Deadline: 18-Aug-2025
The Community Bee Innovation Fund (CBIF) grant program is designed to strengthen Queensland’s bee biosecurity, improve the resilience of bee-related businesses, and protect the environment, economy, industries, and communities from the varroa mite threat.
With a total funding pool of $500,000 (excluding GST), the program supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing varroa mite management and preparing beekeepers and pollination-dependent industries for future risks.
The program seeks to increase awareness of varroa mites among pollination-reliant industries, particularly those not usually covered by extension services. It also aims to help beekeepers integrate varroa mite management into daily operations and foster partnerships that support monitoring and control efforts.
A second objective is to promote the development and use of new varroa mite monitoring and management tools. The goal is to equip beekeepers with better data-driven resources, slow the spread of the pest, and reduce its establishment in new areas.
Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 (excluding GST) and can be used for a range of eligible expenses, including staff wages, travel, accommodation, event costs, equipment (up to $5,000), and contractor or consultant fees. However, funding cannot be used for projects that are primarily equipment purchases, profit-driven ventures, or already funded projects.
To qualify, projects must meet at least one of the program’s objectives and deliver one of its outcomes. They should benefit Queensland beekeepers or industries dependent on European honeybees and be completed by 30 April 2027. Innovation may involve new ideas or reapplying existing solutions in creative ways.
Eligible applicants include Queensland-based not-for-profit organisations, cooperatives, clubs, associations, schools, universities, local governments, partnerships, incorporated trustees, and businesses. Each ABN holder may submit up to three project applications across all funding rounds.
For more information, visit DPI.
