Grants of up to $350,000 to support community and government organisations in delivering projects that conserve, restore, and enhance natural environments across New South Wales.
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What is the Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants?
The Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation (ER&R) Grants Program is a competitive funding initiative offered by the NSW Environmental Trust. It supports community and government organisations in delivering projects that conserve, restore, and enhance natural environments across New South Wales. These grants aim to foster strong partnerships, build environmental expertise, and implement sustainable, long-term improvements in ecosystems and biodiversity.
The ER&R Grants Program aligns with the NSW Environmental Trust’s Strategic Plan 2024–2029, targeting projects that contribute to healthy Country, restore ecosystems and biodiversity, and strengthen environmental management.
Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants level of support
A total of $4 million is available for the 2025–26 round of funding. Each eligible project can receive between:
- Minimum funding: $150,000
- Maximum funding: $350,000
- Project duration: 3 to 5 years
Co-contribution Requirement:
There is no mandatory financial co-contribution specified in the guidelines; however, applicants are encouraged to include in-kind support and additional contributions as this improves value-for-money assessment.
Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants important dates
- Applications close: 5:00 pm, 19 May 2025
- Assessment period: June – October 2025
- Notification to successful applicants: December 2025
- Project commencement: April 2026
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants objectives
The ER&R program is designed to:
- Improve and protect ecosystems and environmental assets managed by communities, land managers and stakeholders
- Enhance environmental management by supporting stronger partnerships and skill development
- Provide an effective, sustainable delivery mechanism for NSW environmental policy and priorities
Projects and expenditure eligible for Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants support
Projects must align with at least one of the following strategic priorities from the NSW Environmental Trust Strategic Plan 2024–2029:
- Healthy Country – Involving Aboriginal peoples, their traditional knowledge and connection to Country
- Ecosystem and Biodiversity Restoration – Supporting species resilience and climate adaptation
- Enhanced Environmental Management – Improving data, connectivity, and resource management
Eligible activities include:
- Bush regeneration and assisted natural regeneration
- Canopy connection and habitat corridor planting
- Capacity building, training, and community workshops
- Engaging consultants or contractors for project delivery
- Ecological and cultural burns (with appropriate planning and permissions)
- Educational signage and community outreach materials
- Native seed collection, propagation and revegetation
- Pest animal management (non-lethal and strategic only)
- Habitat creation for native species and threatened fauna
- Weed management in line with ecological priorities
- Erosion control and water management (e.g., off-creek livestock watering)
- Monitoring, evaluation, and use of photo-point monitoring techniques
- Track management to minimise environmental damage
- Use of transport and equipment hire essential to project delivery
Ineligible expenditures include:
- Salaries of staff not directly employed for the project
- Lethal pest animal control (e.g. trapping, poisoning)
- Waste management and litter clean-up activities
- Research-only projects without on-ground outcomes
- Capital purchases over 20% of the budget or used beyond the project period
- Payments to landowners (subsidies, stewardship incentives)
- Recreational improvements or aesthetic landscaping
- Projects that are part of an organisation’s statutory responsibilities
Other Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants support
The following groups are eligible to apply:
- Incorporated community organisations and associations
- Non-commercial cooperatives
- Local councils and regional organisations of councils
- Local Aboriginal land councils and registered Indigenous corporations
- State government agencies and statutory committees
- Universities (for projects on university-owned land only)
Note: Unincorporated groups may apply in partnership with an eligible external manager.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed by a Technical Review Committee using the following five criteria:
Criterion 1 – Tangible Environmental Outcome (15 points)
- Clearly identifies the environmental issue
- Justifies the need and appropriateness of the proposed intervention
- Demonstrates how the project will contribute to ER&R objectives
Criterion 2 – Project Activities and Outcomes (15 points)
- Aligns with ER&R strategic priorities
- Activities directly support proposed outcomes
- Shows evidence of long-term benefits beyond the funding period
Criterion 3 – Planning and Method (15 points)
- Well-developed project plan with appropriate methods
- Includes community involvement and capacity building
- Incorporates effective monitoring methods
- Realistic timeline and risk management strategies
Criterion 4 – Capacity to Deliver (10 points)
- Demonstrated experience and capability of organisation and partners
- Clear plan for community involvement and future commitment
- Realistic plan for completing the project within scope and timeframe
Criterion 5 – Value for Money (15 points)
- Reasonable and well-justified budget
- Cost-effective approach to achieving environmental outcomes
- Demonstrated in-kind or cash contributions
- Strong mix of materials, expertise, and support resources
How do I get the Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation 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 Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants application
Before applying, make sure to:
- Review the program guidelines and past successful projects
- Prepare a detailed workplan including outcomes, milestones, and performance indicators
- Develop project maps to demonstrate site context and activities
- Create a detailed budget, ensuring 10% minimum is allocated to monitoring
- Factor in independent financial certification costs for non-government applicants
- Identify any Aboriginal partnerships (mandatory for Healthy Country priority projects)
- Document community engagement strategies and sustainability plans
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants
Submit your completed application online via the gms.environment.nsw.gov.au 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.
Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants resources
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