Crown Reserves Improvement Fund grants now open

APPLICATIONS are now open for the $13.5 million 2025-26 Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF).

The annual grant round offers grants of up to $1 million to reserve managers including local councils, community groups and showgrounds for general, pest management and weed management projects.

The CRIF is a self-sustained deposit account funded by income generated from interest on loans, leases, and licences on Crown land, and levies from the operation of coastal Crown caravan parks.

The competitive grant has three separate funding streams: general projects to financially support projects that will have a high community impact; pest and weed management projects to assist Crown land managers in meeting their biosecurity obligations; and emergency funding by invitation to address urgent critical risks that have significant reserve operational impact for which there are no alternative funds.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is encouraging eligible locals to apply.

“The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund provides valuable grants to maintain and upgrade our local reserves and community facilities on Crown land,” Saffin said.

“The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund supports repairs, maintenance, and upgrades that enhance the cultural, sporting and recreational life of our communities.

“This year the Minns Government has increased the funding to $13.5 million, more than $2 million higher than last year and the government has halved the minimum general grant amount to $50,000, making it easier for Crown land managers to apply for smaller, high-impact projects that make a big difference to their communities.”

The fund is administered by the Minister for Lands and Property, and expenditure must be consistent with the purposes set out at section 12.29 of the Crown Land Management Act 2016.

Applications close December 5 at 5pm (AEDT).

For information, call 1300 886 235 or visit crownland.nsw.gov.au/reserve-manager