As part of WRL's commitment to early investment, the Local Grants Fund will invest $4 million in locally led projects that strengthen communities and deliver meaningful benefits during the project's development phase.

Funding is available to support projects along the proposed WRL route that strengthen communities, enhance local environments and help prepare for a cleaner energy future.

• Community infrastructure
• Environment
• New energy initiatives
• Community connection and participation
• Emergency services

Grants of up to $50,000 are available for smaller initiatives, with grants up to $300,000 available for larger legacy projects that deliver broad, lasting impact. Applying for or receiving a grant does not indicate support for the WRL project. Applications close on 30 June 2026. Grant applications will be assessed with the support of an Independent Local Grants Review Panel, made up of community representatives from across the project area, who can apply to be part of the Panel.

The WRL Local Grants Fund supports initiatives and activities delivered within the Local Government Areas (LGAs) that are proposed to host or are situated very close to the WRL project.

To be eligible to apply for a grant, applicants must:

• Have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Unincorporated and community groups can apply through an incorporated organisation acting as their auspice. Evidence of the auspicing organisation's agreement to manage the funds will be required. Victorian local government, state and federal government entities can apply as the auspice (and project managers) with the main applicant listed as the community group. This acknowledges that many community facilities are owned by or on council or other government land but managed by a volunteer association who may not be able to receive funds.

And be one of the following types of organisations:

• Incorporated association
• Not-for-profits (Australian public companies limited by guarantee whose governing rules demonstrate a not-for-profit or charitable purpose / registered not-for-profit through the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission)
• Social enterprise
• Industry association or business chamber
• Crown land Committee of Management
• Cooperative, registered in Victoria under the Cooperatives National Law Incorporated Aboriginal entities, including Aboriginal not-for-profit organisations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Traditional Owner groups and land trusts.

• Phone: 1800 975 975
• Email: grants@westernrenewableslink.com.au