Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program will boost support for communities across remote, rural and regional Australia to improve resilience, environmental sustainability and liveability through the power of connection. 

The program will support community-led efforts that embrace new technology and improve digital literacy or digital capability that enhance social connection, support equitable access to technology, increases cyber security, enable sustainable environmental practices or support disaster preparedness.

This can be with new or existing projects, where funds will help to scale their impact, and may include initiatives that can build digital capability by providing access to equipment, information and education and/or enable constructive social networks.

Not-for-profit organisations that are providing access to information, technology, education and facilities to build connected communities that are resilient, sustainable and liveable should consider applying.

• Equipment or training to build digital and connectivity literacy for broad community benefit;
• Enabling digital equity by providing access to digital equipment for students in need;
• Building community organisations operational capacity with new technology and digital solutions;
• Programs that increase communities digital literacy for better social and economic outcomes;
• Programs that use digital tools to support remote, rural and regional communities adaptation to extreme weather events and changing climate conditions;
• Programs to help communities recycle their e-waste;
• Delivery of cyber safety / online awareness workshops to vulnerable cohorts (e.g. seniors, students, First Nations people and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities);
• Cyber security support for community groups to implement or upgrade electronic information security;
• Upgrading emergency meeting places connectivity in and out of times of disaster;
• Providing essential digital equipment for emergency preparedness.

• Applicant organisations must be a not-for-profit organisation with either an Incorporation Certificate and/or an ABN. If you are unsure if your organisation is a registered not-for-profit (e.g., if you are a Co-operative, Other Unincorporated Entity, Public Company or Trust), please contact FRRR;
• Project must be for charitable purposes and offer clear public benefit;
• Not-for profit organisations with or without DGR-1 endorsement are eligible;
• Organisations can submit one application per grant round; and
• Projects must benefit communities in remote, rural or regional Australia.

• Phone: 1800 170 020
• Email: info@frrr.org.au