Each NRM region can assist community, industry, Aboriginal, environmental, education-based, and 'care' groups or organisations to address their NRM needs and concerns by:

• Sourcing technical advice
• Information sharing
• Accessing resources and training
• Building links with other land owners, groups, industries and government
• Developing project ideas
• Attracting funds
• Promoting your achievements

There are also many funding opportunities that may address your concerns and goals. See below for current opportunities.

Other ways that you can get assistance and get involved in what's happening in your local area, your region, or across the State is by attending field days, events and meetings.

Funding Opportunities

Grants To Voluntary Environment and Heritage Organisations

(Australian Government)

Ph: 02 6274 2422

www.deh.gov.au/programs/gveho

Applications close Friday 2 December 2005.

Grants of up to $10,000 per year for administrative funds to help community-based, not-for-profit environment and historic heritage organisations.  To be eligible organisations Organisations must be incorporated and have either a voting and financial membership of 50 or minimum membership of 5 affiliated bodies with an aggregate membership of 200 and be currently engaged in on-the-ground environment protection, conservation and/or rehabilitation projects.

Funding to support activities that either enhance the effectiveness of existing environmental education programmes, policies, systems or institutions; or
for new and innovative approaches in areas of need. Activities should perform at least one of the key components of environmental education in support of sustainability: raising awareness; acquiring new perspectives; developing knowledge, values and skills; and changing behaviour. Preference will be given to projects that are national in focus, have the potential for national application or that will act as a catalyst for national change.

Envirofund
(Natural Heritage Trust)
Ph: 1800 303 863 or 6332 1800
www.nht.gov.au/envirofund
One round every year. Applications available from February 2006.

On-ground projects up to $50,000 for up to 18 months are available.
The Envirofund provides the opportunity for community groups or individuals to undertake small on-ground projects tackling important local problems.

Recreational Fishing Community Grants

Ph: 6233 3849

www.daff.gov.au/recfishinggrants

Annual - round 2 opens mid 2006.

Projects up to $100,000 for community groups, organisations and individuals for projects that improve infrastructure, support local initiatives to enhance recreational fishing, protect the environment at the water’s edge, establish and upgrade volunteer marine rescue groups; and for education and awareness raising.

Community Support Component (National Landcare Program)
Ph: 6431 6285
www.daff.gov.au/landcare

One round per year. Applications available every June/July.

For larger scale, strategic on-ground activities, up to 3 years duration.
Available to community and industry groups.

Natural Resource Innovation Grants

(National Landcare Program)
Ph: 6332 1800

www.daff.gov.au/landcare

For individuals, community or not-for-profit groups wishing to adopt, implement or deliver innovative practices, production techniques, technologies or products that contribute to increased profitability or output, and sustainability of natural resources.

Mitre 10 Junior Landcare Program Grants

(Landcare Australia)
Ph: 1800 151 105 or 6332 1800

www.landcareaustralia.com.au

Closing date for the 2005 Grants round is the 20 October.

Grants up to $500 each for schools and youth groups. Funding applications must address an environmental need within the school itself, the immediate school grounds or be an area of community concern in which the school can be involved.

Landcare Assistance Program
Ph: 6234 7117

www.taslandcare.org.au
Grants available from 1 January every year but first in first served.

Up to $500 available to assist community care groups who are members of the Tasmanian Landcare Association.

Threatened Species Network Community Grants Program
Ph 6234 3552
www.wwf.org.au

Grants are available annually with the next application period open from April/May 2006.

Community groups can apply for funds that will protect Commonwealth and State listed threatened species. Examples of projects include habitat restoration, weeding & feral animal control, monitoring & surveying species populations, fencing, fire management.

Community Water Grants

(Australian Government)
www.nrm.gov.au/water-fund/index.html

Two rounds per year.

Up to $50,000 for community groups, schools, local government, and non-government organisations for on-ground works to increase water use efficiency, improve river or ground water health, or improve community education on water saving.

Living Environment Program
(DPIWE)
Ph: 03 6233 2742 (1300 368 550)
www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/livingenvironment Applications open Sept / Oct 2006.

A grant has been established to support the innovative works by community groups and individuals that deliver community services directly aimed at enhancing the quality of Tasmania’s environment. Funds are for 1-3 years and aimed at core administration and management including administrative support, small business improvement programs, development of strategic plans and other business improvement exercises, conference administration, employment of administrative/executive staff.

Westpac Operation Backyard (Landcare Australia)

Ph: 1800 151 105 or 6332 1800
www.landcareaustralia.com.au
On-going application period.

Projects generally receive donations of up to $5,000. The project must be supported by the local community and involve Westpac staff as volunteers.

Indigenous Protected Areas Program (Natural Heritage Trust)
www.deh.gov.au/indigenous/ipa

Applications can be submitted any time of the year.

Indigenous landowners supported to manage their lands for the protection of natural and cultural features. Available to indigenous groups.

Sharing Australia's Stories
(Australian Government)
www.deh.gov.au
An invitation for applications will be advertised in 2005.

Grants of between $5000 and $50 000 are available to community groups, schools, individuals and local government to show how their stories have contributed to the great events and themes that have shaped our nation.

The Norman Wettenhall Foundation
Ph: 03 9650 3188
www.nwf.org.au/guidelines.html

Applications close last working day of March, June, September and December.

Organisations and individuals can apply for up to $10,000 to carry out projects that support and encourage research, education and recording of all aspects of the natural living environment.

The M.A. Ingram Trust
(Charitable Trusts Advisor State Trustees Limited)
Ph: 03 9667 6740
www.statetrustees.com.au
Applications close 31 March and 30
September.

Grants of up to $10,000 for individuals, organisations and research bodies to fund the preservation and education, research and increase of knowledge with respect to the origin, history, habits, life and use, and the scientific benefits if any, of indigenous Australian mammals and birds, and the flora providing their food, cover, etc., and the relationship of one or more to the other.

Still not sure where your opportunity lies? Like to talk to someone about your idea or issue? Contact your local NRM facilitator:

• North
• South
• Cradle Coast