Grants up to $450,000 to support community-led initiatives in Western Australia to conserve biodiversity, enhance landscapes, and empower communities to manage and protect natural resources.
On this page you will find
What is the Community Stewardship Grants?
The 2025 Community Stewardship Grants, managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, are designed to empower local communities in Western Australia to manage and protect natural resources effectively. These grants support projects that conserve and enhance the state’s biodiversity, landscapes, and cultural heritage through community-led initiatives.
Community Stewardship Grants level of support
- Small grants which are valued from $1,000 to $50,000, and are up to 18 months duration.
- Large grants which are intended for more strategic, complex projects; are valued between $50,001 and $450,000; and are up to 36 months duration.
Co-Contribution Requirement: Some grants may require co-contributions; specifics vary based on project size and scope. For projects over $50,000, up to 15% of the project’s grant-funded budget can be requested for administration and operational expenses
Community Stewardship Grants important dates
- Application Deadline: 12 noon AWST, Monday 7 April 2025
- Grant Announcement Date: Expected October 2025
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Community Stewardship Grants priorities and outcomes
1. Sustainable Management of Land Resources
- Agricultural landscapes will be maintained or improved by adopting sustainable and/or regenerative agricultural practices, focusing on soil biology and landscape management to produce healthier food, a healthier environment, and an improved bottom line, enabling enduring prosperity.
2. Maintain and Enhance Water Assets
- Water assets, including estuaries, floodplains, wetlands, and groundwater systems, will be maintained, improved, and protected through activities that support ecosystem health, water availability, biodiversity, and the spiritual and cultural values of Aboriginal people.
3. Protect and Enhance the Marine and Coastal Environment
- Marine and coastal environments, species, and habitats will be maintained, improved, and protected from biological and physical threats such as the declining numbers of some species, introduction of pests and diseases, and the impacts of climate change and sea level rise.
4. Conserve and Recover Biodiversity
- Western Australia’s rich, diverse, and unique biodiversity, along with its economic, cultural, scientific, educational, and recreational values, will be maintained, improved, and protected from biological and physical threats, including the declining numbers of some species, introduction of pests and diseases, and climate change impacts.
5. Enhance Skills, Capacity, and Engagement
- The capacity, knowledge, skills, engagement, and participation of stakeholders, including volunteers, community groups, Aboriginal people, and the broader community, will be maintained or improved. Stakeholder values, beliefs, and behaviours will be respected.
6. Deliver High-Quality Planning that Leads to Effective Action
- High-quality and strategic planning will be facilitated and delivered to lead to coordinated and effective actions that conserve, prevent further deterioration of condition, and provide opportunities for the remediation of our natural resources.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Community Stewardship Grants support
Projects should aim to enhance community capacity and capability to achieve positive NRM outcomes. Eligible activities include:
- Environmental rehabilitation and conservation projects.
- Initiatives to protect and manage water assets and marine environments.
- Activities aimed at conserving biodiversity and recovering native species.
- Projects that improve land management practices to ensure long-term sustainability.
- Initiatives that involve the community and foster strong partnerships for natural resource management.
Ineligible expenditures include:
- Activities that constitute a regulatory responsibility of the landholder, such as boundary fencing.
- Projects focused on income generation under other schemes or programs.
- Beautification or amenity improvement projects not directly linked to NRM outcomes
See the guidelines for full details of projects and expenditure eligible for funding.
Other Community Stewardship Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Community Stewardship Grants support
Applicants from the following groups or organisations are encouraged to apply:
- Aboriginal community organisations including Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (RNTBC)
- incorporated associations and not-for profit companies or trusts, including most community, landcare, and NRM groups, Recognised Biosecurity Groups and grower groups
- Land Conservation District Committees (LCDC)
- local government authorities (LGA)
- primary and secondary schools.
The following groups are not eligible to apply:
- for profit organisations, businesses, partnerships, or companies including sole traders and primary producers
- individuals
- organisations that do not have a branch or base of operation in Western Australia
- tertiary education institutions such as universities (government or privately funded), monotechnics, polytechnics or colleges
- unincorporated associations
- Western Australian or Australian Government agencies.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Community Stewardship Grants assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Clear alignment with grant outcomes (30%)
- Evidence of community involvement (30%)
- Value for money of the funding request (30%)
- Effective project management capabilities (10%)
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the Community Stewardship 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 Community Stewardship Grants application
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Detailed project descriptions that align with the grant objectives.
- Comprehensive budgets and funding breakdowns, including co-contributions.
- Evidence of community and stakeholder engagement, including letters of support or commitment.
- Permissions from landholders where project activities will occur.
- Documentation of past project impacts if applicable, especially for continuing initiatives
See the guidelines for more details of information requirements.
Applying for the Community Stewardship Grants
Applications must be submitted online through SmartyGrants.
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 Stewardship Grants resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
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