Deadline: 11-Aug-2026
The 2026 Community Grants Program supports Australian not-for-profit projects that protect, manage, and improve understanding of eucalypt species, populations, and ecosystems. The programme funds conservation, research, recovery, and community-based initiatives aligned with the theme “Eucalypt Biodiversity – discovery, conservation, management and recovery.”
Eligible projects can receive $5,000 for activities delivered between 1 January 2027 and 31 December 2027 that contribute to eucalypt conservation and sustainable management.
Overview of the 2026 Community Grants Program
The 2026 Community Grants Program provides funding for projects that strengthen knowledge, protection, and management of eucalypts across Australia.
The programme supports initiatives focused on:
- Eucalypt biodiversity
- Species conservation
- Ecosystem protection
- Environmental resilience
- Conservation partnerships
- Community capacity building
The grant encourages practical projects that create long-term benefits for eucalypt ecosystems.
Purpose of the Grant Programme
The programme aims to:
- Improve understanding of eucalypt biodiversity
- Support conservation of threatened species and habitats
- Strengthen ecosystem resilience
- Encourage community involvement in conservation
- Build skills and capacity for long-term environmental management
Projects should contribute to better protection and recovery of eucalypt species and landscapes.
Priority Theme: Eucalypt Biodiversity
The main funding theme is:
Eucalypt Biodiversity – Discovery, Conservation, Management and Recovery
Projects should align with one or more priority areas.
Discovery and Conservation
This area supports projects that improve knowledge about eucalypts.
Projects may focus on:
- Genetic diversity of eucalypt species
- Population studies
- Biodiversity research
- Conservation planning information
The goal is to generate knowledge that supports effective biodiversity conservation.
Discovery and Recovery
This priority area focuses on environmental challenges affecting eucalypts.
Projects may address:
- Environmental stress
- Eucalypt dieback
- Ecosystem changes
- Species resilience
- Recovery planning
Research should help improve understanding of threats and support conservation responses.
Management and Capacity Building
Projects may strengthen conservation practice through:
- Training
- Skills development
- Community capacity building
- Conservation tools
- Planning resources
This area supports people and organizations involved in protecting eucalypt ecosystems.
Management and Recovery Partnerships
Projects may support practical conservation actions such as:
- Landscape-scale conservation
- Habitat restoration
- Species recovery activities
- Community partnerships
- Indigenous-led conservation initiatives
The programme encourages collaboration between communities, conservation groups, and land managers.
Additional Focus Areas
The grant supports work connected to eucalypts including:
Funding Details
The grant provides:
- Grant amount: $5,000
- Eligible project period: 1 January 2027 – 31 December 2027
Projects should demonstrate clear outcomes and effective use of funds.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Australian not-for-profit organizations
- Community groups
- Conservation organizations
- Environmental initiatives
Applicants must:
- Be an Australian legal entity
- Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Have a bank account
Organizations without these requirements may apply through an approved auspice organization with an ABN and bank account.
Project Eligibility Requirements
Projects must:
- Be located in Australia
- Operate on a not-for-profit basis
- Align with the objectives of the Trust
- Support eucalypt conservation priorities
Strong projects should demonstrate:
- Clear conservation value
- Practical outcomes
- Community benefit
- Cost-effective delivery
How the Grant Works
Step 1: Identify a Conservation Challenge
Applicants should explain:
- The eucalypt-related issue
- Why action is needed
- The affected species or ecosystem
Examples include:
- Habitat decline
- Biodiversity loss
- Species vulnerability
- Environmental pressures
Step 2: Develop a Project Plan
The proposal should include:
- Project objectives
- Activities
- Timeline
- Expected outcomes
- Budget
Step 3: Deliver the Project
Activities may include:
- Field conservation
- Research activities
- Training
- Community engagement
- Conservation planning
Step 4: Measure Results
Projects should show:
- What was achieved
- How biodiversity was improved
- Benefits for eucalypt ecosystems
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
Alignment With Funding Priorities
Projects should clearly connect with:
- Eucalypt biodiversity
- Conservation
- Recovery
- Management
Cost Effectiveness
Assessors will consider:
- Value for money
- Practical delivery
- Efficient use of funds
Budget Justification
Applicants must explain:
- Why costs are needed
- How funds support project outcomes
Contributions and Partnerships
Applications may be strengthened by:
- Cash contributions
- In-kind support
- Community partnerships
Applicant Capability
Assessment may consider:
- Project experience
- Conservation expertise
- Ability to deliver results
Eligible Use of Funds
Funding may support necessary project activities, including:
- Conservation work
- Research activities
- Essential travel
- Required equipment
Expenses must be directly linked to the project.
Ineligible Expenses
Grant funds cannot support:
- Conference attendance
- Scientific journal publication fees
- Unnecessary travel
- Non-essential equipment
- Unjustified budget items
Travel and equipment costs must be essential and clearly explained.
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to achieve:
Improved Biodiversity Knowledge
- Better understanding of eucalypt species
- Improved conservation information
- Stronger scientific evidence
Better Conservation Outcomes
- Habitat protection
- Species recovery
- Ecosystem improvement
Stronger Community Capacity
- Increased conservation skills
- More effective local action
- Greater environmental awareness
Sustainable Management
- Improved planning
- Stronger partnerships
- Long-term ecosystem protection
Why This Grant Matters
Eucalypts are important components of Australian ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, wildlife habitats, and cultural values.
Supporting conservation projects helps communities:
- Protect native ecosystems
- Understand environmental changes
- Restore habitats
- Build resilience against future threats
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Proposing projects unrelated to eucalypt conservation
- Creating unclear budgets
- Requesting unsupported expenses
- Failing to explain conservation outcomes
- Including unnecessary equipment or travel costs
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Clearly connect activities to eucalypt biodiversity
- Explain expected environmental benefits
- Provide realistic budgets
- Highlight partnerships
- Include measurable outcomes
- Show long-term conservation value
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the 2026 Community Grants Program?
It is a funding programme supporting Australian projects that protect and improve understanding of eucalypt species, populations, and ecosystems.
How much funding is available?
Eligible projects can receive $5,000.
When must projects take place?
Projects must be completed between 1 January 2027 and 31 December 2027.
Who can apply?
Australian legal entities operating on a not-for-profit basis can apply.
Can organizations without an ABN apply?
Yes, they may apply through an approved auspice organization with an ABN and bank account.
What types of projects are prioritized?
Projects related to eucalypt biodiversity, conservation, recovery, ecosystem management, genetics, resilience, and community conservation are prioritized.
Can grants pay for conferences or publications?
No. Conference attendance and scientific journal publication fees are not supported.
Conclusion
The 2026 Community Grants Program provides an opportunity for Australian communities and organizations to strengthen eucalypt conservation through research, restoration, education, and practical action.
By supporting biodiversity discovery, ecosystem management, and recovery initiatives, the programme helps protect Australia’s unique eucalypt landscapes for future generations.
For more information, visit Eucalypt Australia.
