Community grants to support grassroots conservation projects

• Applications open for Community Stewardship Grants for land and water conservation projects
• Funding will help progress community-led land and water conservation projects State-wide
• $60 million distributed to support more than 450 local projects across WA in the past eight years
• Cook Government protecting and restoring the environment

The Cook Government's 2026 Community Stewardship Grants to support community efforts to conserve and enhance Western Australia's valuable land, river and marine environments are now open.

The funding will help progress community-led land and water conservation projects State-wide.

Small grants of $1,000 to $50,000 are available for short term projects, and large grants of above $50,000 and up to $450,000 will support more strategic, longer-term initiatives.

Grant applications are invited from natural resource management groups, Local Government authorities, Aboriginal organisations, community resource centres, schools and Recognised Biosecurity Groups.

The State Government has distributed more than $60 million in Community Stewardship Grants to over 450 grassroots projects throughout the State in the past eight years.

Previous grants have supported capturing scientific information on Nullarbor flora and fauna to help care for Country, monitoring threatened hooded plover birds in the South West and harnessing indigenous ecological knowledge to rehabilitate the Vasse Wonnerup wetlands.

For more information and to apply for a Community Stewardship Grant visit https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/CSG

Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:

"This terrific program harnesses the passion and commitment of the volunteers and community groups who are contributing to protecting and restoring WA's diverse land, marine and river environments, natural bush and wildlife sanctuaries.

"I encourage all community natural resource management groups to examine how these grants can support their efforts and build a positive future for our unique land and water assets."

Comments attributed to Climate Resilience Minister Don Punch:

"By supporting both short-term initiatives and major long-term projects, these grants help communities take meaningful action to adapt to climate pressures, protect biodiversity and restore vital natural assets.

"Whether it's monitoring threatened species, rehabilitating wetlands or capturing scientific knowledge to care for Country, this program strengthens the local capacity needed to ensure Western Australia's environment remains resilient for future generations."

Comments attributed to the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:

"The work of community and volunteer groups is so important to conserving and enhancing WA's unique land and coastal environments throughout our vast State.

"From reducing fire risk in the Kimberley to protecting black-flanked wallabies on the South Coast, Community Stewardship Grants are supporting local efforts to sustainably manage WA's land and water assets for future generations."