Apply for Climate Change Partnerships Grant Program (Australia)

The Climate Change Partnerships Grant Program supports community-led projects that help the Greater Geelong region respond to climate change and achieve a net zero emissions municipality by 2035. Eligible organizations, businesses, and partnerships can apply for grants of up to $50,000 to deliver projects focused on climate adaptation, renewable energy, biodiversity, sustainable transport, and community engagement.

What Is the Climate Change Partnerships Grant Program?

The Climate Change Partnerships Grant Program provides funding for collaborative projects that help communities adapt to climate change while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The program encourages organizations to work closely with the City to design and implement projects that deliver measurable environmental and community benefits.

The grants support innovative ideas as well as proven project models that contribute to the goals of the City’s Climate Change Response Plan 2021–2030.

Grant Objectives

The program aims to:

Increase greening across Greater Geelong through tree planting and habitat restoration.
Build community awareness of climate change and its local impacts.
Improve energy efficiency.
Support renewable energy generation.
Help achieve a net zero emissions municipality by 2035.
Encourage sustainable transport and cleaner fuel alternatives.
Increase natural carbon storage through soils and vegetation.
Strengthen partnerships, local networks, and community collaboration.

Funding Information

The total funding available under the Climate Change Partnerships Grant Program is $180,000.

Applicants may request:

Up to $50,000 per project

Funding supports projects that contribute directly to the City’s Climate Change Response Plan 2021–2030.

Eligible Projects

Projects should respond to one or more priorities of the City’s Climate Change Response Plan.

Eligible project activities include:

Greening and Biodiversity

Projects such as:

Tree planting
Habitat restoration
Native vegetation projects
Urban greening initiatives

Climate Change Education

Projects that:

Increase community awareness
Deliver climate education campaigns
Build local climate resilience
Encourage community participation

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Projects that:

Improve energy efficiency
Promote renewable energy technologies
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Encourage sustainable energy solutions

Net Zero Emissions Initiatives

Projects that support:

Emissions reduction
Climate mitigation
Community decarbonization
Net zero transition by 2035

Sustainable Transport

Projects that encourage:

Low-emission transport
Cleaner fuels
Active transport
Sustainable mobility solutions

Natural Carbon Storage

Projects that:

Improve soil carbon
Restore vegetation
Increase carbon sequestration
Protect natural ecosystems

Community Collaboration

Projects that:

Build local partnerships
Strengthen community networks
Support collaborative climate action
Deliver long-term environmental outcomes

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
Unincorporated groups with an auspice organization
Registered charitable organizations
Schools or learning institutions partnering with at least one other school or not-for-profit organization
Sole traders operating with an active ABN
Businesses

Partnership Requirement

The Climate Change Partnerships Grant Program is delivered through a co-design approach with the City.

Applicants must:

Be willing to work collaboratively with the City.
Participate in developing the project scope.
Assist in preparing project plans.
Be prepared for the City to participate in the project steering committee if required.

Both innovative pilot projects and established project models are encouraged.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants are not eligible:

Individuals without an ABN
Previous applicants with outstanding grant acquittals from the City
Applicants who have not complied with previous funding agreements
Organizations involved in legal proceedings with the City
Organizations experiencing bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar legal circumstances
Organizations with outstanding debt to the City

Why This Grant Matters

Climate change presents significant environmental, social, and economic challenges for communities. This grant program empowers local organizations to develop practical solutions that reduce emissions, improve resilience, and protect natural ecosystems.

The program supports:

Climate adaptation.
Community resilience.
Renewable energy adoption.
Biodiversity conservation.
Carbon sequestration.
Sustainable transport.
Community partnerships for long-term climate action.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Confirm that your organization meets the eligibility requirements.
Develop a project that aligns with the City’s Climate Change Response Plan 2021–2030.
Identify which climate objectives your project will address.
Prepare a detailed project scope, implementation plan, and budget.
Be willing to collaborate with the City throughout project development and delivery.
Gather all required supporting documents.
Submit your application before the funding deadline.
If approved, deliver the project and complete all reporting obligations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

Proposing projects that do not align with the Climate Change Response Plan.
Applying without meeting the partnership requirements.
Submitting incomplete project plans or budgets.
Failing to demonstrate measurable environmental outcomes.
Applying with outstanding grant acquittals or debts to the City.
Not complying with previous funding agreements.
Applying without clearly explaining community benefits.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

Clearly explain the climate challenge your project addresses.
Demonstrate measurable environmental and community outcomes.
Show how the project contributes to net zero emissions.
Include realistic timelines and budgets.
Highlight partnerships and community collaboration.
Demonstrate long-term sustainability.
Ensure all eligibility and partnership requirements are satisfied.

Key Definitions

Climate Adaptation

Actions that help communities prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change.

Net Zero Emissions

Achieving a balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and emissions removed from the atmosphere.

Renewable Energy

Energy generated from naturally replenishing sources such as solar, wind, hydro, or bioenergy.

Carbon Sequestration

The process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide in vegetation, soils, and other natural systems.

Habitat Restoration

Activities that restore natural ecosystems to improve biodiversity and environmental health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of the Climate Change Partnerships Grant Program?

The program funds collaborative projects that help Greater Geelong respond to climate change through emissions reduction, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, sustainable transport, and community engagement.

How much funding is available?

The total funding pool is $180,000.

Eligible applicants may request up to $50,000 per project.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include incorporated not-for-profit organizations, registered charitable organizations, businesses, sole traders with an active ABN, eligible schools working in partnership, and unincorporated groups with an auspice organization.

What types of projects are supported?

Eligible projects include tree planting, habitat restoration, renewable energy initiatives, climate education, energy efficiency improvements, sustainable transport projects, carbon sequestration activities, and community climate partnerships.

Is collaboration with the City required?

Yes. Applicants must be willing to work in partnership with the City to develop project scopes and implementation plans. The City may also participate in the project’s steering committee.

Who is not eligible?

Individuals without an ABN, applicants with outstanding grant acquittals, organizations that have breached previous funding agreements, entities involved in legal proceedings with the City, bankrupt organizations, and organizations with outstanding debt to the City are not eligible.

Why is this grant important?

The grant enables communities to develop practical climate solutions, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and support Greater Geelong’s transition to a net zero emissions municipality by 2035.

Conclusion

The Climate Change Partnerships Grant Program provides grants of up to $50,000 to support collaborative climate action projects across Greater Geelong. By funding initiatives that improve biodiversity, expand renewable energy, increase climate awareness, promote sustainable transport, and strengthen community partnerships, the program helps build a more resilient and environmentally sustainable future. Organizations with innovative or proven climate solutions that align with the City’s Climate Change Response Plan and demonstrate strong community impact will be well positioned to secure funding.