Groundswell Giving is offering US$40,000 grants to support Australian not-for-profit organisations driving climate advocacy. Funding is available for both project-specific initiatives and core unrestricted support aligned with strategic priorities, including community organising, narrative change, climate finance campaigns, and political advocacy. Eligible organisations must be based in the Australia–Pacific region, meet revenue thresholds, and hold or partner with a DGR1-accredited entity.
Overview
The Groundswell Giving Grant Programme provides financial support to not-for-profit organisations in Australia committed to advancing climate advocacy.
The programme aims to strengthen the climate movement by funding initiatives that:
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Build community-led organizing for a strong, diverse climate movement
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Change public narratives to inspire climate action
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Shift capital away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy
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Influence political leadership and ambitious climate policy
Funding Details
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Grant Amount: US$40,000 per successful applicant
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Funding Types: Project-specific or core unrestricted funding
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Number of Grants: Depends on total funds raised by the Groundswell community
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Eligible Focus Areas: Community organising, communications/narratives, finance campaigns, and political advocacy
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must:
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Be a not-for-profit organisation in the Australia–Pacific region
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Have annual revenue under $1 million, or
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Have revenue between $1 million and $5 million if proposing an unfunded pilot or new initiative
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Hold DGR1 status or partner with a DGR1-accredited organisation
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Align proposed work with strategic climate advocacy priorities
Strategic Focus Areas
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Building the Movement
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Support community-led organising
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Grow a strong, diverse climate movement
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Engage local communities in sustainable climate actions
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Changing the Story
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Develop narratives and communications that inspire climate action
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Shift public opinion toward sustainable and climate-conscious choices
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Shifting the Money
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Campaigns that redirect capital from fossil fuels to renewable energy
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Promote financial solutions that align with climate goals
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Changing the Politics
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Advocacy for ambitious climate policy
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Influence political leadership and decision-making processes
How to Apply
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Prepare Your Proposal
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Identify whether you are requesting project-specific or core funding
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Align your project with one or more of the strategic focus areas
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Confirm Eligibility
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Ensure organisation meets revenue criteria
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Verify DGR1 status or partnership eligibility
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Confirm location in Australia–Pacific region
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Submit Application
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Complete the application process according to Groundswell Giving guidelines
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Include project description, objectives, budget, and expected outcomes
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Assessment Process
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Groundswell evaluates applications based on alignment with strategic climate advocacy priorities and potential impact
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Funding awarded depends on community-raised resources
Expected Outcomes
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Strengthened community-led climate advocacy networks
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Increased public awareness and engagement on climate issues
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Mobilization of financial and political resources for climate solutions
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Generation of measurable social, environmental, and policy impacts
Common Tips for Applicants
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Clearly demonstrate how the project advances climate advocacy priorities
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Ensure measurable outcomes for community engagement, narratives, finance, or policy change
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Highlight innovation or pilot initiatives if requesting core funding for organisations with higher revenue
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Provide evidence of partnerships or collaborations, especially for DGR1 compliance
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Focus on impact-driven and scalable activities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible to apply?
Not-for-profit organisations based in the Australia–Pacific region with DGR1 status or in partnership with a DGR1-accredited entity.
2. What is the grant amount?
US$40,000 per successful applicant.
3. Can organisations with higher revenue apply?
Yes, organisations with $1–5 million annual revenue may apply for unfunded pilots or new initiatives.
4. What types of funding are available?
Both project-specific and core unrestricted funding.
5. What strategic areas does the grant support?
Community organising, narrative and communications, climate finance campaigns, and political advocacy.
6. How many grants will be awarded?
The number depends on total funds raised by the Groundswell community.
7. Can this funding support operational costs?
Yes, core unrestricted funding may support activities not covered elsewhere, provided they align with climate advocacy priorities.
Conclusion
The Groundswell Giving Climate Advocacy Grant empowers Australian not-for-profits to drive measurable climate action through strategic advocacy, community engagement, and innovative initiatives.
By funding projects that build the movement, shift narratives, redirect capital, and influence policy, the programme strengthens local and regional efforts toward a sustainable and low-carbon future.
For more information, visit Groundswell.
