Climate grants EOI window opens for 2023

Anglesea Primary School and Jan Juc Pre School Advisory Committee each received $5,000 in the inaugural "Pitch Fest" event last year. Photo: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

THE Surf Coast Shire has opened applications for its second year of Climate Emergency Grants projects, featuring a new collaborative option for the community to band together in reducing emissions across the region.

Expressions of Interest this year will be considered for partnership projects between two eligible applicants who will contribute equally to a project to the value of $10,000 (with $5,000 awarded to each partner to manage).

Regular $5,000 single-applicant grants will also be available.

“We know that our community is overflowing with passionate and skilled groups, individuals, businesses and schools who want to respond to the climate emergency,” Surf Coast Shire Councillor Kate Gazzard said.

“We encourage these people to consider applying for a Climate Emergency Grant and collaborate with others in climate action.”

For applicants to receive a Climate Emergency Grant, they must successfully pitch a project that reduces greenhouse gas emissions (mitigate); helps the community adapt to the impacts of climate change (adapt); and/or engage the community in climate action (mobilise).

Once pitched, the community will vote for its favourite projects to secure grant funding. The project with the highest number of votes will be successful in their application for funding.

In its inaugural year in 2022, the Climate Emergency Grants provided Anglesea Primary School families with access to cargo e-bikes and provided Jan Juc Preschool Parent Advisory Committee with adequate funding to produce the region’s first carbon neutral event at last year’s Surf Coast Kite Festival.

“Last year’s grant program highlighted that there are a diverse range of local climate project ideas,” Cr Gazzard added.

“A little bit of council support can go a long way towards empowering community members to make a real difference and demonstrate to others that environmental leadership is important and achievable at a grassroots level.

“Recent evidence tells us it’s especially important now, given our changing climate.”

All grant application pitches will be presented to council later this year on World Environment Day (June 5).

Expressions of Interest close on May 7. To apply, head to www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Community/Grants/Climate-Emergency-Grants