Community Stewardship Grants

In 2024, $7.7 million in funding support from the Western Australian Government was available to support community-driven natural resource management projects across the state.

The 2024 Community Stewardship Grants involved two rounds:

• Small grants
  • valued between $1,000 and $50,000
  • up to 18 months duration.
• Large grants
  • valued between $50,001 and $450,000
  • intended for more strategic, complex projects
  • up to 36 months duration.

Applicants from the following groups or organisations were encouraged to apply:

• Aboriginal community organisations including Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate
• incorporated associations and not-for-profit companies and trusts, including most community, landcare, and NRM groups, Recognised Biosecurity Groups and grower groups
• Land Conservation District Committees
• local government authorities
• primary and secondary schools.

Grants can be used to fund a wide range of NRM activities that will achieve on-ground environmental outcomes directly or improve community capacity and capability to achieve positive NRM outcomes.

Activities must deliver outcomes that align with the Community Stewardship Grant Outcomes: WA Natural Resource Management Framework.

Some examples of eligible activities include:

• data collection, analysis and sharing
• fencing for protection of native species or vegetation
• information sharing
• infrastructure for direct NRM outcomes.
• invasive species management (pest plants, feral animals, and plant diseases)
• planning and engagement
• remnant vegetation protection
• research and trials which add to existing knowledge
• resource condition assessment, surveys or monitoring
• revegetation (native species only)
• regenerative agriculture adoption and landholder support
• threatened species conservation or protection
• training and skills development.