The Federal Government has assisted over 200 communities to find solutions to their local problems through the Regional Solutions Programme and has committed over $20 million to regional communities since the programme began in October 2000.
Regional Solutions is a flexible four year programme that offers government support for local ideas for regional development. The assessment process is ongoing and encourages funding for community projects that involve a mix of Commonwealth and other funding sources.
Regional Solutions helps communities move beyond planning by providing assistance to implement community initiatives. Grants of between $1,000 and $500,000 are available to help communities identify barriers to their sustainability and growth, and then develop the capacity to implement local solutions that build on their strengths.
Applicants must be Local Government bodies or community based not for profit organisations. Each Regional Solutions application is assessed on a range of factors. These include the particular circumstances and degree of need and/or disadvantage in the local community or region; the significance and benefit of the proposal to the local community or region; the sustainability of outcomes; the extent of community support for the project; and the organisational and project management abilities of the applicant.
Visit the Regional Solutions website at www.regionalsolutions.gov.au to see the variety of projects the Regional Solutions Programme is funding and to download the Programme Guidelines and Application Form.
Alternatively you can contact the Commonwealth Government Information Service on 1800 026 222. You can also visit www.grantslink.gov.au for easier, faster access to a range of Commonwealth community grant programmes.
