Environment grants

• Applications open 4 August 2025.
• Applications close at 11.59pm on 14 September 2025.
• Assessment and decisions made in September to October 2025.
• Projects must be acquitted within 12 months of the outcome.

Group applicants must:

• have a project taking place in 2025/2026
• be a not-for-profit organisation, community group, educational or religious institution
• be an incorporated entity or be auspiced and administered by an incorporated entity (schools exempt).
• be financial viability by providing a recent income and expenditure statement (schools exempt).
• deliver the funded activity or service within Banyule or show that the activity provides a direct benefit to our residents
• follow equal opportunity principles and work place health and safety practices
• have an ABN or be willing to complete a Statement by Supplier form
• have public liability insurance up to $10,000,000 the time the project starts
• have been established for a minimum of 12 months.

Individual applicants must:

• have a project taking place in 2025/2026
• be at least 18 years old
• work, live or provide significant evidence of engagement in our community
• be auspiced (auspice fees up to 5% can be funded for individual applicants)
• have auspice organisation satisfy all group eligibility requirements
• have public liability insurance up to $10M when the project starts

You can speak to a grants 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.

Submissions will be assessed by the Banyule Environment and Climate Action Advisory Committee (BECAAC, a community advisory committee established to advise us on environmental issues) and 3 criteria:

• Project idea: 50%
• Application: 20%
• Community benefit: 30%

Read the guidelines for full details.

Applications must be submitted through Smarty Grants.

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 that requires:

• providing receipts and invoices for all expenses
• marketing materials and how you did promotions
• detail about any in-kind contributions
• project outcomes.

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.