The program emphasises conservation activities such as protecting and restoring biodiversity, preserving Aboriginal cultural heritage and undertaking European heritage restoration.

The 2026-27 round of Friends of Parks and Nature Grants will open on 23 September 2026 for 6 weeks and offer grants of up to $15,000 per application, with a total funding pool of up to $675,000 available.

These efforts span national parks, reserves and broader landscapes, and align with the objectives of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. The program can also assist groups in the purchase of minor plant/equipment and other materials/services that support a project's conservation outcomes.

This year, grant funding is available for projects that span 18 months.

Examples of project activities that may be funded:

• Pest plant and animal control, protective fencing, revegetation, habitat restoration or maintenance, wildlife monitoring and survey work, coastal systems, inland waterways and wetlands, track maintenance, Aboriginal or European heritage site maintenance/ protection/restoration. Interpretive signage must be approved by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff (or the relevant landowner).
• Conservation project proposals aligned with the protection of natural heritage should focus on those that protect threatened species, conserve native vegetation and address threatening processes including pest plant and feral animal impacts. Project proposals that enhance environmental and species resilience to HPAI (Bird Flu) and the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) are also encouraged.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), safety training or equipment, hand tools, secure storage and monitoring equipment.
• Where member groups apply for fuel reimbursement as part of their project budget, the NPWS Volunteer Fuel Subsidy policy criteria will apply i.e. first 300km travelled is the individual's cost, then the motor vehicle allowance rate of $0.35 cents per kilometre to a maximum of $300.00 per/vehicle per year can be claimed.

To be considered eligible for funding;

• Applicant groups must be a current financial member group registered with Friends of Parks and Nature Inc., and have received endorsement from a Regional Parks & Wildlife Manager (and relevant landholder if undertaken off-park) as part of the application.
• Applicant groups must be incorporated, or otherwise Sponsored by an incorporated organisation such as local government, Landscape Board, Local Action Planning group, FOPN Inc., etc. This sponsor relationship must be supported in writing and attached to the application.
• Applicant groups must not have outstanding grant acquittals more than six months past their grant agreement deadline, unless prior approval has been obtained.
• To meet the requirements of the Department of Treasury and Finance groups must demonstrate an in-kind or co-contribution to their project of at least 50% of the funding amount being sought. This can include volunteer hours, other funds or other in-kind contribution e.g. third party support with freight or cartage costs.
• Project applicants must have obtained all necessary endorsements or approvals from either the relevant National Park region and/or local government and/or private landowner for the proposed project to be undertaken, prior to an application being submitted. If legislative approvals or permits are required to carry out the proposed works these must be attached to the application (e.g. CASA license for drone use).

• Phone: 0439 870 378
• Email: Susan.Taite@sa.gov.au