Environment Grants
Overview
Environment Grants support 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 open Monday 15 April until 4pm, Friday 17 May 2024.
Funding available
Environment grants of up to $5,000 per year for two years (multiyear).
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:
- Potential 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 the 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:
- Applications are accepted for some capital works where the works benefit the broader community. Examples include the installation of renewable energy infrastructure, rainwater or stormwater harvesting infrastructure as well as water sensitive urban design landscaping
- Application budgets can include an auspice/project administration fee of up to 15% of the Inner West Council grant contribution
- Council does fund Parents and Citizen organisations but does not fund projects for schools
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.
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.
Apply online from 9am, Monday 15 April
Enquiries
For Environment Grant enquiries, please contact Sarah Chaplin, Council's Environment Officer on (02) 9335 2186 or sarah.chaplin@innerwest.nsw.gov.au