Open Call for Climate Change Action Grants (Australia)

The Climate Change Action Grants program provides funding of up to $10,000 for community-led environmental and climate action projects that benefit residents of the City of Greater Dandenong. The program supports initiatives that increase climate awareness, improve resilience, promote sustainable living, and help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Eligible not-for-profit organizations, schools, charities, and community groups can apply for funding to deliver projects that contribute to Greater Dandenong’s sustainability goals and create measurable environmental and community benefits.

Overview of the Climate Change Action Grants Program

The Climate Change Action Grants program supports projects that help address climate change while improving environmental sustainability across the City of Greater Dandenong.

The program encourages community-led initiatives that educate residents, reduce environmental impacts, strengthen climate resilience, and promote sustainable lifestyles.

Projects should provide lasting environmental benefits while supporting the City’s broader sustainability and climate action objectives.

Purpose of the Grant Program

The Climate Change Action Grants aim to:

Increase community awareness of climate change
Encourage local climate action
Improve community resilience to climate-related risks
Promote environmentally sustainable practices
Support vulnerable communities in adapting to climate change
Contribute to the City’s sustainability goals

Priority Focus Areas

Projects should address one or more of the following priority areas:

Climate change education and awareness
Community climate action
Climate adaptation and resilience
Sustainable water use
Carbon emission reduction
Sustainable transport
Biodiversity conservation
Community gardening
Environmental sustainability
Support for vulnerable communities affected by climate change

Examples of Eligible Projects

The program supports a wide variety of community-based environmental initiatives, including:

Climate education campaigns
Carbon footprint reduction workshops
Composting and waste reduction programs
Community gardening projects
Home energy efficiency education
Heat stress awareness initiatives
Native verge planting
Biodiversity conservation projects
School environmental initiatives
Sustainable transport and bike programs
Climate adaptation workshops
Community emergency preparedness activities

Projects should demonstrate clear environmental outcomes and community benefits.

Funding Amount

Eligible applicants may request:

Up to $10,000 per project

Funding requirements include:

Applications requesting up to $5,000 do not require supplementary funding.
Applications requesting between $5,001 and $10,000 must include at least $2,000 in confirmed supplementary funding or income.

Grant Timeline

The application period is:

Opening date: Tuesday, 14 July
Closing date: Tuesday, 11 August at 11:59 pm

Applicants should submit complete applications before the closing deadline.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The program is open to organizations that operate within or directly benefit the City of Greater Dandenong.

Eligible applicants include:

Not-for-profit organizations
Incorporated associations
Registered charities
Charitable organizations
Auspiced community groups
Schools

School Eligibility

Schools may apply only for projects that:

Go beyond normal educational responsibilities
Deliver wider community benefits
Support environmental sustainability

Government Volunteer Groups

Government-affiliated volunteer groups are eligible only for:

Community engagement projects
Activities outside their statutory responsibilities

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must:

Operate within or directly benefit Greater Dandenong
Have completed previous grant obligations (if applicable)
Hold appropriate public liability insurance
Complete the project within the approved funding period

Projects That Are Not Eligible

The program does not fund:

Projects outside Greater Dandenong without clear local benefit
Core operational or administrative expenses
Political activities
Religious activities
Capital works projects
Retrospective funding for completed projects
Commercial events
Emergency relief activities
Debt repayments
Vehicle purchases
Projects already funded through another City of Greater Dandenong grant program

Why This Grant Matters

Climate change affects communities through rising temperatures, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and increasing environmental pressures.

This grant helps local organizations:

Build climate resilience
Educate communities
Reduce environmental impacts
Promote sustainable living
Encourage long-term environmental stewardship

By supporting community-led initiatives, the program contributes to a healthier and more sustainable Greater Dandenong.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare a well-developed proposal that demonstrates community need and environmental impact.

Step 1: Identify the Climate Challenge

Clearly explain:

The environmental issue being addressed
Why it is important for Greater Dandenong
The target community

Step 2: Design the Project

Describe:

Planned activities
Project timeline
Community participation
Expected environmental outcomes

Step 3: Prepare the Budget

Include:

Total funding requested
Project expenses
Confirmed supplementary funding (if requesting more than $5,000)

Step 4: Demonstrate Community Benefit

Applications should explain:

How residents will benefit
Expected environmental improvements
Long-term sustainability of the project

Step 5: Submit the Application

Ensure all required documents and supporting information are completed before the application deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for projects outside Greater Dandenong without demonstrating local benefits.
Requesting more than $5,000 without providing evidence of the required supplementary funding.
Including operational costs instead of project-specific activities.
Submitting projects that duplicate existing Council-funded initiatives.
Providing unclear environmental outcomes or limited community engagement plans.
Missing required insurance or eligibility documentation.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

Clearly explain the climate issue your project addresses.
Demonstrate measurable environmental and community outcomes.
Show strong community involvement and partnerships.
Prepare a realistic and transparent budget.
Align your project with the City’s sustainability priorities.
Include long-term plans for maintaining project outcomes after funding ends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Climate Change Action Grants?

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, incorporated associations, registered charities, auspiced groups, and schools operating within or benefiting Greater Dandenong.

How much funding is available?

Applicants can request up to $10,000.

Is supplementary funding required?

No supplementary funding is required for requests up to $5,000. Applications between $5,001 and $10,000 must include at least $2,000 in confirmed supplementary funding or income.

What types of projects are eligible?

Eligible projects include climate education, biodiversity conservation, sustainable transport, community gardens, energy efficiency education, composting, climate resilience, emergency preparedness, and other environmental sustainability initiatives.

Can schools apply?

Yes. Schools may apply for projects that go beyond their core educational responsibilities and provide broader community benefits.

What types of projects are not funded?

The program does not support political or religious activities, capital works, operational expenses, commercial events, retrospective funding, vehicle purchases, emergency relief, debt repayments, or projects already funded through another City of Greater Dandenong grant program.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, 11 August.

Conclusion

The Climate Change Action Grants program provides valuable funding for organizations committed to creating a more sustainable and climate-resilient Greater Dandenong. By supporting community-led environmental initiatives, climate education, biodiversity conservation, and resilience-building activities, the program empowers local organizations to deliver meaningful environmental improvements and help communities prepare for future climate challenges.