Grassroots grants available for KI landholders

Up to $56,000 is available across Kangaroo Island to support one-year projects between $1,000 and $8,000, which address the priorities in the Kangaroo Island Landscape Plan 2021-2026.

Andrew Heinrich, Chair of the KILB, said the Grassroots Grants are available for volunteers, schools, individual landholders, community organisations, First Nations and not-for-profit groups working locally, to benefit the environment and sustainable agriculture through on-ground action and education.

"Grants can be used to kick-start a new project or build on an existing one for activities such as revegetation, protecting native vegetation and watercourses, managing erosion, sustainable agriculture, neighbours working together to control weeds and other pests, supporting First Nations groups, and community education activities," Mr Heinrich said.

"To date, this program has resulted in some fantastic outcomes for the Kangaroo Island environment and our community," Mr Heinrich said.

"We understand this past year has been very dry for many of the previous recipients, which has made completing projects difficult before the season breaks," Mr Heinrich said.

"Our message to landholders and community groups who received funding and are struggling to complete the project is, please get in touch with the Board so that we can offer you an extension to complete your projects," he said.

Zach Trethewey is a 36-year-old farmer based in Newland who runs sheep, certified seed potatoes and a small marron farm.

Mr Trethewey received funding in 2024 through the KILB's Grassroot Grants program for fencing to develop shelter belts on his family's farm.

"We had some fencing materials which we used as an in-kind contribution for the grant," Mr Trethewey said.

"The grant helped us with fencing posts to complete the project, protect remnant vegetation, and improve biodiversity by planting native species native to Kangaroo Island."

Mr Trethewey said the benefits of encouraging biodiversity on his farm go beyond the improvement of soil health and erosion prevention.

"Shelterbelts are critical for stock, particularly during lambing season," Mr Trethewey said,

Mr Trethewey said applying for the Grassroot Grants was straightforward and accessible to improve sustainable farming outcomes.

“I would encourage other farmers to apply for funding to improve environmental outcomes on their properties through the Grassroot Grants program.

"These grants are good because they cater to many different people and community groups" Mr Trethewey said.

Applications for the 2025 Grassroots Grants round closes on 6 May 2025. Projects must be completed by 30 June 2026, unless they contain revegetation activities and then the completion date can be extended until 30 September 2026.

Please read the Funding Guidelines for information about the rate of funding, eligibility, and the application process before applying.

All applications must be submitted online via the SmartyGrants portal.

Need help with your application?

If you need help with the application process or an existing project, please call Bec Mussared or Alex James at (08) 8553 2476.