FRRR and Telstra are inviting remote, rural and regional community groups to apply for grants of up to $10,000 through round 4 of Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program, which opens today.
With $200,000 available, the program will support locally-led initiatives that strengthen digital inclusion, enhance community connection and resilience, and build sustainability and liveability of rural Australia.
Now in its fourth year, the program has already enabled almost 70 not‑for‑profit organisations nationwide to upgrade digital infrastructure, deliver digital skills training, support disaster readiness and improve service delivery. This has led to more resilient communities, greater digital equity, sustained social connection, more empowered volunteers and staff, as well as environmental and cultural benefits.
Jill Karena, FRRR’s Head of Granting, said previous rounds show communities are not just wanting access to technology – they are seeking the capability, confidence and infrastructure to sustain and strengthen their community.
“Digital access is fundamental to community wellbeing and opportunity – whether you’re running a local service, volunteering, learning, caring for Country or staying connected in times of crisis,” Ms Karena said.
“Rural communities are using digital tools in incredibly creative and practical ways: from First Nations organisations developing digital platforms to share language and culture, to volunteer groups strengthening emergency communication, through to Neighbourhood Centres delivering cyber safety workshops and digital mentoring.
“Grants that support projects like these help bridge the digital divide by enabling community groups to embed technology into local solutions, build long-term capability and ensure no one is left behind.”
Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program attracts strong interest from groups seeking to modernise operations, improve cyber security, develop digital learning programs, support remote participation or equip local hubs with accessible digital resources. There is also increasing demand for technology that enhances disaster preparedness and strengthens social connections, especially for older people, young people and isolated residents.
Loretta Willaton, Telstra’s Regional Australia Executive, said Telstra is proud to back grassroots organisations that are using technology to strengthen the fabric of their communities.
“The organisations applying to this program are tackling very real challenges – distance, limited connectivity, workforce pressures, ageing populations and more,” Ms Willaton explained.
“What stands out year after year is how communities are able to innovate when they have the right tools. They are improving emergency response systems, creating safe and inclusive digital learning spaces, preserving environmental and cultural knowledge, and ensuring people can stay connected, informed and supported – no matter where they live.
“Telstra is proud to work with FRRR to support these local solutions and help build a more digitally capable and resilient rural Australia.”
Grantseeker Webinar
A free online information session will run from 12-1pm AEDT on Tuesday 3 March, offering guidance on eligibility, project design and the application process. Register via this link: 2026 Telstra’s Connected Communities Grantseeker Workshop. To learn more about eligibility criteria and what’s required in the application, go to https://frrr.org.au/funding/telstra-connected-communities-program/.
Applications open at 9am AEDT on Tuesday, 24 February and close at 5pm AEDT on Thursday, 26 March. Applicants will be notified of outcomes by the end of June 2026.
What communities have achieved so far
Insights from the first three rounds confirm that community‑led digital projects are creating practical, lasting change across rural Australia. Projects have had significant impacts, including increased:
- Digital literacy and inclusion: skills training for seniors, CALD communities, young people and people with disability, as well as First Nations communities, supporting language, Culture and education programs;
- Community resilience: upgraded emergency communications, mobile boosters, satellite equipment and digital alert systems, as well as easier access to training and enhanced operational capacity for volunteers;
- Education and youth engagement: infrastructure provision and upgrades, including tablets and conferencing equipment, digital learning kits, creative media programs and enhanced online learning environments;
- Social connection: training and new technology to enable remote access to activities, upgraded community hubs as digital anchors, online programs and community learning spaces;
- Environmental and cultural innovation: digital storytelling projects, environmental monitoring tools and First Nations‑led cultural projects;
- Organisational capability: modernised systems, improved websites, cloud-based tools and volunteer management software.
Together, these impacts demonstrate how technology, when placed in local hands, helps build communities that are more resilient, equitable and connected.
Media Release: Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR)
