Grants boost digital skills in rural, remote Australia

FRRR and Telstra have opened a new funding round offering grants of up to AUD $10,000 for community-led digital projects in remote, rural and regional Australia.

The fourth round of Telstra's Connected Communities Grant Program has AUD $200,000 available for not-for-profit groups. Funding supports projects that improve digital inclusion, access to local services, and community connection and resilience.

Previous rounds have supported almost 70 organisations nationwide. Funded projects have ranged from local digital infrastructure upgrades to training and tools for volunteers and staff, as well as disaster readiness activities and service-delivery improvements.

Focus areas

The program supports a broad range of technology uses in small communities. Applications have included projects to modernise internal systems and strengthen cybersecurity, along with digital learning programs and equipment that help people take part in community activities remotely.

Disaster preparedness is a growing theme. Past projects have included emergency communications upgrades such as digital alert systems and equipment to improve access to communications during local incidents.

Other initiatives focus on social connection, including local hubs that provide device access and training for people with limited access at home. The program has also supported projects for older residents, younger people, and individuals isolated by distance.

Community examples

FRRR says applicants are increasingly framing digital access as more than connectivity, encompassing confidence and skills, and the local capacity to keep digital tools and services running over time.

"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," said Jill Karena, Head of Granting, FRRR.

Karena pointed to the range of proposals in earlier rounds, including projects led by First Nations organisations and community service providers.

"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," said Karena.

She said the grants could support long-term improvements in local digital participation.

"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," said Karena.

One past grant supported local digital literacy workshops. Heyfield Community Resource Centre received AUD $8,988 in 2025 to run a series of sessions focused on digital skills.

Telstra's view

Telstra links the program to structural challenges many rural organisations face, including distance and workforce constraints.

"The organisations applying to this program are tackling very real challenges - distance, limited connectivity, workforce pressures, ageing populations and more," said Loretta Willaton, Regional Australia Executive, Telstra.

Willaton said funded projects span emergency response and community learning, as well as cultural and environmental work enabled by digital tools.

"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," said Willaton.

"Telstra is proud to work with FRRR to support these local solutions and help build a more digitally capable and resilient rural Australia," she said.

How to apply

Organisations can apply for projects ranging from equipment purchases and connectivity upgrades to training programs and digital service development. Previous grants have supported digital literacy initiatives, youth learning projects, and tools to help community organisations update websites and adopt cloud-based systems.

FRRR and Telstra will host an online grantseeker information session from 12 pm to 1 pm AEDT on Tuesday, 3 March. It will cover eligibility, project design, and the application process.

Applications close at 5 pm AEDT on Thursday, 26 March. Outcomes are expected by the end of June 2026.