Alexandrina Council recognises the importance of working together with our community to achieve an environmentally sustainable future. Council’s Community Environment Grant program aims to support the Alexandrina community in achieving local environmental and sustainable outcomes that benefit the Alexandrina region.
Applications were accepted from 12 noon on Monday 4 May until 3pm on Monday 15 June 2026 and have now closed.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of August 2026.
What type of activities will be funded?
Council is seeking to fund community-led projects which foster environmental and/or sustainable stewardship and demonstrate a strong link with one or more goals, strategies or actions contained in A2040: Strategic Delivery Plan 2025-35 or Council’s Environmental Action Plan. Projects should generate environmental or sustainability benefits within the Alexandrina Council district.
Eligible activities include:
- Demonstration sites/projects
- Engagement, education and training programs
- Biodiversity conservation
- Water conservation or waste and energy minimisation projects
- On-ground works
- Community-based research and monitoring
- Increase of canopy cover and planting of road verges.
Guidelines
Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to read the Community Environment Grant Guidelines to get an understanding about the grant eligibility, application and assessment process, and important information.
Community Environment Grant Guidelines
How to apply
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Council’s Environmental Officers on 8555 7000 to discuss their proposal as well as read the grant guidelines before commencing the application process.
Applications must be made by completing the online Community Environment Grant Application Form, accessed via the SmartyGrants website linked below.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of August 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not-for-profit incorporated community groups or legal entities with comparable status, as well as unincorporated not-for-profit community groups auspiced by an appropriate incorporated entity. Schools and kindergartens are also eligible to apply.
Grants of up to $4,000 are available for eligible entities. The total funding pool allocated to the Community Environment Grant program in 2026-27 is $20,000, subject to Council's adoption of the Annual Community Plan 2026-27.
Yes, a minimum funding request of $1,000 applies to all applications.
Funded projects must be completed by 31 December 2027. Recipients must sign a Grant Funding Agreement prior to funds being processed which will outline the full terms and conditions of funding. A Grant Evaluation and Acquittal Report must be completed within two months of project completion. Non-compliance may affect eligibility for future grant funding.
SmartyGrants has a comprehensive online Help Guide for Applicants which should assist with most queries regarding the application process. If you’re still having difficulty, please call Council’s Grants Officer for further assistance on (08) 8555 7000.
You do not need to have all approvals in place at the time of application, although your application will be strengthened if you do. However, applicants must identify any approvals or permissions that will be required and be able to obtain them before project works commence. Funding will not be released until all relevant approvals, permits or licences have been secured.
Depending on your project, approvals may include:
- Permission or a licence agreement to undertake works on Council land
- Verge planting approval for works within road reserves
- Landowner consent for works on or adjacent to private land
- Environmental or operational permits related to on‑ground works
Approval processes may differ depending on the location and nature of the project. Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss requirements with Council’s Environmental Officers early.
Yes. All biodiversity and on‑ground works projects:
- Must use plants of local provenance
- Require a detailed work plan to be agreed with Council before works commence
- Require written permission for works undertaken on Council land
Projects involving verge planting must obtain a verge planting approval, including evidence of consultation with relevant stakeholders and adjoining property owners, before planting occurs.
Grant offers may be made subject to specific funding conditions, including the requirement to obtain approvals by 31 May 2027. If approvals are delayed, refused, or cannot be met by this date, the funding offer will lapse. Grant recipients must inform Council as soon as circumstances arise that may affect their ability to meet approval or delivery timelines.