It’s on! Grassroots Grants open for clever community environmental projects

Grassroots Grants support locally led projects that deliver real, on‑ground outcomes to sustainably manage our region’s precious natural resources. Whether your idea is big or small, practical or innovative, the program helps local people turn ideas into action.

The one‑year projects must contribute to one or more of the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board’s regional priorities, helping care for land, water and nature.

Expressions of interest open 30 March and close 10 April for this year’s round, and prospective applicants are encouraged to go to the website to check if their idea aligns with the region’s priorities and if they are eligible, then shape up their project idea, and take the chance to talk their idea through with one of the team at the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board to ensure their expression of interest is as strong as possible.

Landscape levy at work: supercharging local on-ground action

This is a great example of South Australia’s landscape levy at work, backing local knowledge and action.

Last year alone, almost $195,000 was awarded to volunteers, schools, community groups, First Nations organisations, councils and landholder groups across the region. These projects strengthened local skills, stewardship and connections to Country.

For 2026–27, up to $200,000 is available through the Northern and Yorke Grassroots Grants program.

Expressions of Interest close in 2 weeks: 10 April

To make applying easier, this year’s round features a simple process, starting with a short Expression of Interest which opens 30 March and closes 10 April at 5pm. Successful EOIs will be invited to submit a full application, with grants awarded for one-year projects and announcements expected in July.

Team Leader and Project Manager Kate Pearce from the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board says the EOI stage is designed to support applicants early.

“The two-week Expression of Interest is a great way to test your idea and get support early, before committing to a full application,” says Team Leader Kate Pearce.

“This is where some of our most inspiring environmental projects begin – with locals who know their patch and want to look after it.

“If you’ve got a clever idea that brings people together and delivers real environmental benefits, we want to hear from you.

“These grants prove that big environmental outcomes can grow from grassroots action.”

Here are the key dates (extensions are not available)

• 10 April 2026:Expressions of interest close
• 21 April 2026: Eligible projects advised they can progress to the application stage
• 15 May 2026: Full applications close
• 30 June 2026: Successful applicants advised

To find out if your project is eligible and to apply go to: 
👉 landscape.sa.gov.au/ny/get-involved/grants-and-funding/grassroots-grants 

Grassroots Grants are delivered by the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board and are a great example of South Australia’s landscape levy at work, supporting local knowledge and community‑led action empowering communities to care for their environment. 

Image credit: Community action delivering real benefits for the region and local wildlife, species and landscapes. Pictured are Ingrid Wilson, Possum Coordinator, Penny Devlin, and Rose Brooks, Operations Manager, Barossa Wildlife Rescue. Photo courtesy of the Barossa Council