Partnership promises In A Good Place program 5 more years

CCI Giving’s Impact Grants Program partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) has announced five more years for the national grants program In a Good Place. This significant extension means the program will now run until at least 2027. It’s welcome news for organisations whose work is focused on improving mental health for rural, regional, and remote communities, and who have increased potential to gain meaningful support.

The commitment also recognises a greater funding need for community-driven initiatives. Millions of Australians in remote and rural areas will have experienced challenges accessing health care services during the pandemic. Directors overseeing the grant program say it has expanded over time and it is clear there are significant benefits to promoting a stronger sense of connectedness for people living in these locations. Communities receiving assistance with mental health and wellbeing support are in a better position to build resilience. In a Good Place now has a 4-year history of driving positive social and local solutions to address community needs. The FRRR is well connected to rural communities across the country, and together with CCI Giving, grants known for their unique grassroots impact will continue to be delivered.

Additionally, commitment to the program will increase by $50,000 each year from 2023, generating an annual total grant pool of $250,000. Extra funding means extra support, with grants likely to extend to an additional 2-3 programs every year.

So far, In A Good Place has received 286 grant applications. It has supported 53 projects to the tune of $800,000 while the average grant total is $15,000.

CCI Giving Chair, Jeremy Yipp, is encouraged by the impact of the program over its first 4 years, but recognises the enormous need that still exists. “It’s been a fantastic success but there is a large disparity between outcomes because we know that approximately 80% of applications we receive go unfunded, largely a result of demand exceeding available funding. It highlights a serious need for support among outpost communities who face challenges managing mental health and wellbeing.”

The FRRR and CCI Giving will continue to review the program so that it can respond to community needs in ways that make the most impact.

The not-for-profit organisation Smiling Mind is known as a world leader in the pre-emptive mental health space. They are experts in youth-based mindfulness programs and conduct an annual check-in of the mental health of Australians. Their 2021 data reported a significant increase in stress, anxiety and depression versus the year before. Some 78 per cent of Australians had experiencing poor mental health over the last 12 months but it was regional communities who were identified as having significantly higher anxiety and depression. Another concern, highlighted in the 2021-22 Federal Budget, recognises limited access to mental health services for rural and remote Australians compared to their metropolitan counterparts.

“There are many stressors when it comes to mental health and, sadly, the pandemic has exacerbated these, particularly amongst young people who don’t have the same access to mental health services as those living in cities. There are key stakeholders in this scenario who are at the local level and who we invite to apply for the grants whenever we announce an opening round.”

“We are always stronger when in a partnership and when working with others. I know that working closely with the FRRR is vital to the impact and effort of many organisations supporting communities that have people who are at risk of mental ill health. Five years and additional funds is something to really celebrate.”

Jeremy Yipp, CCI Giving

To find out more about this program, including a full list of previously supported programs, visit the In a Good Place page of the FRRR website.

The next round of grant applications open 20 April 2022.

For media enquiries
Julie Weldon – 0423 110 802 or news@frrr.org.au
CCI Giving – Lauren Clair +613 9934 3197 or ccigiving@ccinsurance.org.au

About FRRR
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal-FRRR- (phonetically: F-triple-R)- is the only national foundation specifically focused on ensuring the social and economic strength of remote, rural and regional communities. FRRR's unique model connects common purposes and investment with locally prioritised needs, to create communities that are vital and resilient. Since FRRR's start in 2000, it has delivered nearly $135 million to more than 12,000 projects.