Earlier this month, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) announced it had launched its ‘In a Good Place’ grants program, funded by CCI Giving, the charitable foundation of Catholic Church Insurance.

Successful applications will receive grassroots support for community-driven initiatives that reduce social isolation, increase social participation and connectedness, and increase help-seeking for people within rural, regional and remote communities who are at risk of, or are experiencing mental health issues.

The program is open to applicants nationally with grants of up to $20,000 available from an annual pool of $200,000.

Roberto Scenna, chief executive officer of CCI and the director of CCI Giving, said that the grants are designed to make a significant difference in the Catholic community and beyond, through a strategic national investment in mental health.

“When it comes to mental health in the bush, there is still so much stigma surrounding help-seeking behaviour,” he said. 

“By forging this partnership with FRRR, we’re committed to walking alongside communities for the longer term and assisting projects that seek to remove the barriers to getting relevant support.

“Communities know what’s best for them, so this program is open to non-clinical approaches that are community-based and accessible in a range of settings.”

Detailed program guidelines and an application form are available through the FRRR website. Applications close on August 20.

This program is open to all rural, regional and remote community groups focused on supporting local mental health initiatives. 

As the program is anticipated to be competitive, groups are encouraged to call FRRR on 1800 170 020 prior to lodging an application to ensure an idea is suitable.