Submit Applications for Clean Economy Grants (Australia)

The City of Greater Geelong’s Clean Economy Grants provide funding to help organisations develop innovative clean economy solutions that reduce environmental impacts and accelerate the transition to a circular, low-carbon economy. Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to $25,000 to establish proof-of-concept projects focused on waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable manufacturing, renewable resources, water conservation, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

Overview

The Clean Economy Grants support businesses, not-for-profit organisations, research institutions, and other eligible applicants in developing innovative projects that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable economy across the Greater Geelong region.

The program encourages proof-of-concept projects that demonstrate practical clean economy solutions capable of reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, lowering emissions, and supporting long-term environmental sustainability. The grants also align with Greater Geelong’s commitment to climate action, circular economy principles, and sustainable economic development.

Purpose

The Clean Economy Grants aim to:

• Support the development of innovative clean economy solutions.
• Encourage circular economy practices across industries.
• Reduce waste generated by businesses and manufacturing operations.
• Promote renewable and sustainable resource use.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support net zero goals.
• Improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.
• Encourage sustainable water management and conservation.
• Support environmentally sustainable agriculture and land management.
• Foster innovation that benefits both the environment and the Greater Geelong community.

Focus Areas

Projects should address one or more of the following areas:

• Circular economy technologies.
• Waste reduction and resource recovery.
• Food waste reduction.
• Manufacturing waste recycling.
• Electronic waste (e-waste) management.
• Sustainable packaging solutions.
• Energy efficiency and energy cost reduction.
• Greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
• Net zero initiatives.
• Water conservation and water reuse.
• Sustainable agriculture and soil remediation.
• Soil ecology improvement.
• Sustainable construction materials.
• Low embodied energy building products.
• Renewable and recycled material innovation.

Funding Information

• Maximum grant per project: Up to $25,000
• Total funding pool: $50,000
• Funding is awarded through a competitive assessment process.
• Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.
• Projects must not commence before applicants receive funding approval and sign the funding agreement.
• Approved projects must be completed within 12 months of signing the agreement.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be based in Greater Geelong.
• Intend to work with suppliers located in Greater Geelong wherever possible.
• Deliver projects that benefit the local clean economy.

Eligible organisations include:

• Incorporated not-for-profit organisations.
• Registered charitable organisations.
• Higher education institutions.
• Businesses.
• Sole traders with an active Australian Business Number (ABN).

How the Programme Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Review the Grant Guidelines

Read the funding objectives, eligibility requirements, and assessment criteria carefully.

Step 2: Develop a Clean Economy Project

Design a proof-of-concept project that addresses one or more of the program’s clean economy priorities.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Prepare:

• Project description.
• Environmental benefits.
• Project timeline.
• Budget.
• Evidence of organisational eligibility.
• Details of local suppliers where applicable.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Complete the application before the closing date and provide all required supporting documentation.

Step 5: Assessment Process

Applications are assessed based on:

• Innovation.
• Environmental impact.
• Feasibility.
• Community benefit.
• Alignment with clean economy objectives.
• Value for money.

Step 6: Funding Agreement

Successful applicants must sign a funding agreement before starting any project activities.

Step 7: Project Delivery

Implement the approved project and complete all funded activities within 12 months of signing the agreement.

Why It Matters

The Clean Economy Grants help organisations develop practical solutions that support environmental sustainability while strengthening the regional economy.

The program contributes to:

• Reduced waste generation.
• Increased recycling and resource recovery.
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• Improved energy efficiency.
• Sustainable agriculture.
• Water conservation.
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Circular economy innovation.
• Local business growth and green job creation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting the project before receiving funding approval.
• Submitting projects that do not align with clean economy priorities.
• Providing insufficient evidence of environmental benefits.
• Preparing unrealistic budgets or timelines.
• Failing to demonstrate innovation or proof-of-concept value.
• Omitting required supporting documentation.
• Not confirming eligibility before applying.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the environmental problem your project addresses.
• Demonstrate measurable environmental outcomes.
• Highlight innovation and scalability.
• Include realistic budgets and timelines.
• Show how the project supports circular economy principles.
• Explain local community and economic benefits.
• Ensure all required documents are complete before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of the Clean Economy Grants?

The grants support proof-of-concept projects that develop innovative clean economy solutions to reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainable business practices in Greater Geelong.

2. How much funding is available?

Applicants can request up to $25,000, with a total funding pool of $50,000 available for the grant round.

3. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include incorporated not-for-profit organisations, registered charities, higher education institutions, businesses, and sole traders with an active ABN that are based in Greater Geelong.

4. What types of projects are supported?

Projects focusing on waste reduction, circular economy technologies, renewable resources, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and sustainable building materials are eligible.

5. Can projects begin before approval?

No. Projects must not commence until applicants have received funding approval and signed the funding agreement.

6. How long do funded projects have to be completed?

Approved projects must be completed within 12 months of signing the funding agreement.

7. How are applications assessed?

Applications are assessed competitively based on innovation, environmental impact, project feasibility, alignment with grant objectives, community benefit, and overall value for money.

Conclusion

The City of Greater Geelong’s Clean Economy Grants provide valuable funding to help organisations develop innovative environmental solutions that advance the circular economy and support climate action. By investing in projects that reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, lower emissions, and promote sustainable technologies, the program contributes to a cleaner, more resilient, and environmentally sustainable future for the Greater Geelong community.