The Australian Government has committed $12 million to an inaugural grant program under the Future Drought Fund that supports place-based, First Nations-led initiatives from 2025-26 to 2027-28.
The Program will deliver this investment through community-driven projects that build resilience to dry times and climate impacts, and supports Closing the Gap - Building the Community-Controlled Sector.
Applications are now closed
The Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country program opened for applications on 12 August 2025 and closed on 16 December 2025.
Up to six First Nations businesses or organisations will be selected as delivery partners. Selected applicants will be notified in early-mid 2026, with projects to start from June 2026.
Delivery partners
Program delivery partners will:
- manage the project
- work with Mob to design local projects that help Mob prepare for dry times and the changing climate
- support Mob to run activities that strengthen their connection to Country.
Delivery partners won’t deliver the activities themselves. Instead, they will help Mob carry them out.
Each delivery partner can apply for:
- Up to $1 million per region to manage the project
- Up to $1 million per region for Mob to rollout the activities.
Watch
More about the Program
See how the Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country Grant places First Nations leadership and knowledge at the heart of building resilience to dry times.
[Recording begins]
Michael O'Keeffe
[0:00]
Yura Mob, it’s time to lead the way. Projects by Mob, for Mob – building resilience to dry times and climate impacts on our own Country.
The Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country Grant backs First Nations-led, community-driven projects that tackle these challenges head-on.
Delivery Partners will be chosen to roll out place-based projects that build economic, social, environmental and cultural resilience – all grounded in connection to Country.
With up to $12 million in funding over three years, this is a chance to make a real impact – for our communities, our Country, and our future.
So Mob, it’s time to step up and lead strong.
Apply now and shape a resilient future on our own Country.
Deadly change starts with us.
Recording ends [1:08]
Further information
For further information on the Program please contact support@communitygrants.gov.au