Grants from $50,000 and up to $200,000 for small-scale community-led projects and local activities that deliver support for the recovery and protection of the Koala.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
What is the Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity?
The Koala Conservation and Protection Package provides $50 million over four years from 2021-22 to 2024-25 to maintain and support the recovery and protection of the Koala. The Package aligns with the Australian Government’s efforts to protect and restore Australia’s threatened species and places through the Threatened Species Strategy 2021-2031 and the Strategy’s first Action Plan 2021-2026.
The Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity is distributed through two funding programs:
- Program 1: Community Grants
- Program 2: Health Grants
The Community Grants – Round 1 program will run over 2 years from 2022-23 to 2023-24. The program will invest up to $5 million, providing grants of up to $200,000 for small-scale community projects and local activities that support the recovery and protection of the Koala (combined populations of Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory).
The Health Grants program will run over 3 years from 2022-23 to 2024-25. The program will invest up to $2 million to address health challenges and improve health outcomes for the Koala.
What is the level of support of the Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity?
Level of support:
Program 1 – Grants of between $50,000 and $200,000 per project.
- The grant amount will be up to 100 per cent of eligible project expenditure (grant percentage). You are responsible for funding the remaining eligible and ineligible project costs.
Program 2 – Grant amounts are yet to be announced.
Co-contributions:
Co-contributions are strongly encouraged to amplify the impact of the program. This could include funding provided to initiatives and programs already announced that the program would build on.
Contributions to your project may be cash or in-kind, including volunteer contributions. Other funding can come from other sources including State, Territory and local government grants.
Projects cannot be funded if they receive funding from another Commonwealth government grant. You can apply for a grant for your project under more than one Commonwealth program, but if your application is successful, you must choose either the Koala Conservation and Protection grant or the other Commonwealth grant.
What are the important dates of the Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity?
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest here with GrantHelper
What are the objectives and outcomes of the Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity?
The objective of the Koala conservation and protection grants opportunity is to support efforts to improve the trajectory of the Koala combined populations of Queensland, NSW and the ACT*.
Program 1 supports community-lead conservation and recovery efforts to improve the trajectory of the Koala combined populations of Queensland, NSW and the ACT.
Program 2 supports efforts to improve the trajectory of the Koala through applied research activities and practical application of research outcomes to address Koala health challenges and improve health outcomes.
The intended outcomes of the opportunity are to:
- improve the extent, quality and connectivity of the nationally listed Koala’s habitat and reduced local threats (Program 1)
- improve data and knowledge of Koala populations and health across their range (Programs 1 and 2)
- increase understanding and management of disease and injury affecting Koala health (Programs 1 and 2) and lift capability in on-ground care, treatment and triage of Koalas, (Programs 1)
- strengthen coordination of recovery efforts for the Koala and cross-sector engagement, collaboration and capability (Program 2).
* See Listed Koala in the guidelines Glossary
What are the priority areas of the Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity?
The program will support the restoration and protection of Koala habitats, extend and expand Koala monitoring and the improvement of Koala health and care in response to natural disasters such as bushfires and diseases, such as Chlamydia. It includes:
- large and medium scale projects to support on-ground actions to support Koala habitat protection and restoration and threat mitigation
- small-scale community projects for habitat protection and restoration, threat mitigation and improving health outcomes
- extending the National Koala Monitoring Program
- addressing Koala health challenges and improving health outcomes
- supporting training in Koala treatment and care.
How to get the Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity funding?
You should first read and understand the guidelines, sample application form and the sample grant agreement for the appropriate program (Program 1 or Program 2).
Successful applicants will clearly align their project with the program outcomes and objectives, demonstrate project management capability and capacity, and detail appropriate implementation resources (including co-contributions where necessary) to successfully delivery the project in its entirety within the proposed project implementation timeline.
The selection committee may also consider other factors. For Program 1, these factors include the geographic spread of projects, the range of projects that will best protect and support the listed Koala, alignment with other Koala investments, the best available research and data at the time of assessment, and the risks associated with the grant, including risks of the activity and risks to the Commonwealth. For Program 2, these factors include the best available Koala health, disease and condition monitoring research and data at the time of assessment.
Check out our How to Prepare Before You Apply insight.
Most importantly, and before you start an application, you need to ensure your business is eligible for the funding. Organisations that do not meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined below will not be considered.
Check out How to write a successful grant application to learn more about how to win government grants for your small business. Our in-depth eBook is the single most valuable resource you will find that helps small business owners to truly understand how to win government grants. Follow the link to get your copy of the Guide to Winning Grants.
Is my business eligible for the Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity?
Eligible applicants for each program must:
Program 1
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be one of the following entities:
- an entity incorporated in Australia
- an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth)
- a co-operative
- a Regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisation supporting a project that is delivered by, or directly engages with, local community groups
- an incorporated not for profit organisation, including incorporated Indigenous not-for-profit organisations
- an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust
- an Australian local government agency or body as defined in the Guidelines glossary.
Program 2
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- be an organisation invited to apply and listed in the guidelines at Appendix A. (details not yet available)
Joint applications are acceptable for Program 1 applicants, provided you have a lead organisation who is the main driver of the project and is eligible to apply. Landholders that do not meet the eligibility criteria, Australian universities and other publicly funded research organisations* can be part of a joint application but cannot apply as a lead organisation.
You are not eligible to apply if you are:
Program 1
- an organisation not included above
- an individual
- an unincorporated association
- a trust (however, an incorporated trustee may apply on behalf of a trust)
- a non-corporate Commonwealth entity
- an Australian State/Territory Government Agency or body (unless a Regional Land Partnerships service provider)
- a university or other publicly funded research organisation* (except as partners on a joint application)
- an organisation, or your project partner is an organisation, included on the National Redress Scheme’s website on the list of ‘Institutions that have not joined or signified their intent to join the Scheme’ (www.nationalredress.gov.au)
- an employer of 100 or more employees that has not complied with the Workplace Gender Equality Act (2012).
Program 2
- an organisation not listed in the guidelines at Appendix A
- an organisation, or your project partner is an organisation, included on the National Redress Scheme’s website on the list of ‘Institutions that have not joined or signified their intent to join the Scheme’ (www.nationalredress.gov.au)
- an employer of 100 or more employees that has not complied with the Workplace Gender Equality Act (2012).
* See Publicly funded research organisation (PFRO) in the guidelines Glossary
What projects are eligible for Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity?
To be eligible for Program 1 funding your project must:
- be aimed at addressing the program objective and primary program outcomes
- include activities that benefit the listed Koala (combined populations of Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory)
- be delivered in locations within Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory where the listed Koala is known or likely to occur (with the exception of ex-situ healthcare facilities and treatment)
- include on-ground project activities that are undertaken in areas where the listed Koala is known or likely to occur (with the exception of ex-situ healthcare facilities and treatment). You may wish to review the listed Koala’s location via the protected matters search tool
- be designed to complement, extend or expand existing activities or designed to be stand-alone, provided the project does not overlap or duplicate existing activities. Activities that are complementary to work that is already underway must demonstrate alignment, for example:
- by filling a critical gap
- by expanding or supplementing an existing activity, or
- by increasing the reach and impact of an existing activity.
To be eligible for Program 2 funding your project must:
- be aimed at addressing the program objective and intended outcomes
- be consistent with the relevant project description provided in Appendix A
- include activities that will benefit the listed Koala combined populations of Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory
- be aimed at improving Koala health outcomes through applied research activities and the practical application of research outcomes
- demonstrate collaboration and/or consultation with researchers and others working in the Koala and wildlife health sector.
Program 1 projects must be completed 30 April 2024.
Program 2 projects must be completed 30 April 2025.
What additional requirements ensure my eligibility for Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity?
Eligible projects
Applications for Program 1 must:
- have at least $50,000 in eligible expenditure
- have identified that the listed Koala (combined populations of Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) will benefit from your project activities
- provide with your application the required documents – project plan, project budget, trust deed
- provide a letter of support from each project partner where the application is a joint application
- be able to provide a current letter of support for your project prior to commencement of on ground works from the site or landowner, if you are not the site or landowner
- be able to provide a letter of support for your project prior to commencement of on ground works from relevant Traditional Owners or Indigenous organisations with landowning/management rights or responsibilities, or with these rights being determined, if their support is required
- declare that your proposed project does not duplicate other government-funded management actions that are already underway in the location you are proposing to undertake activities.
What activities are eligible for Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity?
Eligible activities for each program may include:
Program 1
- activities that improve the extent, quality and connectivity of the listed Koala’s habitat, such as
- activities that support climate and fire refugia
- activities that support corridors facilitating movement and metapopulation processes of Koalas
- activities that improve the condition or extent of existing Koala habitat through altered land management practices.
- coordinated threat management across the landscapes, such as weed and pest control that provides a demonstrable reduction in pressure on the listed Koala and its habitat
- environmental restoration and protection across areas that support the listed Koala
- ex-situ healthcare facilities and treatment for the listed Koala
- applied research that includes on-ground interventions, such as trialling new Koala protection devises or threat abatement techniques
- activities that improve knowledge of listed Koala populations and their health, such as citizen science projects
- activities that improve health outcomes and care facilities for listed Koala/ Koala populations
- activities as part of community and school education programs that accompany an on-ground activity
- activities that promote the protection and recovery of the listed Koala
- activities that encourage the participation of Indigenous people in the program, including:
- sharing of Indigenous ecological knowledge to support achievement of the project and program outcomes
- collaboration with Traditional Owners
- supporting Indigenous-led caring for Country activities
Program 2
- Koala health research projects that build on research initiatives delivered under the $18 million Koala conservation package that could be nationally applied in practical settings to assist Koala management decisions and contribute to improved Koala health and conservation outcomes
- facilitating collaboration and consultation with other researchers and those working in the Koala health and recovery sector
- activity, including research activities, informed by emerging results and knowledge from the National Koala Disease Risk Assessment (soon to be published) such as:
- existing and potential diseases that require intervention
- effective mitigation strategies
- research gaps
- activity, including research activities, emerging from work on Koala health and condition monitoring that is a component of the National Koala Monitoring Program.
What expenditure is eligible for support from the Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity?
To be eligible, expenditure must:
- be a direct cost of the project
- be incurred for required project audit activities
- be incurred between the project start and end date (unless otherwise stated).
This expenditure may include:
Program 1
- purchase (or hire) of equipment, materials and supplies to support eligible project activities
- salaries and on-costs for personnel directly employed in delivering the project activities (calculated on a pro-rata basis relative to their time commitment)
- building modifications where you own the modified asset and the modification is required to undertake the project
- staff training that directly supports the achievement of project outcomes
- contract expenditure being the cost of any agreed project activities that you contract to others directly relating to the program objectives.
- costs associated with managing collaborations and partnerships with Traditional Owners and the local community
- removal of legislated weed species (including Weeds of National Significance)
- costs incurred in obtaining planning, environmental or other regulatory approvals during the project period, excluding fees paid to the Commonwealth, State, Territory and local governments
- domestic travel to and from the on-ground location limited to the reasonable cost of accommodation and transportation required to conduct the agreed project activities
- administrative support and overheads additional to the normal day to day running costs of the organisation, including project management or project co-ordination (maximum 10 per cent of the grant)
- reporting on project outcomes
- contingency costs up to a maximum of 10% of the eligible project expenditure
Program 2
- purchase (or hire) of equipment and supplies to support eligible project activities
- salaries and on-costs for personnel directly employed in delivering the project activities (calculated on a pro-rata basis relative to their time commitment)
- staff training that directly supports the achievement of project outcomes
- contract expenditure being the cost of any agreed project activities that you contract to others directly relating to the program objectives
- engagement, communication, educational materials and promotional costs directly related to achieving project outcomes
- domestic travel to and from the on-ground activity location limited to the reasonable cost of accommodation and transportation required to conduct the agreed project activities
- venue hire
- administrative support and overheads additional to the normal day to day running costs of the organisation, including project management or project co-ordination (maximum 10 per cent of the grant)
- costs incurred in obtaining planning, environmental or other regulatory approvals during the project period
- contingency costs up to a maximum of 10 per cent of the eligible project costs.
Ineligible expenditure includes:
Program 1
- the provision of goods, services or support for activities not directly related to eligible grant activities
- routine operation, business as usual or running costs
- costs for activities that are required to be carried out by law or by a private contractual obligation
- cost for activities that include the introduction of plants, animals or other biological agents that are known to be, or that could become, environmental or agricultural weeds or pests
- costs of purchasing, leasing, depreciation of, or development of land or the purchase of other assets, being an item of tangible property purchases, leased, hired, financed, created or otherwise brought into existence either wholly or in part with the use of the grant and which has a GST exclusive value of $10,000 or more per asset, unless identified in the application and approved
- costs incurred prior to us notifying you that the application is eligible and complete
- costs for the purchasing of firearms
- costs for fencing for the primary purpose of stock management unless it can be clearly demonstrated to provide benefits for protecting and conserving Koala habitat
- financial costs, including interest and debt financing
- catering expenses, except for provision of light refreshments/drinks that support safe community participation at community events (e.g. to maintain hydration)
- planting of species that are known to be, or have the potential to become, an agricultural or environmental weed. This may include some native Australian species when planted out of region
- revegetation activities using species which are not endemic to the area
- removal of vegetation, including native grasslands, with the exception of legislated weed species (including Weeds of National Significance) and where burnt/removed in the course of the essential activities of a dedicated fire management project
- fees paid to the Commonwealth, state, territory and local governments associated with obtaining planning, environmental or other regulatory approvals
- administration costs and overheads related to the ongoing operations of an organisation, including costs such as rental, renovations and utilities
- activities likely to have a significant adverse impact on any matter of national environmental significance under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
- activities likely to have a significant adverse impact on Indigenous cultural heritage, or not supported by Registered Aboriginal Parties or the relevant Traditional Owner representative group, without approval through relevant State, Territory or Commonwealth legislation
- lobbying activities and media campaigns that could be considered political in nature (whole or part)
- international travel and business class domestic travel
- costs for activities outside of Australia unless identified in the application and approved
- activities, equipment or supplies that are already being supported through other sources, including another Commonwealth, State or Territory, or local government, program
- any in-kind contributions
- capital expenditure for the purchase of assets such as office furniture and equipment, motor vehicles, computers, printers or photocopiers
- costs involved in the purchase or upgrade/hire of software (including user licences) and ICT hardware (unless it directly relates to the project)
- non-project-related staff training and development costs
- insurance costs (the participants must effect and maintain adequate insurance or similar coverage for any liability arising as a result of its participation in funded activities)
- costs related to obtaining resources used on the project, including interest on loans, job advertising and recruiting, and contract negotiations
- depreciation of plant and equipment beyond the life of the project
- maintenance costs
- costs related to preparing the grant application, preparing any project reports (except independent audit reports if required) and preparing any project variation requests
Program 2
- the provision of goods, services or support for activities not directly related to eligible grant activities
- costs for monitoring or modelling activities that are not part of an eligible project
- costs involved in the purchase or upgrade/hire of software (including user licences) and ICT hardware (unless it directly relates to the project)
- insurance costs (the participants must effect and maintain adequate insurance or similar coverage for any liability arising as a result of its participation in funded activities)
- costs for activities that are required to be carried out by law or by a private contractual obligation
- major capital expenditure, such as construction or capital works (excluding fencing) with a GST exclusive value of $10,000 or more per item, unless identified in the application and approved
- the purchase of land or the purchase of other assets, being an item of tangible property purchases, leased, hired, financed, created or otherwise brought into existence either wholly or in part with the use of the grant and which has a GST exclusive value of $10,000 or more per asset, unless identified in the application and approved
- the covering of retrospective costs
- any in-kind contributions
- costs incurred in the preparation of a grant application or related documentation
- administration costs and overheads related to the ongoing operations of an organisation, including costs such as rental, renovations and utilities
- activities likely to have a significant adverse impact on any matter of national environmental significance under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
- activities likely to have a significant adverse impact on Indigenous cultural heritage, or not supported by Registered Aboriginal Parties or the relevant Traditional Owner representative group, without approval through relevant State, Territory or Commonwealth legislation
- lobbying activities and media campaigns that could be considered political in nature (whole or part)
- international travel and business class domestic travel
- costs for activities outside of Australia unless identified in the application and approved.
How do you apply for the Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity?
To apply, you must:
- complete the online application form via business.gov.au
- provide all the information requested
- address all eligibility and assessment criteria
- include all necessary attachments – see ‘What information do I need to prepare’ below.
What information do I need to prepare for registration to the Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity?
You must provide the following documents with your application for both programs:
- project plan
- project budget (at least $50,000 in eligible expenditure for Program 1)
- trust deed (where applicable)
What is the assessment criteria and process of the Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity?
Applications will be assessed against the following Assessment Criteria for each program:
| Ref | Criteria | Weighting |
| Program 1 | ||
| 1 | Alignment with program objectives | 50% |
| 2 | Capacity, capability and resources to deliver the project | 50% |
| Program 2 | ||
| 1 | Demonstrated improved Koala health through applied research and practical application of research outcomes | 50% |
| 2 | Capacity, capability and resources to deliver the project | 50% |
Do you need assistance applying for the Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity?
Is your business eligible for the Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity?
Or perhaps you’re not sure and want to know more?
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I want to learn more about the Koala Conservation and Protection Grants Opportunity
Program 1: Community Grants – Round 1
Program 2: Health Grants
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