FRRR is both a grant maker and a grant seeker—distributing funds through a number of programs for the benefit of rural and regional Australia. We play a critical role as a connector, working across the philanthropic sector as a conduit for philanthropy to rural communities. We work hard to identify the ways that philanthropy can best support communities – cutting out the noise and deepening the focus to understand what will really make a difference. 

As the only Australian organisation offering small, discretionary grants, we are an important conduit for philanthropy to rural and regional communities. The collaborative approach we take is also quite unique, allowing groups with a common interest to leverage their investment.

Our work has both a national reach and local focus and is informed by place-based approaches to community development.

We strongly believe that community members are best-placed to understand community needs, wants and aspirations and we advocate community based solutions for community issues. Strong community leadership enables communities to be self-sustaining, resilient and adaptable to economic, social, cultural and environmental changes.

Our tax status also makes us unique: as an Item 1 DGR entity (see ATO endorsement), FRRR is able to receive funds from Item 2 DGR entities as it is covered by Subdivision 30-B of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and we are specifically listed as a recipient for deductible gifts under section 30-105.

Due to these broad powers, there is no need for the organisation receiving a grant to be a deductible gift recipient under tax law, however their project must be charitable and promote rural and regional renewal, regeneration and development.

FRRR can also receive donations from non-charitable organisations and provide tax deductible receipts; these funds are received into the FRRR Public Fund.