The Environmental Sustainability Grants support minor capital works and the initiation, development and delivery of projects that enhance our natural environment and drive environmental sustainability actions across the Geelong region.

Projects and minor environmental capital works can be applied for, designed to deliver on the goals of the City's Environment Strategy 2020-30 to:

• Become a zero-emission, climate-ready city
• Create greener community spaces
• Protect, enhance and restore our region's biodiversity
• Achieve better integrated water management through planning and design.

Here are some examples of minor capital works or projects the council may fund. Other project ideas may also be eligible. If you're unsure, please contact the council for advice.

• Minor capital works
  • Solar installations
  • Water tanks
  • High-efficiency water irrigation
• Projects
  • Re-vegetation program with indigenous (locally native) plants
  • Pest plant and/or animal control measures
  • Works designed to support healthy waterways
  • Projects that will green urban spaces, support sustainable food production, connect people to nature or reduce urban heat
  • Community events that engage on environmental or sustainability themes
  • Development of educational or capacity building materials and resources
  • Development of a strategic or business plan, or land management plans for a community group
  • Initiatives that build capacity and promote best practice in managing the natural environment or promoting environmental sustainability - for example, workshops, networking events, training, skill development
• Expenses
  • Contractors engaged to deliver a project
  • Materials and equipment
  • Project specific insurance only
  • Staff wages (where they relate to additional work required to deliver the project. Applicants must explain the role and why this work cannot be delivered within existing resources)
  • Venue hire, (including City of Greater Geelong venues)

To apply for this grant, you must be one of the following:

• incorporated not-for-profit organisation
• unincorporated group with an auspice
• registered charitable organisation
• school or learning institution (only for non-curriculum-based activities that primarily benefit the wider community).

• Phone: 5272 5560
• Email: communitygrants@geelongcity.vic.gov.au