Environment Grants

Overview

The Environment Grants stream supports projects that contribute to an ecologically sustainable Inner West. Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that focus on one or more of the following: climate change, renewable energy, sustainable transport, healthy waterways, water sensitive urban design, biodiversity, and zero waste.

Key dates

The Environment grants round will reopen in 2024.

Funding available

Environment grants of up to $10,000 each over two years ($5,000 per annum).

Past recipients

A list of successful applicants and their projects for earlier rounds, can be found on the Successful Environment Grants page.

Guidelines

Objectives

The objectives of the Environment Grants Program is to:

• Benefit the environment through local sustainability projects.
• Support the community to share sustainability skills and knowledge.
• Build community capacity to take action on environmental issues.
• Improve access, inclusion, diversity, and participation in sustainability.

Assessment criteria

The following criteria will be considered in the process of assessing applications:

• Impact and quality of the project‘s contribution to Council’s Community Strategic Plan and the Environment grants objectives.
• Extent of the project’s environmental benefit.
• Well-designed project including clear project purpose, goals and activities.
• Capacity to deliver a successful project, including relevant experience and skills.
• Clear, detailed budget that demonstrates value for money, including all sources of project income and relevant quotes. 

Brief eligibility criteria

Inner West Council provides grants for projects that have not yet commenced, and in limited cases people who have not yet acquitted a previous grant may be eligible to apply again. In addition:

• Council does fund Parents and Citizen organisations but does not fund projects for schools.
• Council only provides support for capital projects in the Environment grant stream, and Council does not provide support for interstate or overseas travel.
• Council does not fund political parties or their activities.

Application support

Applicants are encouraged to speak with a Council grant officer on (02) 9335 2186 before applying. One-on-one support is available to provide grant applicants with advice on your project ideas. 

• Tips for writing your grant application 

How to apply

Council uses SmartyGrants administration software to manage its grants program. Applications must be submitted via the Inner West Council SmartyGrants webpage. Applications must meet the eligibility requirements and no late applications will be accepted. Hard copy applications are not accepted.

Enquiries

For Environment Grant enquiries, please contact Sarah Chaplin, Council's Environment Officer on (02) 9335 2186 or sarah.chaplin@innerwest.nsw.gov.au