Applications for stage 2 of the Growing Regions Program opened on 27 November 2023 for successful stage 1 applications and close 15 January 2024.
The Australian Government has committed $600 million over three years from 2023-24 for the Growing Regions Program, with $300 million available within the first and second round’s funding envelopes.
The Growing Regions Program provides grants of between $500,000 and $15 million to local government entities and not-for-profit organisations, for capital works projects that deliver community and economic infrastructure projects across regional and rural Australia.
The program is open competitive with grants awarded on a merit basis.
The program uses a two-stage application process. Under Stage One, applicants are required to submit Expressions of Interest which are assessed to ensure projects meet eligibility requirements, project readiness and program suitability, and are aligned with regional priorities for the area.
Expressions of Interest that are assessed as meeting requirements and approved to proceed will be invited to submit a full application (Stage Two).
Funding rounds
Round 1 opened for expressions of interest on 5 July 2023 and closed on 1 August 2023. Full applications for this round opened on 27 November 2023 and close at 5:00 pm AEDT on 15 January 2024.
Guidelines and program information are also available on GrantConnect and at business.gov.au
Supporting documentation
- Growing Regions Program Round 1 Guidelines (Revised) – amendments to update program timelines for Round 1. Sub-section 4.1 of the guidelines were previously updated to clarify the eligibility of incorporated not-for-profit organisations and Alpine Resorts Victoria. For information on who is eligible to apply please see section 4 of the attached guidelines and visit GrantConnect to view the Addenda outlining the reason for this change.
- Program eligibility mapping tool
- Roundtable report – early engagement on the Growing Regions Program – March 2023
- Fact sheet
- Expressions of Interest – information webinar - 11 July 2023
The Commonwealth Department of Social Services is offering up to one-third of the cost to build Changing Places facilities in Local Government Areas (LGAs) that currently do not have one. Changing Places are accessible toilets with extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with disability and their carers.
This funding offer can supplement other sources of funding, including the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and Growing Regions Program. Applicants are encouraged to consider including a Changing Places facility in upcoming community infrastructure plans.
Further information can be found at Changing Places | Department of Social Services, Australian Government (dss.gov.au).