Community Climate Change Action Grants
Grants are now available for community projects that improve information and knowledge about climate change, reduce emissions and build resilience.
Grants of between $2,000 and $20,000 are available for Tasmanian-based projects that:
- improve information and knowledge about climate change
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the transition to a low-emissions economy
- build resilience in our communities and local environment to the impacts of a changing climate.
There is a total of $350,000 available.
Grant applications close at 2:00 pm on 27 September 2024.
For more information, please contact the Climate Change Office by email climatechange@recfit.tas.gov.au or phone 03 6166 4466.
The following organisations with an existing or ongoing presence in Tasmania can apply:
- not-for-profit organisations
- Australian charities
- incorporated associations
- local government authorities
- recognised natural resource management bodies
- recognised industry peak bodies or organisations
- research institutions
- tertiary education institutions
Joint applications are also welcome. You cannot apply for the grant as an individual, but you can partner with an eligible organisation to deliver a project.
This program aims to support a wide range of community climate change-related initiatives, including projects of varying scales across a range of locations. Unique and creative projects are welcomed, including small-scale projects that address the objectives of this program at a local level.
Example projects:
- community gardens cultivating shared produce
- community clean-up events
- citizen science monitoring programs
- community education programs and workshops
- restoration of local native ecosystems
- projects to empower children and young people to respond to climate change
- projects to improve the resilience of vulnerable community assets
- energy efficiency initiatives
- upcycling, re-use and re-purpose projects
- community-focused active transport
- purchase, installation or upgrades of renewable energy systems in community facilities.
Please read the guidelines before you apply.
Apply now through the SmartyGrants website
SmartyGrants is a Grant Management system. Make sure you have the information you need to apply, including the required documents, and click on 'Apply now' to submit your application.
Can I apply for a grant for a project that has already started?
No. This grant program will not fund projects that have already started, projects that are already complete or those that have been publicly announced.
When can I start my project and when does it need to be completed?
Projects must start before 30 April 2025 and they must be completed by 31 December 2026.
Do I need to provide quotes?
As part of your application, you will need to include an itemised project budget that accounts for all expenses of the project and how it will be delivered. The budget should also include estimates or quotes for commercially contracted services where applicable.
Can we submit extra supporting documents, maps, and photos?
Yes, please attach any supporting documents that may support or be required to assess your application.
Am I required to report on the progress of my project to the department?
Yes - if you are successful you will be required to report to us on the status of your project every six months, as detailed in the funding agreement.
You must also provide an acquittal when your project is complete. An acquittal is a statement that confirms the grant was completed as per the funding agreement.
You are responsible for ensuring that you have appropriate insurance for the project.
The grant will not fund insurance for an organisation or project. Insurance cannot be included in the project budget.
Your application must demonstrate that your organisation is an eligible applicant and that your project is eligible. We will then competitively assess each application using the evidence you provide against the following criteria:
- Alignment with the program objectives (40%) – the project delivers on one or more of the program objectives, has a clear community benefit, is well thought-out and its outcomes are realistic and achievable.
- Capacity and capability (30%) – the applicant and any project partners have the capability and capacity to plan, manage, and successfully deliver the proposed project, and acquire grant funds in line with the agreed terms.
- Community benefits (20%) – the project can deliver benefits to the community.
- Broader benefits for Tasmania (10%) - the project aligns with other existing or planned programs and projects in the community or includes elements with a broader benefit to Tasmania.
See the guidelines for further details.
No. As this grant program will be competitively assessed based on the assessment criteria, we cannot guarantee that all applicants will receive funding.
The assessment panel will assess all eligible applications against the assessment criteria. Successful applicants will be selected on the basis of:
- how well applicants have demonstrated that their project meets the assessment criteria
- the availability of funds
- ensuring a range of different projects receive funding.
If your application is successful, we will ask for your organisation’s bank account details to process grant payments.
The assessment panel will assess applications shortly after the closing of the application process and we aim to notify all applicants of the outcome of their application by 8 November 2024.
If your application is successful, you will be required to enter a funding agreement with the Department of State Growth to receive a grant.
The form and terms and conditions of the agreement will be determined by the department and, together with the application form and the program guidelines, will form the funding agreement.
The agreement will specify any reporting requirements and conditions for acknowledging this grant program as a funding source.
You will not receive payment until the funding agreement is completed.
No, GST is excluded from the grant payment you will receive if you are successful.
Yes, your organisation can lodge multiple applications for different projects for this grant program. You will need to submit separate applications for each proposed project.
Please note that separate proposals will be competing against each other for funding.
Yes – you can submit an application for a proposed project as a lead organisation and be a partner on another separate project.
Your organisation can also submit a stand-alone (a non-partnering) application for a different project.
While we assess applications, we may ask you for more information to support or clarify your application.
You must provide this information within three working days unless we give you a different date. If you don’t provide the extra information by the required date your application may be unsuccessful.
Yes, you can appeal the decision.
All requests must be in writing and should be addressed to the Director of the Climate Change Office.
Your request must be received within 28 days from the date of the Department of State Growth notifying you of the decision about your application.