Open Call for Environmental Grants Program (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Mount Barker District Council Environmental Grants Program provides one-off funding to community, environmental, and service groups for projects that deliver tangible benefits to the local or regional environment within the Mount Barker District Council area. The programme supports high-quality activities and projects that improve environmental outcomes, provide ongoing community benefits, and align with the Council’s strategic priorities.

About the Environmental Grants Program

The Environmental Grants Program was established by Mount Barker District Council to provide financial assistance to not-for-profit community groups undertaking environmental projects and activities. The programme helps Council manage the large number of funding requests it receives while supporting initiatives that contribute to the goals of the Council’s Community Plan and Environmental Sustainability Strategy. Funding is intended for projects that provide a clear and measurable benefit to the local or regional environment. How Much Funding Is Available? Eligible groups can apply for grants of up to $5,000. The funding is provided on a one-off basis and is not available as recurrent funding. Receiving a grant in one year does not guarantee that an organisation will receive funding in future rounds. Only one application per group is permitted in each funding round. What Projects Are Supported? The programme supports projects that provide clear environmental benefits within the Mount Barker District Council area.

Eligible projects should demonstrate:

- Measurable environmental outcomes. - Ongoing benefits for the environment. - Benefits to the local community. - Alignment with Council’s strategic plans. - A clear connection to the local or regional environment. Applicants should clearly explain the environmental benefits their proposed project will deliver. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to eligible community, environmental, and service groups and associations with representation in the Mount Barker District Council area. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a local connection through evidence such as: - Local membership. - Local participation. - Representation within the district. The programme is intended to support not-for-profit community initiatives that contribute to environmental and community outcomes. Applicant Contributions Applicants are required to demonstrate financial or in-kind contributions toward their proposed project. This demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to delivering the project and supporting the environmental outcomes proposed in the application. Applicants should clearly identify any financial and in-kind contributions included in their project plans. Quotes and Financial Documentation Applicants must provide quotes for proposed expenses above $500. An annual financial statement from the previous financial year must also be submitted as part of the application. Applicants should ensure that all required financial documentation and supporting evidence is included when submitting their application. Alignment With Council Strategies Projects should demonstrate alignment with Mount Barker District Council’s strategic priorities. In particular, proposed activities should support the objectives of: - The Council’s Community Plan. - The Environmental Sustainability Strategy. Applicants should explain how their project contributes to these broader Council priorities. How to Apply Applications must be submitted online through the Council’s SmartyGrants portal. Applicants should provide the required project information, supporting documentation, quotes, financial statement, and evidence of local participation or membership. How Applications Are Assessed Applications go through several stages after submission.

The process includes:

- Eligibility screening – Applications are checked to determine whether they meet the programme requirements. - Committee assessment – Eligible applications are assessed by the Community Funding Assessment Committee. - Council endorsement – Applications are then presented to Council for endorsement. Applicants should ensure that their proposals clearly demonstrate environmental benefits, measurable outcomes, ongoing value, and alignment with Council priorities. Grant Conditions Successful applicants must comply with the conditions attached to their grant.

They are required to:

- Claim the grant within the allocated financial year. - Spend the grant funds within the required timeframe. - Acquit the funds within 12 months of approval. - Acknowledge Council’s financial contribution. Additional conditions may apply depending on the nature of the project. Additional Project Requirements Some projects may require additional approvals, permissions, or documentation. Depending on the proposed activity, applicants may need to provide: - Development applications. - Landowner consent. - Proof of insurance. - Evidence of relevant qualifications for professionals engaged in the project. Applicants should determine whether these requirements apply to their proposed project and provide the relevant documentation where required. Important Funding Restrictions The Environmental Grants Program provides one-off funding rather than ongoing financial support.

Key restrictions include:

- Grants are not provided on a recurrent basis. - A maximum of $5,000 is available. - Only one application per group is permitted per round. - Receiving funding in one year does not guarantee future funding. - Grant funds must be claimed within the allocated financial year. - Funds must be expended and acquitted within 12 months of approval. How to Prepare a Strong Application A strong application should clearly demonstrate the environmental value of the proposed project.

Applicants should explain:

- The environmental issue or opportunity being addressed. - The activities that will be undertaken. - The measurable environmental outcomes expected. - The ongoing benefits of