Environment grants

Our community is an integral part of the environment, and together we are its custodian.

The grants encourage community involvement to care for our environment, and are designed to support the 5 planet objectives set out in our Council Plan and Budget.

  1. Protect and enhance our natural environment.
  2. Conserve water and improve stormwater management.
  3. Lead in planning for, and responding to, climate change.
  4. Avoid waste generation.
  5. Be environmental stewards.

You must read the full guidelines(PDF, 167KB) and speak with a Council officer before submitting your application.

Key dates

  • Grant round opens on 19 January 2021 and closes on 16 March 2021.
  • Assessment and decisions made in March and April 2021.
  • Successful applicants announced on 27 April 2021.
  • Projects must be acquitted by 10 June 2022.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • have a project taking place 2021/22
  • be a not-for-profit organisation/community group, individual or incorporated body that has been established for at least 12 months
  • have appropriate auspice support (where applicable)
  • be based within Banyule Council or propose to provide services and activities within the community
  • have an ABN, or be willing to complete a statement by supplier
  • follow equal opportunity principles and work place health and safety practices.

You can speak to a Council officer if you would like to discuss insurance options.

Auspicing

The auspicing entity must accept responsibility for the management of funds and acquittal requirements, as well as all insurance risks of the project.

Additional conditions

Planting projects must use indigenous plants of local province. A detailed species list can be provided by contacting the Environment Grants Officer or Bushland Management Team about plant selection. Demonstration of site considerations, preparation and ongoing maintenance should be included in the application.

Our approval (including necessary permits) must be gained for any projects being undertaken on Council-owned or managed land.

Applications for projects on private land may be considered, but must fulfil the existing assessment criteria and demonstrate benefit to the wider community, or positive impacts to public land.

To receive grant funds, successful applicants must enter into a funding agreement with Banyule Council and adhere to all conditions outlined in the agreement.

Assessment

Submissions will be assessed by the Banyule Environment Advisory Committee (BEAC, a community advisory committee established to advise us on environmental issues) and 3 main criteria.

Project idea

  • Does the project align with our planet priorities as outlined in the Council Plan 2017-2021?
  • Is the project creative and innovative?
  • Does the project have a good chance of meeting its environmental aims?

Application

  • Is the project clearly outlined?
  • Does it include a description of the project management team?
  • Does it include defined accountability and project roles?
  • Is there a detailed budget which shows all income and expenditure?

Community benefit

  • Have partnerships been explored for collaboration with other community groups to deliver the project?
  • Does the project address issues of access, equity and provide opportunities for our diverse community?
  • Has the application made efforts to procure from local businesses?

Application

Applications must be submitted through Smarty Grants.

Register and start a new application: you can save and return to your application at any time.

Apply for an environment grant

Acquittal

The due date of your acquittal will be included in your agreement, typically 12 months after any grant money is awarded.

All successfully funded projects will submit an online acquittal form detailing:

  • evidence of your receipts from spending;
  • marketing materials and channels used; and
  • detail about any in-kind contributions.

You must get our consent to any project variations that will alter the original funding approval before you proceed (we reserve the right to cease funding).

All requests will be considered by the Director City Development on advice from Council officers, and you will be notified of our decision.

Variations should be applied for through SmartyGrants.

Planet objective case studies

We have supported over 110 projects since 2012, including school and community food gardens, aboriginal cultural knowledge sharing, wildlife corridors, healthcare and sustainability workshops.

Planet objective 1: Protect and enhance our natural environment

The Banyule Sugar Glider Project

Montmorency Community Group

In 2018, the Montmorency Community Group began its Banyule Sugar Glider Project to enhance our wildlife corridors and increase the local sugar glider population. The project also helped to increase community awareness of local fauna habitat values. The sugar glider has become well known by the community as a flagship for habitat protection and matter of pride for those who have them in boxes on their property.

Planet objective 2: Conserve water and improve stormwater management

Singing in the rain

East Ivanhoe Preschool Inc

In 2018, this East Ivanhoe Preschool project created a rain garden of indigenous plants and added a splash pond to accompany the school's new hand water pump. These were used as teaching materials to raise awareness on water conservation practices through exploration, activity and play. Children continue to enjoy playing and learning about water, the water cycle, how to conserve water and how plants need water to grow.

Planet objective 3: Lead in planning for, and responding to, climate change

Solar power for the Bundoora Scout Hall

The Scout Association of Australia Victorian Branch

The Scout Association of Australia Victorian Branch installed a 6.2kW solar system on the Bundoora Scout Hall. Bundoora Scouts is a not-for-profit organisation: the project has significantly reduced its power bills and allows it to spend money on other initiatives that serve our community. A main goal of the scout movement is to prepare our youth to be kind local and global citizens. Installing solar power served as a prime example of how small steps addressing an organisation's carbon footprint can benefit our whole community.

Planet objective 4: Avoid waste generation

Food Waste to Plant Food Project

Montmorency Secondary College

In 2018, Montmorency Secondary College's Monty Green Team teamed with VCAL teachers and students to organise the Food Waste to Plant Food Project, an effort to reduce the school’s food waste entering into landfill by establishing a food compost system, including setting up on-site worm farms and a compost bin. The project also added sustainable education in the classroom and raised community awareness through promotional campaigns. The food waste compost is used to improve the soil for the school garden.

Planet objective 5: Be environmental stewards

Sustainable Sundays Project

Watsonia Neighbourhood House

In 2018, the Watsonia Neighbourhood House began its Sustainable Sundays Project: community events that showcased sustainable activities (including a repair cafe, boomerang bag making and food swaps) and community educational workshops. The team connected with a diverse range of people in its planning and delivery of events, including indigenous groups, youth, seniors and individuals identifying with a disability.

Accessibility

The grants process is open and accessible to everyone, including if:

  • you need a printed copy of the guidelines or a printed copy in large print;
  • you need to discuss these guidelines by phone;
  • you need the guidelines in a captioned video format;
  • you need to discuss the guidelines with us using the services of an Auslan interpreter;
  • your hearing or speech is impaired, you can call us through the National Relay Service on 133 677 (TTY) or 1300 555 727 on an ordinary handset and ask for 9490 4222;
  • you need a language interpreter please contact TIS National on 131 450 and ask to be connected to us on 9490 4222; or
  • you need a printed form and support to enter information into SmartyGrants please contact us for assistance.

If you face any barriers to applying and would like to discuss these or any other ways we can help you, please contact us.

Contact us

Jing Yang on 9490 4972 or environmentgrants@banyule.vic.gov.au.

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