Sustainability Grants

Grant overview

The City of Cockburn's Sustainability Grants Program offers funding for projects that achieve sustainability outcomes within the community.

Grants of up to $4,000 are avalable to small businesses, schools, not-for-profit organisations, and collective households undertaking sustainability initiatives relating to the six sustainability themes mentioned below.

Eligibility criteria

Eligible applicants for the Sustainability Grants include:

• Collective households and verges (more than 2 houses or 2 or more adjoining verges)
• Small businesses (fewer than 20 employees)
• Schools
• Community groups
• Not-for-profit organisations
• Mutliple-dwellings body corporate (or strata)

Eligibility of the person/group/applicant:

• Applicants must be based in Cockburn or provide services primarily within the area.
• Projects must be completed within the City of Cockburn Local Government Area (LGA) and benefit the local environment and/or community.
• Groups or individuals that are subject to an active compliance investigation or prosecution involving the City of Cockburn may not be successful. 

Grant amount and funding details

The maximum funding available for Sustainability Grants is $4,000 (ex GST) per applicant, per year. 

Projects must fall under at least one of the sustainability themes:

• Protecting our future: Aims to build resilience to climate change and safeguard biodiversity. Projects might include native or productive food gardens, climate change education, and preservation of natural areas.
• Water, energy, and waste: Promotes resource use efficiency. Projects can include increased recycling, composting, and improving water and energy efficiency.
• Giving back: Focused on improving social equity and involvement. Possible projects include volunteering, helping those in need, and providing participation opportunities.
• Strong communities: Geared towards building community capacity. Suitable projects include community development, events, and fostering inclusive neighbourhoods.
• Active and sustainable transport: Supports the uptake of sustainable transport. Possible projects are end-of-trip facilities, TravelSmart events, and educational initiatives.
• Healthy lifestyles: Focuses on public health outcomes. Projects could include events, healthy lifestyle programs, and education.

When and how to apply

The Sustainability Grants are open all year round.

Applications are assessed and notified within two months from receipt of the application. 

To apply:

1. Initial contact: Before applying, contact the City’s Sustainability Officer to discuss your proposal and confirm eligibility.
2. Plan your project: Know your timeline, budget and project stakeholders. Applicants must obtain any necessary approvals, permits or licences before applying.
3. Submit your application: Once your proposal is ready and eligibility confirmed, apply using the link below. 

Apply Now

Evaluation criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Alignment with sustainability themes: the project demonstrates a clear connection to one or more of the City's six sustainability themes.
• Contribution to the project: the applicant demonstrates a financial or in-kind contribution to the delivery of the project.
• Project planning and feasibility: the application includes a project plan, with clear objectives, activities, timelines and budget.
• Community sustainability impact: the project delivers measurable sustainability benefits within the City of Cockburn. 

Conditions of funding

Grant funds cannot be used for:

• Applications from individuals for personal benefit or projects located on private residential properties solely benefiting a single household. 

• Labour costs, including wages, salaries, consultancy fees or contractor costs.

• Planning approval, development application, building permit or other statutory fees.

• Fundraising, lottery, religious or political activities.  

• Ongoing operational or maintenance costs such as utilities, rent, insurance, subscriptions or administrative expenses.  

• Projects that are commercial in nature or intended to generate private profit.  

• Activities that duplicate existing services, programs or projects without demonstrating additional community benefit. 

When applying for the grant, applicants should be aware of the following limitations and conditions:

• The grant is a one-time assistance and does not imply future funding.
• Applicants who have previously received funding from the City of Cockburn must have completely acquitted these funds before applying again.
• Applications for waterwise verge projects must include two or more adjoining or adjacent households.
• Funding is provided only for the approved project and must be used for the purposes outlined in the application and funding agreement.
• Funding does not consttute approval for any associated permits, venue bookings, development applications, works approvals or other statutory requirements that may be required by the City or other organisatons.
• The City reserves the right to request additional information, impose specific conditions on funding or approve only part of the funding requested.
• If your application is successful:
  • You will receive a Letter of Offer along with a Conditions of Funding contract, which may include various stipulations that you need to agree to.
  • You will recieve grant monies to your nominated account and be able to start spending funds to complete your project.
  • Throughout yoour project, you will need to retain all reciepts, proof of recognition, project completion and any other stpulatons included in your Conditions of Funding contract.
  • Once your project is complete, you are required to submit the completed acquittal form
  • Any funds not used for the project must be returned.

More information and contact

Contact the City’s Sustainability Officer at 08 9411 3444 or email [email protected].