Vision Statement

Working together to create a thriving future for our island communities

愿景声明 - 携手合作为我们的岛屿社区创造繁荣的未来

Pernyataan visi - Bekerjasama untuk membina masa depan yang berkembang untuk masyarakat pulu kita

Pernyataan wawasa - Sama-sama berusaha mewujudkan masa depan yang berkembang maju untuk komuniti pulau kita

News from the IOT RDO – Funding and finance opportunities

About us

The Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation (IOT RDO) is one of 50 organisations located across Australia that are part of the national Regional Development Australia (RDA) network, funded by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA). The IOT RDO is funded to facilitate sustainable development in the region, and we are focussed on working with key regional stakeholders to assist the region to become investment ready. The IOT RDO advocates for and works towards the achievement of improvements in local and regional priorities that impact sustainable growth and development, and liveability, that can only be influenced at the macro level.

Funding opportunities

Play Our Way Program

The Play Our Way Program is an open competitive opportunity that will provide funding of up to $200 million over three years. This grant program aims to address the barriers women and girls face when participating in sport and physical activity by delivering quality facilities and sport participation experiences where the need is greatest, and in a manner that is safe, equitable, accessible, inclusive, sustainable, and enduring. Grants will fund projects across a facilities stream, as well as a participation and equipment stream. Applications close on 29 April 2024.

In a Good Place Program

The In a Good Place Program gives not-for-profit organisations in small remote, rural and regional communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds for a broad range of community-driven projects, services, activities or initiatives, which clearly and directly focus on strengthening mental health and wellbeing of vulnerable community members who are at risk of, or are experiencing, mental health issues. The program aims to support a range of approaches that are preventative or responsive in nature, reduce social isolation by increasing social participation and connectedness, and reduce stigma surrounding mental health by encouraging open discussion and supporting self-help-seeking. Applications for the 2024 program close on 30 April.

Qantas Regional Grants

The Qantas Regional Grants program is offering $2 million in support to Australian-based communities and projects that are looking to benefit regional areas. If you are an individual, group or not-for-profit organisation seeking funds to contribute positively to your regional community, you are eligible to apply for the Qantas Regional Grants program. Support can be provided via marketing assistance, flights, or cash. Applications close 10 May 2024.

FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants

The Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal and their donor partners collaborate with ABC Heywire to assist communities in taking action on the ideas generated by young Australians who attend the annual Heywire Regional Youth Summit. FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants are available for communities across Australia to adopt, adapt, and act on the ideas generated at the Summit. Issues addressed by the project ideas include connectivity, mental health services, and accessible transport. Applications for the current round are now open and close 29 May 2024.

SEGRA Foundation Emerging Champions Program

Are you a young person (25-39) with a heart for creating solutions to problems within your local community? Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia (SEGRA) are on the lookout for emerging rural ‘doers’ across regional Australia to participate in their inaugural Emerging Champions program ahead of the 2024 National Regional Economic Development Summit in Busselton. 10 successful applicants will be selected to participate in the day-and-a-half initiative that includes networking events, deep dive conversations, skills development and leadership activities. Successful applicants will receive a complimentary two-day Summit pass and entry into the Emerging Champions program (total value $2500), facilitated by Adam Mostogyl, an educator, entrepreneur and inspirer. Successful applicants must live and work in a rural, remote or regional location in Australia. Applications close 31 May 2024.

Strengthening Rural Communities – Small & Vital

The Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal’s Strengthening Rural Communities- Small & Vital  program allows small remote, rural, and regional communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds for a broad range of initiatives that directly benefit local communities. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for a range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that strengthen local people, places, and climate solutions.  Applications for the current round are now open and close 5 June 2024.

Strengthening Rural Communities – Prepare & Recover

The Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal’s Strengthening Rural Communities - Prepare & Recover program allows remote, rural, and regional communities across Australia to implement initiatives that prevent and prepare for future climate related impacts, or recover from existing disasters in the medium to long term timeframe. Grants of up to $25,000 are available for a range of initiatives that strengthen the capacity and capability of local people, networks, and systems.  Applications for the current round are now open and close 5 June 2024.

Saluting their Service Commemorative Grants Program

The Saluting their Service Commemorative Grants Program is designed to: preserve Australia’s wartime heritage; involve people around the country in a wide range of projects and activities that highlight the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel in wars, conflicts and peace operations; and promote appreciation and understanding of the experiences of service and the roles that those who served have played in shaping the nation. The closing dates for the current round of funding is 20 June 2024.

Housing Support Program

The Australian Government’s $500 million Housing Support Program is now open for applications from local governments for projects that will boost the planning required to increase housing supply. Stream 1 is for projects that aim to build the planning workforce and capability to improve the efficiency of the planning process so that housing construction can start sooner. These could be new pathways for planners and related professions to enter the industry, or tools to streamline planning systems and improve decision-making efficiency. Projects could also look at sharing resources between local governments or supporting master planning and planning reform. Applications for Stream 1 of the $500 million Housing Support Program close on 29 April 2024. Stream 2 will provide funding for projects that provide enabling infrastructure and amenities such as footpaths, roads and parks to support new housing. This stream will open for applications May 2024. 

Community Energy Upgrades Fund

The Community Energy Upgrades Fund will deliver $100 million over two funding rounds and will run over three years from 2024-25. The program will co-fund energy efficiency and electrification upgrades for local governments to deliver reduced energy bills and emissions from local government owned and/or operated facilities. For more information check the grant website. Applications for round 1 close on 30 April 2024.

Grants information for applicants

Advice for Grant Applicants Series

The Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal has developed the Advice for Grant Applicants series of videos to help community groups access philanthropic funding. Topics include developing a project plan, preparing your budget, and writing your project application.

Looking for a grant?

Are you looking for a grant but are not sure where to start? For links to grant websites to get you started head to the Grants section of the IOT RDO website.

Grant checklist for businesses

Do you want to apply for government funding or an assistance program to help your business conduct research, grow or recover? The Australian Government has developed The Check to help you determine if you are ready to apply for a grant. The Check will help you understand the grant application process and guide you through the steps you need to take to improve your chances of getting funding or assistance.

Finance opportunities

Northern Australia Investment Facility (NAIF)

Projects in the IOT are now eligible for finance from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF). NAIF is an $8 billion development financier that provides loans to infrastructure projects to benefit specific locations in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and now the IOT.