Up to $2,000,000 to support local knowledge, data collection, and metrics to improve ecological health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area.
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 Great Barrier Reef Citizen Science?
The Great Barrier Reef Citizen Science Program is an Australian Government initiative aimed at improving the ecological health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef. Administered by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), the program encourages public participation in scientific research to inform critical reef management decisions.
Running from 2024-25 to 2029-30, the program aligns with the Reef 2050 Plan and is designed to empower communities, enhance biodiversity conservation, and tackle key threats to the reef’s future.
Great Barrier Reef Citizen Science level of support
- Minimum Funding: $150,000
- Maximum Funding: $2,000,000
- The grant supports up to 100% of eligible project costs.
Co-Contribution: No co-contribution is required; however, applicants must cover ineligible and additional project costs. Leveraging external support or partnerships is encouraged to extend the program’s reach and impact.
Great Barrier Reef Citizen Science important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Great Barrier Reef Citizen Science objectives
Here are the following objectives:
- Enable public contributions to the Reef 2050 Plan and Reef Trust Outcomes.
- Increase community engagement and stewardship for reef conservation.
- Support citizen scientists in collecting credible, reliable data.
- Strengthen policy and program decisions with citizen science data.
Projects, activities, and expenditure eligible for Great Barrier Reef Citizen Science support
Projects must directly contribute to reef conservation through:
- Data collection and analysis aligned with the Reef 2050 Plan.
- Engagement of citizen scientists in scientific research activities.
- Co-designed activities with Traditional Owners to integrate cultural knowledge.
Ineligible Expenditures:
- Activities unrelated to the Reef 2050 Plan or Reef Trust Outcomes.
- Costs associated with grant application preparation or reporting.
- Recurring operational expenses such as rent, utilities, and maintenance.
- Staff training unrelated to the project outcomes.
- Activities likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts.
Other Great Barrier Reef Citizen Science important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Great Barrier Reef Citizen Science support
Applicants must:
- Have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Be one of the following:
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- Incorporated Australian entity.
- Not-for-profit organisation.
- Publicly funded research organisation.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation.
- Queensland Government agency or local government body.
Ineligible applicants include individuals, unincorporated associations, and organisations not meeting compliance requirements under the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012.
Great Barrier Reef Citizen Science assessment criteria
Criterion 1: Alignment with Program Objectives (50 points)
- Contribution to Reef Trust Outcomes and Reef 2050 Plan.
- Strengthening partnerships and stewardship within reef communities.
- Use of reliable data to inform reef management decisions.
- Commitment to open-access data sharing.
Criterion 2: Capacity to Deliver the Project (50 points)
- Proven track record in managing similar projects.
- Skilled personnel with expertise in research, project management, and technical areas.
- Risk management strategies and readiness to commence the project.
- Monitoring and evaluation of community engagement, including measurable success indicators.
Applicants must achieve at least 50% in each criterion to be considered for funding.
How do I get the Great Barrier Reef Citizen Science support?
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 Great Barrier Reef Citizen Science application
Applicants must prepare the following:
- Project Plan: Include objectives, milestones, and a timeline.
- Budget: Provide a detailed breakdown of costs.
- Risk Mitigation Plan: Address potential challenges and solutions.
- Letters of Support: Include details of partnerships and their roles in the project.
See the guidelines for more details of information requirements.
Applying for the Great Barrier Reef Citizen Science
To apply, visit business.gov.au/gbrcs and complete the online application form.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Great Barrier Reef Citizen Science resources
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