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

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

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

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 individuals or community groups to undertake small on-ground projects tackling important local problems. Applications by individuals must show a very high public benefit.

Churchill Fellowships
Ph: 1800 777 231 or 02 6247 8333 www.churchilltrust.com.au

Applications close 28 February 2006.

Churchill Fellowships offer all Australians the opportunity to investigate a project overseas in a field of their choice that is not readily available in Australia. Approximately $25,000 is awarded to each successful applicant to cover major expenses including airfares, living allowances and any approved course or conference fees. Successful applicants spend between four and eight weeks overseas building knowledge and practical experience in their area of expertise for the benefit of the Australian community. Travel may commence from 1 September 2006.

Community Water Grants

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

Two rounds per year. Next round expected to open in April 2006.

Up to $50,000 for on-ground works to increase water use efficiency, improve river or ground water health, or improve community education on water saving. Individual applicants will need to show  avery high public benefit in proposed activities.

Non-Forest Vegetation Project (Natural Heritage Trust)
Ph: 03 6233 6099
www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au

Property–based vegetation management agreements, conservation covenants, and on-ground incentives for landowners to manage and protect threatened non-forest native vegetation, including grasslands, wetlands, heaths and scrubs.

Protected Areas on Private Land Program
(Natural Heritage Trust)
Ph: 03 6332 1800
www.papl.tas.gov.au

Voluntary Conservation on Private Land in Tasmania (conservation covenants, management agreements and private reserves). Benefits include exemptions from land tax, rate rebates, expert advice, and on-ground assistance.

Private Forest Reserves Program
Ph: 03 6233 8011
www.privaterfa.tas.gov.au

Negotiations occur between landowners, local government and the Committee to either purchase the land (forest community), enter into a management agreement or establish a covenant over the land, with opportunities for councils to offer rate rebates paid for by the program.

Natural Resource Innovation Grants
(National Landcare Program)
Ph: 03 6332 1800

www.daff.gov.au

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.

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.

Recreational Fishing Community Grants

Ph: 03 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.

Australian Bird Environment Foundation
Ph: 1300 305 342
www.birdobservers.org.au

Grants close 31st May and 31st October annually.

Small grants (up to $3,500) for individuals or groups carrying out projects on private or public land which maintain, improve or extend habitats for birds and other associated native animals and plants.

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.

Australian Bush Heritage Fund
Ph: 1300 628 873
www1.bushheritage.asn.au/

Potential for acquisition (and conservation) of land of outstanding ecological significance.

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.

Tasmanian Land Conservancy
Ph: 03 6225 1399
www.tasland.org.au

Operates a revolving fund to conserve important natural places at a fraction of the financial cost of establishing permanent reserves.

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.

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

• North
• South
• Cradle Coast