Low-interest loans up to $250,000 to fund a broad range of products, activities, and services aimed at improving drought preparedness and resilience to climate variability.
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What is the Drought Ready and Resilient Fund (DRRF)?
The Drought Ready and Resilient Fund (DRRF) is a significant initiative aimed at supporting rural communities in New South Wales to enhance their preparedness and resilience against drought conditions. This fund offers essential financial assistance for projects that focus on improving infrastructure, resource management, and implementing innovative practices to better manage and withstand droughts. The goal is to help communities not only survive but thrive during drought periods.
DRRF level of support
The fund provides low-interest loans of up to $250,000 to primary producers in NSW. These loans can be used to fund a broad range of products, activities, and services aimed at improving drought preparedness and resilience to climate variability.
DRRF important dates
- This is an ongoing program
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
DRRF objectives
The primary objectives of the Drought Ready and Resilient Fund are to:
- Enhance Drought Management: Improve the ability of rural communities to prepare for, manage, and recover from drought conditions.
- Improve Water Infrastructure: Invest in infrastructure that ensures reliable and efficient water supply and distribution.
- Support Innovative Practices: Encourage the adoption of new technologies and practices that increase the sustainability and resilience of agricultural and community practices.
Projects eligible for DRRF support
Projects eligible for support under the program include:
- Animal Welfare: Purchasing and transporting fodder (up to $100,000), stock water, livestock feed storage, and more.
- Farm Preparedness: On-farm water infrastructure, irrigation efficiency upgrades, grain and fodder storage infrastructure.
- Income Diversification: Funding for alternative primary production income streams within the farm gate.
- Environmental Initiatives: Pest and weed control, on-farm solar power conversion, soil conservation and earthworks.
- Training and Business Development: Training and professional development activities, consulting services directly related to drought preparedness.
See the guidelines for full details of projects eligible for DRRF support.
Other DRRF important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for DRRF support
To be eligible for the DRRF, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be based in rural areas of New South Wales.
- Engaged in agricultural activities or projects that significantly benefit rural communities.
- Must have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Annual gross income from primary production of at least $75,000 and no more than $5 million.
- At least one owner must contribute part of their labour to the enterprise.
- Must demonstrate long-term viability and the capacity to repay the loan.
See the guidelines for full details of organisations eligible for DRRF support.
DRRF assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Alignment with Objectives: The project’s goals and outcomes must align with the fund’s objectives of enhancing drought resilience.
- Impact Potential: The potential impact of the project on improving drought preparedness and resilience in the community.
- Feasibility and Sustainability: The project must be feasible within the proposed timeline and demonstrate long-term sustainability.
- Financial Need: Clear evidence of the financial need and justification for the funding requested.
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the DRRF?
- Prepare Your Application: Gather all necessary documents, including a detailed project plan, budget estimates, timelines, and any supporting evidence of the need for funding.
- Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form available on the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) website. Ensure all required fields are filled, and necessary documents are attached.
- Review and Assessment: Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts who will evaluate based on the eligibility criteria and the potential impact of the proposed project.
- Notification of Outcome: Successful applicants will be notified via email. Detailed instructions regarding the funding allocation and project implementation will be provided.
Information to prepare for the DRRF application
To ensure a smooth application process, prepare the following:
- Project Plan: Detailed description of the project, including objectives, methods, expected outcomes, and timelines.
- Budget Breakdown: Comprehensive budget outlining all costs associated with the project.
- Impact Assessment: Analysis of how the project will enhance drought resilience and benefit the community.
- Supporting Documents: Any additional documents that support the application, such as letters of support from community members or technical assessments.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the DRRF
Complete the online application form available on the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) website.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
DRRF resources
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