The Rural Fund

FMG’s Rural Fund provides one-off funding of up to $5,000 to support practical initiatives that make a real difference in rural communities.
We’re here to back community-led ideas that respond to a genuine local need, strengthen resilience, and deliver outcomes that will be felt on the ground.

Applications open 3 August and close 31 August 2026

Who can apply

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be a community group, incorporated society, trust, registered charity, or not-for-profit organisation
  • Be based in, or clearly benefit, a rural community
  • Be applying for a one-off initiative (not ongoing or annual costs)
  • Request no more than $5,000
  • Have appropriate governance and financial oversight in place
  • Be willing to share a short report once your project is complete

What we fund

What we don’t fund

We support initiatives that:

  • Address a clearly defined rural community need
  • Deliver a practical and achievable outcome
  • Benefit the wider community, rather than individuals
  • Can be completed within a reasonable timeframe
  • Show care for social, economic, and environmental wellbeing

This could include community projects, equipment or resources, safety or preparedness initiatives, or small upgrades that help communities thrive.

The FMG Rural Fund does not support:

  • Ongoing operating or annual running costs
  • Repeat or recurring funding for the same initiative
  • Commercial or profit making activities
  • Initiatives that pose reputational, safety, or ethical risks
  • Activities centred on alcohol, gambling, or political advocacy
  • Applications without appropriate governance or financial transparency

How applications are assessed

We assess eligible applications against the following:

  • Alignment – Supports strong, connected rural communities
  • Community impact – Will make a meaningful difference locally
  • Feasibility – Well thought through and achievable
  • Value for money – Budget is clear and reasonable
  • Accountability – Ability to show how the funding was used and the impact it had

Reporting requirements

We love hearing how things went. Successful applicants will need to provide a short report once the project is complete, including:

  • How the funding was used
  • Photos of the initiative
  • A brief summary of the difference it made

This helps us understand the impact of the fund and share positive rural community stories. FMG may use this information in Rural Fund communications.

Organisation details
About your project
Impact and alignment
Delivery and feasibility
Funding and budget
Accountability and reporting
Declaration
Please confirm the following: