Grant opportunity to support volunteers and environmental non-government organisations (eNGOs) to collaborate with local councils on small-scale, coastal management and education projects throughout South Australia.
On this page you will find
What is the Community Participation Grants?
The Community Participation Grants, funded by the Coast Protection Board (CPB), support volunteers and environmental non-government organisations (eNGOs) to collaborate with local councils on small-scale, coastal management and education projects throughout South Australia. This initiative aims to enhance conservation, promote partnerships, and engage communities in practical, on-ground actions to protect and restore coastal and marine environments.
Community Participation Grants level of support
- Minimum amount available: No minimum specified
- Maximum amount available: $10,000 per project
- Total funding pool: Up to $40,000 for 2025–26
Co-contribution Requirement:
- Applicants must contribute at least 20% of the total project cost, which can be made through cash and/or in-kind contributions.
- In-kind contributions—such as volunteer labour—must be costed in the project budget using a standard rate of $45 per hour.
- Funding is paid upfront to Councils upon execution of the grant agreement and submission of a valid tax invoice
Community Participation Grants important dates
- Applications close: 5:00 PM, Friday 1 August 2025
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Community Participation Grants objectives
Projects must align with one or more of the following objectives:
- Involve and/or educate communities in coastal management
- Enhance community knowledge and skills in coastal rehabilitation, restoration and conservation
- Facilitate strong partnerships in coast and marine management
- Promote broader environmental stewardship
- Deliver practical and measurable actions that address degradation of the coast and marine environments
Projects and expenditure eligible for Community Participation Grants support
Eligible projects include (but are not limited to):
- Conservation and restoration: e.g. fencing, revegetation, access control
- Educational activities: e.g. community workshops, public signage
- Monitoring: e.g. photopoints, intertidal reef surveys, king tide events, vegetation monitoring
Innovative ideas are welcomed. Applicants are encouraged to discuss novel project proposals with the Coast Unit.
Ineligible Expenditure:
- Grant funds cannot be used to pay for volunteer or staff time. These are considered part of the in-kind contribution
Other Community Participation Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Community Participation Grants support
Eligible applicants include:
- Volunteer groups
- Environmental non-government organisations (eNGOs)
Applications must be supported by the relevant local Council, which will act as the financial administrator and contractual party.
Community Participation Grants assessment criteria
Applications are assessed by the Department for Environment and Water, with final funding decisions made by the Coast Protection Board.
Each application is scored on the following five criteria:
- Benefit to the coastal environment
- Benefit to the community – including partnerships and involvement in management, education or conservation
- Appropriateness of the response to identified coastal issues
- Alignment with CPB priorities and policy – project must not conflict with Board objectives
- Feasibility and practicality – including volunteer capacity, realistic budget, and achievable timeframe
How do I get the Community Participation 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.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Community Participation Grants application
To submit a strong application, prepare the following:
- Letter or email of support from your local Council
- Written consent from landowner or land manager (if applicable)
- Outline of required approvals or licences (these don’t need to be in place at submission but must be understood and completed before the project begins)
- Detailed project budget, including in-kind contributions
- Project timeline and deliverables
- Plan for ongoing asset maintenance, if applicable
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Community Participation Grants
All 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.
Community Participation Grants resources
Is Your Business Eligible for the Community Participation Grants?
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