aligns with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

The program aims to address the economic, environmental, and social matters related to drought. This includes strengthening cultural practices that support resilience. It is a key part of the government’s strategy to partner with First Nations communities to manage drought and climate risks.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: Delivery Partners can apply for up to $2 million. This includes up to $1 million for project management and up to $1 million for on-ground activities for sub-grantees.

• Application open and close dates: The grant round opened on 12 August 2025 and will close at 9:00 PM AEDT on 16 December 2025.

• Eligible industries or business types: First Nations organisations, businesses, or consortia. Consortia may include non-Indigenous entities but must be First Nations-led.

• Required co-contributions: No co-contributions are required.

• Location/state/territory applicability: The program applies to First Nations communities across Australia.

Priority Sectors

The program is for First Nations organisations and businesses. It focuses on initiatives that build drought resilience on Country.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream: The total funding is up to $2 million per Delivery Partner. This is split into two streams. Up to $1 million is for administrative and co-design activities. Up to $1 million is for on-ground activities to be distributed to sub-grantees.

• Categories or streams of funding: Funding is for administrative coordination, co-design of projects, and on-ground activities.

• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: The program will run from 2025–26 to 2027–28.

Grant Amount in Total

A total of $12 million is available for the program.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Must be a First Nations organisation or business. Consortia are also eligible if they are First Nations-led.

• Registered business location: The program is for entities in Australia.

• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified.

• Insurance or compliance obligations: Not specified, but standard compliance obligations would apply to successful applicants.

• ABN/GST status: Must have an ABN.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant supports community-driven projects. Eligible activities include:

• Cultural land and water management.

• Sustainable agriculture and food production.

• Knowledge sharing for cultural continuity.

• Community training and capacity building.

Assessment Process

The grant is competitive. A targeted competitive grant round will select up to six Delivery Partners. The program is administered by the Community Grants Hub. Key evaluation criteria will likely be based on:

• The organisation’s ability to be a Delivery Partner.

• The project’s alignment with the program’s objectives.

• The community-driven nature of the proposed work.

• The potential for the projects to build drought and climate resilience.

Recent Program Updates

The grant program is a new initiative under the Future Drought Fund. Applications for this inaugural round opened on 12 August 2025.

Application Tips

• The program is for Delivery Partners, not for direct project funding.

• Your application should show how you will work with your community.

• Show how your projects will be First Nations-led and community-driven.

• Ensure your proposed activities directly build resilience to drought and climate impacts.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit the Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country program page for guidelines, templates, and webinar information.