Grants in VIC

As part of the 2024–25 Federal Budget, the Australian Government announced the second round of the Hydrogen Headstart program to support major hydrogen production projects and grow Australia’s clean energy industry. Delivered by ARENA, round 2 aims to strengthen Australia’s position in the global hydrogen market. ARENA is now seeking input on the proposed program design through a public consultation process. Stakeholders are invited to review the Consultation Paper and provide feedback via the online forms by 31 July 2025.

The Drought Resilience Innovation Challenges Pilot Program, part of the Future Drought Fund, provides funding of up to $2 million per project. It supports initiatives that improve natural capital, enhance biodiversity, and build drought resilience in agricultural landscapes.

The Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnerships (ESVCLP) program provides tax benefits to encourage investment in early-stage Australian companies. Eligible venture capital funds can access flow-through tax treatment and receive tax exemptions on gains and income distributed to their investors.

The Grid Enhancing Technologies program provides businesses with up to $5 million in competitive grant funding to accelerate the uptake and deployment of grid enhancing technologies on Australia's electricity networks.

The VIC Circular Economy Recycling Modernisation Fund rovides financial support to businesses, local and state government authorities, social enterprises, and not-for-profit organisations. The fund focuses on building capacity, capability, and resilience within the sector, supporting businesses in complying with national waste export regulations, improving the quality of materials for manufacturing, and creating jobs in the circular economy.

Round 2 of the Indigenous Rangers Program is now open, with a $165M funding pool over three years to support the long-term employment of Indigenous Australians. Grants starting at $650K aim to enhance the management of Country in line with Traditional Owners' priorities, delivering environmental, cultural, social, and economic benefits.

The Future Made in Australia (FMA) Innovation Fund will offer up to $1.5 billion in grants to drive pre-commercial innovation, demonstration, and deployment of renewable energy and low emission technologies, accelerating Australia’s journey to a net zero economy.

$70 million in funding is available for innovation in industrial decarbonisation and advancing commercial deployment, with grants averaging $500,000 and requiring matched funding.

This program co-funds energy efficiency and electrification upgrades for local governments to deliver reduced energy bills and emissions from local government owned and/or operated facilities.