Grants encourage groups to get their teeth into nature
A new ‘bite sized’ funding initiative has been designed to help community, volunteer and school groups to apply for funding for small environmental projects within the Northern and Yorke region.
The ‘bite sized’ grants of between $200-$500 will be rolled out throughout the year, with a simplified application process to help kick-start environmental projects with a natural resource management outcome.
The small grants program is in addition to the annual Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board Community Grants - which are also now open for application – targeting larger-scale projects, with funding of up to $10,000 available to community groups, volunteer groups and schools, and up to $20,000 available to local government.
Northern and Yorke NRM partnerships, evaluation, review and implementation officer John Peet says the two grant options will provide easier access to funding throughout the year.
"We really value the community input and support of NRM in this region and recognise that the community know what needs to be done in their area," he says.
"We’re here to support them with their projects that will help their environment and get a better understanding of natural resource management in this region."
The ‘bite-sized’ grants will be rolled out throughout the year, with applications assessed regularly. Applications unsuccessful in one funding round will be considered in future rounds, with only one bite-sized grant available to groups for the year.
"These grants are aimed at short-term, discrete projects with a NRM focus," Mr Peet says.
"It might be for small projects such as weed control, a school vegetable garden, or training for group members that might pop up during the year.
"The idea is that application forms will be available online and have been simplified to allow small groups to have access to funding."
Applicants for both grants should consider the categories of Farmer First; Cities and Towns; Sustainable Development; New Impact on the Landscape; Soil; Community Voice; Next Generation; Pest and Weeds; and Water.
Mr Peet encourages applicants to have a clear and succinct vision of what the project aims to achieve, why they want to undertake it and how it will be implemented.
Applications for the larger-scale Community Grants close on 13 March 2015.
Applications for the bite-size grants are available online at www.landscape.sa.gov.au/northernandyorke
For more information or assistance with applications, phone 8841 3444.
