Victor Harbor’s Encounter Centre is among more than 80 community groups across remote, rural and regional Australia to share in $827,253 in grants for Strengthening Rural Communities. The Foundation for Rural and regional Renewal (FRRR) Small and Vital grants offer up to $10,000 to grassroots not-for-profit organisations for initiatives that celebrate, strengthen and support their rural communities to be more vibrant, resilient and sustainable.Encounter Centre was awarded $7803 for an upgrade of its community garden, to provide a disability inclusive environment for health and social wellbeing activities by installing mobility-friendly pathways and garden beds for a community gardening program.Nearly $560,000 has been awarded through the Small & Vital stream and will support 67 projects that create inclusive and accessible community spaces, provide mentoring and training and learning opportunities, improve employment prospects, or offer people the chance to connect and engage with others and their wider community.The Prepare & Recover (P&R) stream of the program has awarded nearly $270,000 to 17 initiatives that build community resilience, preparedness and capacity to mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events, as well as support medium to long-term recovery in regions impacted by previous disasters, such as the 2022 floods and the Black Summer bushfires.The full list of grant recipients is available on the FRRR website.Jill Karena, Head of Granting at FRRR, says the team is continually inspired by the strength and resilience of groups dedicated to helping remote, rural and regional communities thrive.“What makes rural communities amazing are the people that live there. These places are filled with locals working hard to keep community spirit alive and willing to step up to see their region navigate the highs and lows that come with living in the country. We see our role as walking beside them and empowering local groups to lead the projects they know will have a real impact.“After supporting communities impacted by disasters for the past 25 years, we also know just how important flexible recovery and preparedness funding is, Because communities’ needs change over time. By using a medium to long-term recovery lens, we’re able to support projects that strengthen the social fabric of a community through preparedness, capacity and resilience-building activities.“Our grants are often just one part of the bigger picture in terms of getting projects off the ground. But we know that this funding is often a crucial catalyst, encouraging further investment in local solutions.“Demand for funding continues to grow, as the cost of living and operational expenses rise, government priorities shift, and the impacts of climate change and disasters evolve.“To meet this demand, FRRR needs the support of the philanthropic and corporate sectors. A collaborative effort is needed to empower rural communities to lead a vibrant and sustainable future,” The Strengthening Rural Communities program is collaboratively supported by donors, ranging from private individuals to larger foundations, who are acknowledged on the FRRR website.FRRR always accepts applications to this program, which awards funds around four times a year. Local not-for-profit organisations and community groups are encouraged to review the program guidelines and apply. More information about the SRC program is available on the website.Encounter Centre is a community organisation that offers programs and activities for people on the south coast of all abilities.