Opportunity to increase farm natural resource management
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authorities ’Nature Services for Ag’ project aims to support the catchment’s agricultural productivity by improving natural resource management practices that increase natural capital and biodiversity on farm. This includes implementing practical activities to support farmers to invest in natural capital and nature-based services (such as shade and shelter) that provide climate risk management and adaptation.
Project sites may receive financial support for fencing and/or planting native vegetation to:
1. Enhance springs, soaks, or dams (0.5ha site minimum).
2. Provide shade/shelter for stock/pastures/crops (1ha site minimum).
3. Create revegetation areas for beneficial insects/animals on viticultural/horticultural farms
Benefits these activities can provide:
* Improved biodiversity and agricultural values by protecting and revegetating native vegetation and
providing shade, shelter and weather protection for livestock, crops, and pastures.
* Improved natural capital such as beneficial insects/animals, and improved water quality.
* Reducing soil erosion and soil moisture loss from wind and water, increasing soil organic matter, and
improving soil structure.
Minimum eligibility requirements apply. Closing date is March 3, 2025.
Click here for further information and how to submit an expression of interest or email Karen Brisbane, GBCMA at karenb@gbcma.vic.gov.au
Landscape Legacies
The Landscape Legacies project is working with landowners, community groups, Traditional Owners and researchers to improve the condition of threatened Grey Box Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands vegetation communities.
Minimum funding requirements :
> contain components of Grey Box Grassy woodland habitat such as trees, shrubs and/or native grassy ground layer;
> minimum of 5 hectares, corridors 40 metres or wider;
> agree to implement a 10 year management plan specific for your site (eg. pest, plant and animal control, fencing, revegetation)
For more information and to express your interest, contact Carolena on 0408 618 204 or email: carolena@gmln.com.au
Strengthening Rural Communities
The Foundation of Rural Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Strengthening Rural Communities Small & Vital grants stream provides small remote, rural and regional communities with an opportunity to access funds for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities.
Grants up to $10,000 are available for grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities that strengthen local people, places and climate solutions, with a preference for smaller communities (i.e. populations under 15,000).
Applications close Thursday, 27 March 2025. For more information visit the FRRR website.
Seedling Bank
National Tree Day’s Seedling Bank supports schools and community groups with tree planting projects. Seedling Bank grants are open between December to March every year.
Just need to estimate how many trees, shrubs and grasses you will need, how much funding and some information about your project. In 2025, Schools Tree Day is on Friday 25 July and National Tree Day is Sunday 27 July.
Applications close: 1 March 2025. For moreinformation and to apply visit the National Tree Day website.
Small Grants Program – Victorian Fisheries Authority
Think you’ve got a great project idea that’ll benefit recreational fishing in Victoria?
Then how about applying to the VFA Small Grants Program, which provides funding of up to $5,000 for local projects that make a difference at the grass-roots level.
It’s open-year round and is another way your fishing licence fees are being put to work.
For more information and to apply, please click here.
2025 General Jeffery Soil Health Award
The prestigious General Jeffery Soil Health Award recognises the work of people who care for soil health and who are educating or inspiring others.
Landcare Australia is inviting landcarers across the country to nominate friends and colleagues who make an impact in soil health. The $20,000 prize will provide invaluable support to the winner to help extend their work in soil health.
Please click here to nominate a Soil Hero.Nominations close Monday 31 March 2025.
Solar Panel Rebates for rental properties
Rebates of up to $1,400 are available to eligible rental providers for the installation of solar panel systems on a maximum of two rental properties each financial year. This helps renters save on their energy bills. An agreement must be signed by you and your renter/s.
You can also reduce your upfront cost further by applying for an interest-free loan to match the rebate amount.
Click here for more information.
On Farm Connectivity Program
The Australian Government’s On Farm Connectivity Program is providing $30 million over 2 years to enable primary producers in agriculture, forestry and/or fisheries to take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology.
The objectives of the program are to:
> extend digital connectivity and enable Primary Producers to take advantage of advanced farming technology
> enhance a Primary Producer’s ability to implement digital agribusiness solutions through improved connectivity
> capitalise on the agricultural sector’s productivity and growth
> support access to new communications equipment and services by offsetting some of the cost.
More information about the program can be found here.
Greater Shepparton City Council Grants
Greater Shepparton City Council offers a range of grants and funding each year to local residents, businesses and community groups. You can view funding available under the various programs listed below.
For more information visit Councils website at https://greatershepparton.com.au/community/grants-and-funding
Campaspe Shire Council Grants
Many of the wonderful community projects, activities and events that take place in Campaspe rely, at least in part, on funding from Council. As well as providing funding directly, Council can also assist community members source other funding opportunities and help them apply for funding.
To find out more about Council’s grant programs, contact Community Grants Officer on 5481 2200 or check out their website.
Hamer Family Sprout Fund
Each year, the Hamer Sprout Fund will consider applications from organisations that share the fund’s goals. We are particularly interested in giving to smaller organisations and projects to get them off the ground. Please contact us with your ideas and projects – we would love to discuss them with you.
The mission of the Hamer Family Sprout Fund is “to build communities inspired to take action for a sustainable future”.
Our aim is to support projects and organisations that:
> Promote innovation in environmental education
> Facilitate engagement in environmental action
> Advocate for environmental sustainability
> Foster collaboration between young people engaged in environmental leadership
A total of $25,000 is available for the Sprout Grants each year. Up to $5,000 is available per project, however more (up to $10,000) may be awarded in exceptional circumstances. Groups or individuals may submit more than one application if they have a number of eligible projects. However, preference may be given to applicants that have not already been allocated a grant within the current funding round.
The closing date for Hamer Sprout Fund Grant applications is 30 September each year.