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Rural Financial Counselling Service (2027-32) Grant Program

  • Total program funding of up to $106.463 million (GST exclusive) over five years, comprising core funding and a contingency reserve.
  • Funding is allocated by predefined service region, with one grantee appointed per region.
  • No matched funding or in-kind contribution is required from applicants.
  • Grants are paid in advance, with an initial payment followed by six-monthly payments, subject to reporting requirements.
  • Activities are expected to commence on 1 July 2027 and conclude by 30 June 2032.
  • Applications close on May 14 2026.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service Program 2027 to 2032 is an Australian Government initiative that provides free and independent financial counselling to eligible farmers, fishers, foresters and small related enterprises experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship. The program supports structural adjustment by assisting clients to assess business viability, improve financial capability and make informed decisions about their future.

Delivered through regionally based service providers, the program uses a case management approach to help clients understand their financial position, develop practical strategies and engage with relevant government and professional support services. The program operates nationally across 12 predefined service regions and is designed to strengthen the long-term financial resilience, productivity and sustainability of Australia’s agricultural, fishing and forestry sectors.

Key Requirements

  • Deliver free rural financial counselling using a structured case management approach that supports informed decision-making and long-term financial resilience.
  • Ensure at least 80% of clients receiving services are case managed and achieve improved understanding of their financial position upon exit.
  • Employ and maintain suitably qualified rural financial counsellors holding the required Diploma in Financial Counselling (Rural).
  • Demonstrate strong organisational governance, financial viability and risk management capability.
  • Collect and report client and performance data in accordance with Data Exchange and grant agreement requirements.

What is eligible for funding?

  • Employing and managing qualified rural financial counsellors and support staff.
  • Providing free financial counselling and case management to eligible clients.
  • Assisting clients to assess business viability and develop financial strategies.
  • Supporting applications to relevant government assistance programs, including Farm Household Allowance and Regional Investment Corporation loans.
  • Advocacy, mediation and referrals to appropriate professional services.
  • Promotion and delivery of the program within approved service regions.

What companies are eligible for funding?

  • Companies
  • Cooperatives
  • Incorporated Associations
  • Indigenous Corporations
  • Applicants must be legal entities with an ABN, have an Australian bank account and be capable of entering into a legally binding grant agreement. Consortia are permitted, provided there is an eligible lead applicant.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

  • Industry analysis presentation
  • Competitor Analysis Presentation
  • Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
  • 3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
  • 3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
  • End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
  • CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
  • Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
  • Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.