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WA Community Stewardship Grants 2026

  • Grants up to $450,000
  • Applications close April 29th, 2026
  • Two funding streams are available:
    • Small grants: $1,000-$50,000 (up to 18 months)
    • Large grants: $50,001-$450,000 (up to 36 months)
  • Activities are expected to run for up to 18 months (small grants) or up to 36 months (large grants).

The 2026 Community Stewardship Grants supports community‑driven projects that conserve, protect and sustainably manage Western Australia’s natural resources.

The grants are designed to empower local community groups to lead on‑ground natural resource management activities that deliver tangible environmental outcomes while building community skills, capacity and engagement.

Funding is available through two streams: small grants for short‑term, localised projects, and large grants for more strategic or complex initiatives delivered over multiple years. Eligible activities span on‑ground works, invasive species management, revegetation, regenerative agriculture adoption, monitoring, planning, education, and engagement with Aboriginal people, Rangers and Traditional Owners.

Key Requirements

  • Deliver priority NRM outcomes Projects must align with one or more Community Stewardship Grant Outcomes, including land, water, marine, biodiversity, and community capability priorities.
  • Strong community involvement Applications must demonstrate local community participation across project design, planning and implementation, including engagement with Aboriginal people where relevant.
  • Value for money and sound planning Funding requests must be reasonable, well‑justified and supported by a mandatory workplan using the prescribed template.
  • WA‑based delivery All project activities must be undertaken within Western Australia. Projects in external territories are ineligible.

What is eligible for funding?

  • On‑ground NRM works (e.g. fencing, revegetation, erosion control)
  • Invasive species management (weeds, feral animals, plant pathogens)
  • Monitoring of flora, fauna and ecosystems
  • Regenerative agriculture adoption and practice change
  • Remnant vegetation protection and habitat connectivity
  • Engagement of Aboriginal Rangers, Elders and Traditional Owners
  • Community education, training and skills development
  • Planning, resource condition assessments and data collection
  • Technical advice and expert consultancy services
  • Project coordination and administration (within capped limits)

What companies are eligible for funding?

  • Incorporated not‑for‑profit organisations with an ABN, including:
    • Aboriginal community organisations and Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate
    • Incorporated community, Landcare and NRM groups
    • Recognised Biosecurity Groups and grower groups
    • Land Conservation District Committees
    • Local government authorities
    • Primary and secondary schools

Additional Considerations

  • For‑profit businesses, individuals and unincorporated associations are not eligible (unless sponsored)
  • Projects must not be business as usual
  • Applicants must be up to date with all State NRM reporting obligations
  • Unincorporated groups may apply via an eligible sponsor

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

  • Industry analysis presentation
  • Competitor Analysis Presentation
  • Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
  • 3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
  • 3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
  • End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
  • CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
  • Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
  • Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.