Federal and State Grant Programs now open

Posted on 2 September, 2015 by Connecting Country

There are at least 3 government grant/support programs open at the moment (as at 2 Sept 2015) for community groups (e.g. Landcare, Friends of) to receive support to implement their environmental restoration projects. We have summarised these below, but please follow the links to their websites for full details and descriptions.

Green Army: Round 4 – Applications close: 2 pm AEST (Canberra time) Wednesday 16 September 2015

The Federal Government’s Green Army is a 6-month programme for 17-24 year olds to train and work in the environment or heritage conservation. Community organisations, Landcare groups, environment groups, Indigenous organisations, natural resource management organisations, local councils and others have been encouraged to apply for projects in their region. The local groups receive a Green Army team to work on their projects, but only receive limited or no funding support for the project itself.
Projects must also contribute to Australia’s national and international environmental priorities and obligations.

Round Four of the Programme has two streams. Stream 1 is for Heritage Projects which may commence from 1 January 2016. Stream 2 is for all eligible (non-Heritage) Projects which may commence from 1 July 2016. All Projects approved under Round Four must be completed by 30 June 2017. Applicants who were unsuccessful through previous rounds may re-apply under this round. For further details, see the Green Army website (CLICK HERE).

20 Million Trees Competitive Grants Round 2 – Applications close: 2.00pm AEST (Canberra time) 16 September 2015

The Federal Government is seeking applications from eligible groups or individuals interested in undertaking a tree planting project as part of the 20 Million Trees Programme. Applications are invited for projects seeking funding between $20,000 and $100,000 (GST exclusive). This is primarily a programme to plant indigenous trees and shrubs that grow over 2 metres in height, although some understorey plantings, weed control and site preparation can also be undertaken with the funds. The funds cannot be used to build fences or collect seeds. However, as part of this same application, eligible groups and individuals can also concurrently apply to have a Green Army team undertake the plantings, site preparation and associated activities (which can include fence building and seed collection). Projects up to $60,000 must be completed by 30 June 2017, while projects from $60,000 to $100,000 have until 30 June 2018 for completion.
For further details, see the 20 Million Trees website (CLICK HERE).

Threatened Species Protection Initiative – There are two streams of these new Victorian Government grants.

Community Volunteer Action grants – $2 million dollars is available to support small-scale, local threatened species projects that build community connections to the local environment. Projects must be between $2000 to $20,000. Applications are due by 22 September 2015, and projects must be completed by November 2016.

Strategic Action and Critical Partnerships grants – $3 million dollars is available to environmental agencies and organisations, as experts in threatened species management, to undertake work that reduces threats and secures important sites for threatened species. Applications are due by 8 September 2015, and projects must be completed by June 2016.

For more information on both sets of Threatened Species Protective Initiative grants – CLICK HERE.