The Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board’s Grassroots Grants program is open from today, Tuesday 5 March.

It aims to fund projects that focus on protecting biodiverse and productive landscapes or building community connection to the environment.

A total of $250,000 is available across two funding tiers: less than $4,000 and up to $20,000.

It is an opportunity for individuals or groups to secure essential funding to make a positive impact on local land, water, and nature.

Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board Chair David Greenhough encourages those with suitable projects and ideas to apply.

"One of our, roles as a regional landscape board, is to allocate critical funds to support ’grassroots’ environmental action,” he says. 

“These funds help many volunteers, community organisations and land stewards to protect biodiversity, improve the health of soils, and create more climate-resilient landscapes across the region.

“Over the past four rounds, we've seen brilliant collaborations between groups and neighbouring landholders, and projects revitalising our environment through revegetation, habitat restoration and capacity building. 

“We have also supported the adoption and promotion of regenerative agriculture principles that benefit our region and beyond. 

“The grants have supported initiatives that foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Country through the knowledge and experience of First Nations people.”

Funding will be awarded on merit to projects that are within the Hills and Fleurieu region, demonstrate the best value for money, and deliver outcomes that address the priorities in the regional landscape plan.

Previous Grassroots Grants have gone to Yundi Nature Conservancy to form the Fleurieu Swamp Restoration Network; the Cape Jervis Coastal Community Group; and the Mount Compass Area School ‘Swamp Ambassadors’.

For more information, including past project examples, FAQs, guidelines, and application details, visit the website.

Applications for the Grassroots Grants program close 17 April.