Grants of up to $3 million to support farmers to have better access to knowledge and skills relating to best practice climate-smart sustainable agriculture approaches.
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 Climate-Smart Agriculture Program – Capacity Building Grants?
The Australian Government is inviting applications from eligible organisations across Australia for the second round of the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program – Capacity Building Grants.
Managed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, this open competitive grant opportunity seeks to enhance the agricultural sector’s capacity for sustainable practices and climate-smart approaches.
Climate-Smart Agriculture Program – Capacity Building Grants level of support
Grants
- Minimum Grant Amount: $250,000
- Maximum Grant Amount: $3,000,000
Co-contribution:
Applicants are encouraged to provide co-contributions, with higher co-contributions being favourably considered during the assessment process. In-kind contributions such as special services, knowledge, or expertise are also recognised. The specific ratio or amount of co-contribution required is not explicitly stated but is a significant factor in the assessment of applications.
Climate-Smart Agriculture Program – Capacity Building Grants important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Climate-Smart Agriculture Program – Capacity Building Grants objectives and outcomes
Objectives:
- The Capacity Building grants will contribute to the Natural Heritage Trust’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program’s outcomes by supporting farmers to have better access to knowledge and skills relating to best practice climate-smart sustainable agriculture approaches. It will also increase the capacity and capability of community, regional Natural Resource Management and comparable organisations, Landcare groups, First Nations groups and organisations, and industry partnerships to assist farmers to adopt climate-smart and sustainable agriculture practices.
Intended outcomes:
- Outcome 1: farmers and land holders have increased awareness, knowledge and skills of best practice climate-smart sustainable agriculture approaches.
- Outcome 2: community, Landcare groups, First Nations peoples and industry have increased capacity and capability to assist farmers and land holders to adopt climate-smart and sustainable agriculture practices.
- Outcome 3: the agriculture sector is utilising proven climate-smart and sustainable agriculture practices, initiatives and information sources to increase adoption at scale.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Climate-Smart Agriculture Program – Capacity Building Grants support
Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to:
- Development and delivery of training and workshops
- Applied research and demonstration sites that showcase climate-smart agriculture
- Initiatives that enhance community engagement and capacity building
Ineligible expenditures:
- The grant cannot be used for activities such as commercial operations primarily for profit, or that replicate well-established methods, or for the purchase of land or existing infrastructure. Costs incurred before the execution of the grant agreement are also not covered.
See the guidelines for full details of projects and expenditure eligible for funding.
Other Climate-Smart Agriculture Program – Capacity Building Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Climate-Smart Agriculture Program – Capacity Building Grants support
To be eligible you must:
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- be a permanent resident of Australia
- have an account with an Australian financial institution
- be financially viable
- be located in Australia.
Also, you must be one of the following entity types:
- Company
- Cooperative
- Corporate Commonwealth Entity
- Corporate State or Territory Entity
- Incorporated Association
- Indigenous Corporation
- Local Government
- Non-corporate State or Territory Entity
- Non-corporate State or Territory Statutory Authority
- Sole Trader
- Statutory Entity.
If you are applying as a Trustee on behalf of a Trust , the Trustee must have an eligible entity type as listed above.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Climate-Smart Agriculture Program – Capacity Building Grants assessment criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Proposed Activities and their Linkages to Outcomes (25%) – Projects should clearly align with the grant’s objectives, with detailed plans for implementation and outcome measurement.
- Project Delivery (30%) – Applicants must demonstrate their capacity and track record in effectively managing similar projects.
- Meaningful Partnerships (20%) – Projects that include partnerships with First Nations groups or regional NRM organisations will be considered more favourably.
- Value for Money (25%) – Proposals should detail the public and private benefits, with a justification for the funding in relation to the expected outcomes.
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program – Capacity Building Grants?
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.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program – Capacity Building Grants application
Here’s a list of the information and documents applicants need to prepare:
1. Application Form: Complete the application form available on GrantConnect for each project proposal.
2. Australian Business Number (ABN): Must be active and valid for the applying entity.
3. Proof of Financial Viability: Documentation to demonstrate the financial health of the organisation.
4. Entity Type Documentation: Proof that the applicant is one of the eligible entity types (e.g., company, cooperative, local government, etc.).
5. Proposed Budget:
- Detailed budget breakdown including grant amount sought and any co-contributions (financial or in-kind).
- Justification of the budget in relation to the project’s activities and outcomes.
6. Project Management Plan:
- Outline the structure, governance, and business management systems to support project delivery.
- Include details about the personnel and resources allocated to the project.
7. Risk Management Plan:
- Identify potential risks associated with project implementation and their mitigation strategies.
8. Letters of Support (if applicable):
- For consortia or partnership arrangements, include letters from all partners detailing their roles, contributions, and commitment to the project.
9. Evidence of Support from Organisation’s Board or CEO (if applicable):
- Confirmation from senior management endorsing the project and grant application.
10. Trust Deed and Any Subsequent Variations (if applying as a Trustee):
- Provide documentation for trusts along with evidence that the trustee is eligible under the specified entity types.
11. Verification of Costs:
- Include quotes or estimates for major costs outlined in the budget.
12. Documentation of Compliance with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (if applicable):
- Compliance letters or evidence for organisations with 100 or more employees.
13. Evidence of Registration with the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) (if applicable):
- For entities required to comply with the WGEA.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program – Capacity Building Grants
Applications should be submitted through the GrantConnect platform.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Climate-Smart Agriculture Program – Capacity Building Grants resources
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