New grassroots funding to support local communities

Applications are now open for volunteers and local community organisations to access funding opportunities through the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board’s new $170,770 Grassroots Grants program.

$2 million in funding will be provided across the state through the program, which will support volunteers, community groups, not-for-profit organisations and collectives to undertake local projects.

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the program ensures there are more funding opportunities for communities dedicated to working in our landscape regions.

“Local community groups, not-for-profit organisations and volunteers are now able to apply for funding from their regional landscape board to help them sustainably manage their local landscapes,” Minister Speirs said.

“The Grassroots Grants program will support the local community to play a significant role in managing our natural resources, including carrying out on-ground works.

“In the metropolitan areas, people will be able to apply for funding in early August 2020, when Green Adelaide launches its metropolitan Grassroots Grants program.

“Successful funding will help local communities to be directly responsible for managing their region’s natural resources.

“Funding could be used to kick start a new project or build upon an existing one for activities such as weed treatment, pest or disease management.”

Northern and Yorke Landscape Board Chair Caroline Schaefer said the grants put the community in the box seat to make a difference to the environment in their backyard.

“These grants are another step towards the new Board working with the community towards our collaborative priorities,” said Ms Schaefer.

The Landscape South Australia Act 2019 replaced the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 on 1 July 2020, providing an exciting new framework to manage the state’s soil, water, pest plants and animals, and biodiversity.

Eight regional landscape boards support local communities to be directly responsible for managing their region’s landscape.

They work alongside another new entity, Green Adelaide, which is an innovative and expert-based organisation charged with transforming Adelaide into a world-leading, sustainable, green and climate-resilient city.

Applications close 24 August 2020. For more information on how to apply visit our Grants and Funding webpage.