ACT Environment Grants

About the Environment Grants

The ACT Environment Grants has been funded annually since 1997 and is currently administered by Environment in the Department of the Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water. The program provides financial assistance for community-based environment projects that complement delivery of the Government's environmental priorities, particularly in relation to the Canberra Plan strategic theme: Living with the Environment – our Bush Capital which addresses our relationship with our environment in terms of resource use, nature conservation and opportunities for sustainable environmental interaction.

Successful projects from previous years:

• 2008-09
• 2007-08
• 2006-07

Funding

Applications are open to ‘not-for-profit’ environmental projects in the ACT by individuals, community organisations and groups.
Priorities for the funding for projects include:

• relate to community engagement in implementing nature conservation strategies, including action plans for threatened species and ecological communities such as grasslands and woodlands. Specific education projects, involving schools and community groups are a priority;
• encourage responsible management of pets, including de-sexing, health and welfare; 
• support or complement ACT Government/community events; 
• deliver a variety of walks, talks and activities on environmental subjects – specialist presenters or interpreters could be involved; 
• promote local involvement in environmental activities that could extend to bush or urban park clean-up campaigns; 
• promote sustainable nature-based tourism; 
• involve the local Aboriginal community in local environmental initiatives; 
• encourage wise use of resources and reduced environmental impacts; and 
• are likely to have a positive and desirable effect on the environment.

There is no firm limit on the grant that may be sought. However, to ensure that the greatest number of eligible projects can be funded; applications seeking up to $20,000 are preferred.  Applicants are required to match funding for the project with cash and/or in-kind contributions.  Assistance is available in the form of a direct grant based on the budget submitted in the application.

An assessment panel of senior government officers and representatives of expert environment advisory committees assess each application, recommending suitable projects to the Minister for Environment, Water and Climate Change for consideration. 

How to Apply

Applications closed on 30 June 2009.

To apply for a grant download the 2009-10 ACT Environment Grants Application Guidelines and Application Form.

• Guidelines

• Application Form

The Canberra Plan —The Canberra Plan can be obtained from the Chief Minister’s Department website.

Assistance will be available in the form of a direct grant based on the budget submitted in the application.