Not-for-profit Organisations can apply for projects and activities that offer clear public benefit for communities living in small rural and remote locations in Australia, contributing to their development in social and community welfare, economic, environmental, health, education or cultural areas.

Applications from communities with a population of 10,000 or less will receive preference. To be eligible, projects must be for a charitable purpose (benefit the whole community).

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This collaborative approach is designed to:

• Make better, targeted use of funds improving access for rural & regional communities
• Provide a simpler application process
• Enhance efficiency and effectiveness for philanthropic trusts and foundations who wish to support small communities

Currently, applications that support the following areas of interest will be given preference:

• Community development involving Youth
• Resettlement of immigrants in rural Australia
• Community Infrastructure
• Community hardship in drought effected areas

There are two rounds of Small Grants per year. Closing dates are 31 March and 30 September 2009.