Deadline: 7 December 2017
The Australian Government is seeking applications via an open process for entities to deliver services under the National Landcare Program – Smart Farms Small Grants.
The purposes of the Smart Farms Small Grants are to increase land managers’ awareness, knowledge, capability and adoption of tools and management practices that will deliver more productive and profitable agriculture, fishing, aquaculture and farm forestry industries; protect Australia’s biodiversity; protect and improve the condition of natural resources (in particular soils and vegetation); and assist Australia meet its obligations under relevant international treaties.
The purpose will be achieved through grants that support local on-ground projects across Australia that deliver against the priority outcome of increasing the knowledge and capacity of farmers and fishers and facilitating the adoption of tools, technologies and improved land management practices to effectively, sustainably and productively manage Australia’s natural resources and adapt to significant changes in climate, weather and markets.
Funding Information
$50 million over six years (2017-18 to 2022-23) is available for the Smart Farms Small Grants. The total available funding for the 2017-18 round is $5 million.
There will be two categories of projects—Tier 1 and Tier 2.
- Tier 1 – grants for these projects will be between $5 000 and $50 000 (GST exclusive).
- Tier 2 – grants for these projects will be between $50 001 and $100 000 (GST exclusive).
Eligibility Criteria
The following can apply for Tier 1 funding as applicants in their own right:
- Individuals and organizations that are legal entities capable of entering into a legally binding and enforceable agreement with the Commonwealth. This includes:
- Aboriginal Corporation
- Private Company
- Public Company
- Incorporated Cooperative
- Trustee on behalf of Trust
- Incorporated Association
- Individual/Sole Trader
- Partnership
- To be eligible for funding, applicants must also provide a current Australian Business Number (ABN).
- The Australian Government is keen to support suitable projects across a wide spectrum of individuals and groups, such as:
- Farming systems groups
- Landcare and community groups
- Indigenous organizations such as Aboriginal Land Councils and land trusts
- Individuals and corporate farming entities including farmers, pastoralists, farm foresters, aquaculture operators and fishers who can demonstrate the public benefits of the project.
- Non-government organizations and their state/territory branches; peak industry groups; and/or umbrella bodies.
The following can apply for Tier 2 funding:
- Individuals and organizations that are legal entities capable of entering into a legally binding and enforceable agreement with the Commonwealth (if a group is not a legal entity they will not be able to participate – sponsor arrangements are not acceptable for Tier 2). This includes:
- Aboriginal Corporation
- Private Company
- Public Company
- Incorporated Cooperative
- Trustee on behalf of Trust
- Incorporated Association
- Organization established through a specific piece of Commonwealth or State/Territory legislation
- Individual/Sole Trader
- Local Government
- Partnership
How to Apply
Applicants can apply via given website.
Eligible Country: Australia
For more information, please visit Smart Farms Small Grants.