Deadline: 27-Mar-2026
The Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grant Program 2026 provides funding of up to $5,000 per project to support initiatives that engage young people in protecting biodiversity in Victoria, Australia. The program supports environmental education and hands-on conservation projects that help young participants learn about and improve habitats for native plants and animals.
Overview
The Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grant Program supports projects that encourage young people to understand, protect, and enhance biodiversity and natural ecosystems across Victoria.
The initiative aligns with the Victorian Government’s environmental strategy, Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037, which aims to halt the decline of native plants and animals while improving the health of the state’s natural landscapes.
The 2026 grant round has a total allocation of up to $450,000, with individual projects eligible to receive up to $5,000 (excluding GST).
By funding youth-focused environmental initiatives, the program helps build the next generation of environmental stewards, conservation advocates, and community leaders.
Key Focus Areas
Projects must fall under one of two main focus areas related to biodiversity education and conservation.
Biodiversity-Focused Education Activities
These activities aim to help young people learn about biodiversity and environmental conservation through educational experiences.
Examples include:
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Environmental incursions or workshops led by scientists, Landcare facilitators, or environmental educators
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Excursions to natural areas where students can observe ecosystems and biodiversity
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Educational sessions focused on native plants, wildlife, and habitat conservation
These activities help participants develop knowledge, awareness, and appreciation for local ecosystems.
Biodiversity-Focused On-Ground Projects
These projects involve hands-on conservation work that directly improves biodiversity outcomes.
Examples include:
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Planting indigenous vegetation to create habitats for native wildlife
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Removing invasive weeds that threaten ecosystems
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Restoring vegetation in local reserves or natural areas
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Collaborating with Landcare groups to rehabilitate degraded environments
These projects encourage young participants to actively contribute to environmental protection and habitat restoration.
Why This Grant Matters
Biodiversity in Victoria faces increasing pressure from habitat loss, invasive species, climate change, and environmental degradation.
Engaging young people in conservation activities helps to:
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Build environmental awareness and knowledge
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Encourage youth participation in environmental stewardship
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Improve local biodiversity and ecosystem health
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Strengthen partnerships between schools, community groups, and environmental organizations
Through education and hands-on activities, the program supports long-term community engagement in biodiversity conservation.
Funding Amount
The grant provides financial support for eligible biodiversity projects.
Key funding details include:
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Maximum grant per project: $5,000 (excluding GST)
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Total funding available in 2026: Up to $450,000
Funding can be used for activities that directly support biodiversity education or habitat improvement projects involving young people.
Examples of Eligible Activities
Projects supported under this grant may include:
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Biodiversity learning workshops and environmental excursions
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Planting native vegetation and habitat restoration
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Removing invasive weeds
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Developing wildlife habitats
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Partnering with Landcare or environmental groups for conservation activities
All activities must clearly contribute to biodiversity outcomes.
Ineligible Activities
Certain activities are not eligible for funding under the program.
Examples include:
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Edible or food garden projects
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General sustainability projects not directly linked to biodiversity
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Feeding wildlife
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Planting non-indigenous species
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Construction of recreational infrastructure
Projects must demonstrate a direct connection to biodiversity protection or habitat improvement.
Who is Eligible?
The program is designed for organizations that work with young people and environmental education.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants may include:
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Primary schools
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Secondary schools
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Special schools
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Scouts and Girl Guides groups
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Youth groups
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Junior Landcare groups
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Youth environmental volunteer groups
Cross-Border Eligibility
Schools located outside Victoria may apply if they have Victorian students participating in the project.
Youth Participation Requirement
Projects must involve young people, preferably under the age of 18, as active participants.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet several administrative requirements.
Organizations must have:
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An Australian Business Number (ABN)
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A bank account in the organization’s name
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Public liability insurance of at least $10 million
These requirements ensure that funded organizations can safely and effectively manage project activities.
How to Apply
Organizations interested in funding must submit an application outlining their proposed biodiversity project.
Step-by-Step Application Process
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Review the Grant Guidelines
Ensure your project aligns with the biodiversity focus areas and eligibility requirements. -
Develop a Project Plan
Clearly describe how the project will engage young people and improve biodiversity outcomes. -
Prepare Supporting Information
Include details about:-
Project objectives
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Planned activities
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Environmental outcomes
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Youth participation
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Submit the Application
Complete and submit the application through the official grant application platform. -
Evaluation and Selection
Applications are assessed based on environmental impact, educational value, and youth engagement.
Tips for a Successful Application
Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:
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Demonstrating clear biodiversity outcomes
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Showing meaningful youth participation and learning opportunities
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Partnering with local environmental groups or Landcare organizations
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Providing a realistic budget and timeline
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Explaining the long-term benefits for local ecosystems
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common issues when applying:
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Proposing projects not directly related to biodiversity
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Including non-native plant species in planting plans
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Submitting proposals without clear youth engagement
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Overlooking required administrative documentation
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Planning activities that fall under ineligible categories
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grant Program?
It is a funding program that supports projects engaging young people in biodiversity conservation and environmental education in Victoria.
2. How much funding can applicants receive?
Projects can receive up to $5,000 per project (excluding GST).
3. What types of projects are eligible?
Eligible projects include biodiversity education activities, habitat restoration projects, native planting, and weed removal initiatives.
4. Who can apply for the grant?
Eligible applicants include schools, Scouts and Girl Guides groups, youth organizations, Junior Landcare groups, and youth environmental volunteer groups in Victoria.
5. Do projects need to involve young people?
Yes. Projects must actively involve young participants, preferably under 18 years of age.
6. What activities are not eligible?
Ineligible activities include edible gardens, wildlife feeding, planting non-native species, and recreational infrastructure projects.
7. How much funding is available in total?
The Victorian Government has allocated up to $450,000 for the 2026 grant round.
Conclusion
The Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grant Program 2026 provides an important opportunity for schools and youth organizations to engage young people in hands-on environmental conservation and biodiversity education.
For more information, visit Junior Landcare.