The funding to the Historical Society of Katherine was part of 57 small grants for community projects worth $250,000 from Nutrien Ag, in partnership with the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal.

The funding was directed towards projects that create long-term positive outcomes that benefit and strengthen local communities.

Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRRR, said that this was one of the most popular programs that FRRR has run in recent years, thanks to both its flexibility and the strong connections that local Nutrien staff have in their communities.

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"Like FRRR, Nutrien recognises the critical role that community-led groups play in ensuring access to vital services and creating dynamic and vibrant places to live and work," she said.

"Most of the requests were for infrastructure and equipment, such as mowers and generators, or to upgrade community spaces, and to improve access to services and activities.

"These things can often be hard to fund, especially in really small communities."

Carissa Buckland, Nutrien Ag Solutions Director of Corporate Affairs, said that Nutrien was proud to support the rural and regional communities that play such a central role in achievements of the agriculture industry.

"With the ongoing impacts of disasters, including fires, floods and drought, and of course the restrictions of COVID, local fundraising has been a challenge, so we are delighted to be able to fund these important community projects, and help relieve the pressure that many groups are under," Ms Buckland said.

"We know this seed funding will also allow community groups to leverage the grant and attract the additional funding or in-kind contributions they may need.

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Around a third of the communities that applied for funding have few than 500 people and 75 per cent of applications came from outer-regional, remote or very remote areas

The average funding requested was just under $4,700 and the smallest request was for just under a $1000.

Community groups looking for similar flexible funding are encouraged to visit www.frrr.org.au/funding to explore what grant programs has available.

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