The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife invites grant applications for conservation projects. The purpose of our Conservation Project Grants is to assist the public caretakers of Australia’s reserve system in the protection of our native species, habitats, landscapes and cultural heritage.
Grants are available for both field projects and education programs that have a direct outcome for nature conservation in Australia. All proposals are evaluated by the Foundation's Projects Committee based on funding priorities, funds available and quality and quantity of projects submitted.
The Foundation may support approved projects through untied funds that belong to the Foundation, or it may choose to run a targeted public appeal or it may seek third party sponsorship for the project.
The Conservation Project Grants aim to fund urgent and high priority projects.
Grant amounts vary greatly, however most range from AUD $5,000 to $20,000.
The Foundation's first funding round for 2012 has closed.
The next funding round is scheduled for August 2012.
Please check the website for the next call for project applications.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The Foundation considers applications for Conservation Project Grants from any organisation which is pursuing conservation objectives carried out by, or in close cooperation with, a State or Commonwealth Government Agency.
Project proposals must be approved by such agency and contribute to the overall conservation objectives and strategies of the agency.
Projects proposals must demonstrate the project's significance and benefit to the natural and cultural heritage of Australia.
When Can You Apply?
In 2012, there will be two grant application rounds with the current round just closed. This is different to previous years, where there have been several smaller rounds of project grant application assessments.
The Foundation is reviewing its grant application processes with the aim to provide better service and more consistent grant funding rounds.
Another grant funding round may occur in August-September this year, depending on available funds.
Evaluation Criteria
Preference will be given to those projects which;
- Improve the quality of our environment
- Have the ability to create opportunities for community involvement and participation
- Have the ability to create awareness in the community through media, education, promotion, displays, information etcAre sustainable ie; involve no net loss in the maintenance of the ecological processes on which life depends and the continued availability of natural resources
- Conserve Australia's flora, fauna, culture, society and built environment and their diversity
- Provide equity of access to our national parks and wildlife, especially in relation to those areas of past disadvantage
Whilst Projects Committee and Foundation's Board of Directors seek to maintain a balance in the support of proposals across all these preferred areas, priority may be given to certain areas at the Projects Committee and Board's discretion.
Selection process
Conservation Project Grant applications are assessed quarterly by the Foundation's Projects Committee.
The application process is as follows.d
- You download and fill in an application form, and compile all supporting documents before sending your application to the Foundation. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
- Your grant application is received by the Project Manager (typically our CEO or Marketing Manager, Ms Susanna Bradshaw) at the Foundation
- The project is entered onto the Foundation's project register and evaluation is commenced
- The Project Manager checks your application to ensure it is completed satisfactorily and accompanied by the necessary authorisations. You may be asked to submit additional information.
- The Projects Committee meets quarterly to evaluate all proposals received against agreed criterion.
- The Project Committee notifies the Board of the evaluation results of all projects.
- The Project Manager notifies applicants of the success of their application. Note: Not all approved projects will be funded as the Foundation may not be able to secure a sponsor or may not be able to allocate sufficient free funds. If your project falls into this category, the Projects Committee may choose to keep your project on file for possible funding in the future. You will be notified of the status of your project after evaluation.
How to apply
You should apply in writing using the application form on this web-site.
If your project will be managed by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, please use the OEH Application form.
If your project will not be managed by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, please use the Fund Application form.
Tip: Keep your proposal brief - no more than 2 pages of single spaced typed text. Additional copies are not required. Please do not include any original documents, videos, works of art or models with the proposal. Where relevant, digital images, reports or other supporting material may be included.
Your proposal should
- Identify specific objectives or problems,
- Present innovative plans & solutions for addressing them,
- Be based on an achievable budget and timetable,
- Be sustainable i.e. provide ongoing benefits rather than one-off events, and not require ongoing support for lengthy periods,
- Provide benefits to community e.g. environmental, cultural,
- Detail any community input into the development of the project,
- Identify any other parties who have been approached for funding,
- Provide demonstrable expertise and experience in project management & implementation,
- Demonstrate sound financial management and administrative efficiency.
Download application forms here:
For projects not managed by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, please use this form:
Download PDF Fund Application Form
OR
Download Word version Fund Application Form
For projects managed by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage only please use this form:
Reporting
Progress reports are required at 6 month and 12 month intervals and at the completion of the project unless otherwise agreed by the Project Committee. The success of the project will be evaluated by the final project report and assessment by the Project Committee.
