Suncorp is pledging $1 million in grants to encourage remote, rural and regional communities in Australia to rebuild more resiliently in preparation for future disasters.

The first $200,000 grant round is now open for communities in NSW and South-East Queensland impacted by severe flooding in March, when the NSW coast experienced its wettest seven-day period since national daily records began in 1900.

Rainfall over the area of the state which drains into the Tasman Sea averaged a record-breaking 252.9 millimetres in the seven days to March 24, with five consecutive days of between 30 and 50 millimetres.

The insurer has partnered with Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) to deliver the Suncorp Rebuilding Futures program.

The first round is open until September 15 and offers individual grants of up to $15,000 to local community groups and not-for-profits clearly focused on supporting the long-term recovery and resilience-building of impacted communities. Successful applicants will be named in November.

Suncorp received more than 10,000 insurance claims following the widespread flooding. More than 60% are now finalised.

“I’ve seen firsthand the devastation and emotional toll of natural disasters, which is why we are supporting affected communities to not just build back but to make themselves more resilient than before,” CEO Steve Johnston said. “We are working closely with our building partners to progress repairs as fast and safely as possible.”

Mr Johnston says the recovery process continues for years after people are back in their homes and communities are “best placed to steer their own future.” Suncorp’s Rebuilding Futures grants aim to empower locals to come together to identify and design local solutions.

FRRR CEO Natalie Egleton says disaster recovery is a “marathon” and local community groups and non-profits need funding for diverse recovery initiatives as needs evolve over time.

“This program, with a focus on the medium to long-term needs and building back better, will mean that when there are significant disasters the support will be available for local groups,” she said.