The Fleurieu is fortunate to harbour inspiring and motivated people making a real difference to the local environment - protecting biodiversity for natural and production systems, building strong partnerships for land management and sharing their knowledge with others.

Grassroots Grants provide a financial boost to those who go above and beyond to care for land, water and nature.

The Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board’s Grassroots Grants program will be open from March 4 to April 15, making available $260,000 to eligible projects across two funding tiers: less than $4,000 and up to $20,000.

The grants are available for vital ecosystem restoration by those people who take a role in preventing, stopping and reversing loss of nature. 

Getting involved in local action that makes a real difference - from replanting native vegetation to activating sustainable land management is what Grassroots Grants are all about.

David Greenhough, Chair of the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board, encourages individuals and groups with suitable projects to apply.

“As a regional landscape board, one of our key responsibilities is to allocate vital funding to support local environmental efforts. These grants assist volunteers, community groups and land stewards in protecting biodiversity, enhancing soil health, and creating landscapes that are resilient to climate change,” he says.

“Over the past five rounds, we've seen habitat restoration, regenerative agriculture and some fantastic education and capacity building events funded. These grants also support initiatives that deepen the understanding and connection to Country through the knowledge-sharing of First Nations people.

“We’ve seen some very inspiring and meaningful projects delivered.” 

Funding will be allocated based on merit for projects within the Hills and Fleurieu region that address key priorities outlined in the regional landscape plan and provide the most benefit for the grant dollar.

For more details, including examples of past projects, FAQs, guidelines and how to apply, visit the website.

A separate funding opportunity will be available in late-autumn through the GreenSafe Grants program, offering up to $500 for schools and community groups. 

This funding helps cover small practical costs like personal protective equipment and minor tools.

A 2024 Grassroots Grant went to Breathe Easy Revegetation for further improvements to a section of the Middleton Creek, with a particular focus on canopy and swamp species, providing deep soil stabilisation, improving water quality, reducing evaporation and providing food, habitat and entry points for native fauna.