The Schools Environment Grants Program is part of the Sustainability in Action Program currently run by Council.  This program looks for opportunities to engage schools to participate in environmental initiatives (e.g. Landcare, Clean up Australia Day and Tidy Towns).

The objectives of the Schools Environment Grants program are:

• To integrate environmental improvement and school environmental management projects into the school curriculum and lesson plans.
• To encourage schools to undertake activities which address local environmental issues.
• To assist schools in protecting and enhancing their natural environment.
• To encourage student participation in environmental management within their school

Grants are for a maximum amount of:

• $1000 each for high schools,
• $500 each for primary schools, and
• $200 each for preschools.

Donated materials or voluntary labour should be valued and included as in-kind matching contributions, as well as any cash matching contributions available.

Eligibility

• Grants are offered to Schools for the purpose of meeting the program objectives above.
• Grants are available to all preschools and schools (infants, primary and secondary, public and private) in the Cessnock LGA that have an Australian Business Number.
• Grant applications will be prioritised on the basis of achieving the objectives of the program and priority will be given to schools who did not receive funding the previous year enabling every school equal opportunity to access this funding.
• Final reports on projects that have been previously funded must be submitted to Council at the project’s completion. Schools are ineligible to apply for further grants until reports of previous grants are received and approved by Council. 
• Applications should address any ongoing maintenance and/or expenses associated with the proposed project.
• Projects should be completed within a twelve (12) month period, but longer or staged projects may be considered.
• The grant can only be used for the purpose approved by the Dollar for Dollar Committee.  Any alterations to approved projects are subject to Council’s decision.
• If grants are for structures, relevant Development or Construction consent must be granted prior to Council funding being made available and grants can only be used for purposes approved by Council.
• Applications should be made to Cessnock City Council.  An application form is available from Council’s website or from the Help and Information counter upon request.
• Applications will be considered by Council’s Dollar for Dollar Committee, which will make recommendations to Council.  Funds will be distributed to the successful applicants as recommended. 
• Council’s support for the funded project must be acknowledged whenever formal written and verbal references to the project are made, and on any promotional material regarding the project. 

• Phone: 4993 4342 / 4993 4163