Grants of up to $100,000 to support conservation and celebration of Western Australia’s iconic heritage places through expert-led projects, community initiatives, and local government partnerships.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Heritage Grants Program (HGP)?
Western Australia’s iconic heritage places are getting a funding boost, with the launch of the 2025–26 Heritage Grants Program. With $1.221 million in funding on offer across two tailored streams, this program supports both the physical conservation and community celebration of our cultural landmarks.
- The State Heritage Grants (SHG) stream is designed for private owners of State Registered Places to undertake essential conservation works or prepare conservation documentation.
- The Community Heritage Grants (CHG) stream offers support to not-for-profits, local governments and businesses to deliver educational, interpretive and engagement projects that celebrate and share our heritage.
Heritage Grants Program level of support
State Heritage Grants
- Documentation projects: Up to $16,000 (80:20 funding ratio)
- Conservation works: Up to $50,000 (50:50 co-contribution)
- Major Conservation Projects: Up to $100,000 (50:50 co-contribution)
Community Heritage Grants
- Standard projects: Up to $10,000 (50:50 co-contribution)
- Major projects: Up to $30,000 (50:50 co-contribution)
- Minimum grant: $1,000
Co-Contribution Requirements:
- State Heritage Grants require matched funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis (50:50). However, professional heritage services (e.g., documentation) may be funded up to 80%.
- Community Heritage Grants allow in-kind contributions as part of matched funding and also require a 50:50 split. In-kind support must be substantiated and relate directly to eligible tasks.
- Financial hardship provisions are available only to private individuals under SHG for their primary residence and may reduce the owner’s contribution below 50%
Heritage Grants Program important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Heritage Grants Program objectives
The program is designed to:
- Encourage investment in the conservation of State Registered Heritage Places
- Promote heritage education and awareness
- Support community engagement through interpretation and activation of heritage places
- Advance planning for the long-term care of heritage assets
Projects eligible for Heritage Grants Program support
State Heritage Grants
- Urgent or essential conservation works to stabilise or protect heritage fabric
- Preparation of conservation planning documents: Conservation Management Plans (CMPs), Archaeological Management Plans, Building Condition Assessments
- Major projects that:
- Reactivate heritage places for tourism/public use
- Respond to natural disaster risks
- Develop traditional trades or conservation skills
Community Heritage Grants
- Education projects (e.g., specialist talks, heritage tours)
- Community engagement initiatives (e.g., heritage trade skills workshops, events)
- Interpretation projects (e.g., signage, interpretation plans, digital media)
Ineligible Expenditure
All Streams:
- Costs incurred before the grant agreement is signed
- Administrative overheads (including DA or permit fees)
- Projects not directly related to heritage conservation or interpretation
- General non-heritage maintenance (e.g., cleaning, pruning)
- Purchase of land or buildings
- Commercial branding/product development
- Reimbursement of insurance excess or works already funded by insurance
- Development of commercial products or funding of salaries (CHG only)
See the guidelines for each stream for full details of eligible and ineligible projects.
Other Heritage Grants Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Heritage Grants Program support
State Heritage Grants Stream Eligibility:
- Private owners of State Registered Places (excluding government entities)
- Local governments (for documentation only)
- Long-term lessees of government-owned places (maintenance responsibility required)
Community Heritage Grants Stream Eligibility:
- Incorporated not-for-profits (registered with ACNC)
- Businesses with an ABN
- WA Local Governments
- All applicants must hold appropriate insurance and disclose other funding sources
Heritage Grants Program assessment criteria
Applications are assessed based on their alignment with the following key considerations:
General Criteria (both streams):
- Consistency with Burra Charter principles
- Alignment with Heritage Council policies
- Quality and heritage integrity of proposed outcomes
- Capacity to deliver the project on time using qualified heritage professionals
- Value for money
- Compliance with previous grant conditions (if applicable)
Additional SHG Criteria:
- Urgency and necessity of proposed conservation works
- Use of traditional trade skills
- Evidence of cause, effect, and long-term solution
- Commitment to ongoing place management
Additional CHG Criteria:
- Demonstrated community benefit
- Breadth of community reach and engagement
- Novelty and originality of events or products
- Engagement with local volunteers and trades
- Contribution to heritage tourism and education
How do I get the Heritage Grants Program?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Heritage Grants Program application
Before applying, applicants should prepare:
- Evidence of eligibility (e.g., ownership, insurance, ABN)
- Minimum of two quotes per task (three recommended)
- Project scope and expected outcomes
- Any required permits or approvals
- Heritage professional engagement documentation
- Letters of support or stakeholder consultation evidence
- Refusal notice or ineligibility confirmation from Lotterywest (for CHG applicants only)
Applying for the Heritage Grants Program
Applications must be submitted via the SmartyGrants portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Heritage Grants Program resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
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