Communities Environment Program

Published On - 03/27/2019

Lynda Smart Grants, News

The Australian Government will invest more than $22 million in 2019-20 to deliver a wide range of on-ground projects that conserve, protect and sustainably manage our environment.

Under the Federal Governments Communities Environment Program, each federal electorate (including Calare) can receive up to $150,000 in grant funding for small-scale, community-led projects for that conserve, protect and sustainably manage our environment.

This program aims to support the environmental priorities of local community and environment groups in their regions and neighbourhoods. It aims to not only recover and strengthen our environment, but also to build and strengthen our communities.

Each electorate can receive funding for up to 20 projects, with the minimum grant amount being $2,500 and the maximum grant amount set at $20,000.

Initial Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open and should be returned by Thursday, 28 March 2019.

Projects can include:

  • waste and litter reduction
  • protecting native animals, including our threatened species
  • addressing weeds and pest animals
  • restoring and improving coasts, wetlands, riverbanks and waterways
  • greening parks and urban areas.

Who is eligible?

  • You must be a community organisation that is a legal entity, able to enter into a grant agreement with the Commonwealth.
  • Community clubs (including Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, scouts and guides groups, sports clubs)
  • Not-for-profit organisations such as Indigenous organisations, Landcare groups (including bushcare, coastcare, ‘friends of’ groups),
  • Schools
  • Councils
  • Other community and conservation groups

How do I express interest?

  • You may complete the EOI at and return via mail to PO Box 673, Orange NSW 2800 or scan and email andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au.
  • This must be returned by Thursday, 28 March 2019
  • Expressions of Interest applications will be considered and if your organisation is nominated, you’ll be invited to apply formally when the program officially opens in mid-2019 through the Australian Government Business Grants Hub.
  • Nominated projects will need to meet Program Guidelines and eligibility criteria, which will be made available closer to the opening date.

How many grants will be issued?

  • A total of $22.65 million has been allocated nationally.
  • Up to $150,000 is available in each electorate for up to 20 projects
  • Grants are between $2,500 and $20,000.

For more information:

Communities Environment Program_EOI Form_GeeA