Grants available to environmental and community groups

Community groups can apply for small grants to help fund projects which contribute to environmental and sustainable agriculture projects on the Sunshine Coast.

The Community Action Grants of between $5000 and $20,000 are available for activities such as revegetating landscapes, removing weeds, controlling pests, holding field days and improving sustainable land management practices.

Groups could also seek grants for coordination services which encouraged the community to participate in protecting the environment and natural resources.

These grants are aimed at established community-based organisations that are successfully delivering projects to support sustainable farming or protect and enhance the natural environment.

Eligible organisations include Indigenous, environmental, Landcare, Coastcare and sustainable agriculture community groups. Examples of eligible activities are:

  • invasive species control
  • fencing that provides environmental benefits
  • educational activities and raising community awareness (eg trials/demonstrations, workshops, field days, website development and community monitoring)
  • on-ground projects for improved land management practices
  • infrastructure construction (for public access management, protection of Indigenous heritage and/or off-stream watering points for stock only)
  • revegetation (eg for habitat, biodiversity corridors/linkages, erosion control)
  • community group administration support

Indigenous groups may also apply for funding for land and sea country planning and activities to record and use traditional ecological knowledge.

Organisations must be either an incorporated association, a body corporate, company, cooperative society, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander corporation, council or incorporated association, or a duly constituted trust.

Any group which is not a legal entity can request another organisation to sponsor their project.

Up to $5 million is available for 2011-12 Community Action Grants under the Federal Government’s Caring for our Country initiative.

Applications close on Monday, 1 August 2011.

More information is available from www.nrm.gov.au or by calling 1800 552 008.

–  ENDS  –

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *