2023 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants now open

Schools, kindergartens, and early childhood services in Victoria are being invited to apply for the 2023 round of Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants, funded by the Victorian Government’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action for projects that involve and educate young people in valuing and actively caring for Victoria’s biodiversity and natural environment.

The grants of up to $5,000 allow education services, along with community groups like Scouts and Girl Guides to fund biodiversity focused on-ground projects – such as planting an indigenous garden to create habitat for native birds and insects, or hands-on learning activities – such as a biodiversity focused educational incursion/excursion or citizen science activities to collect data about the natural environment.

Applicants can also combine projects and outcomes such as researching threats to biodiversity like weeds, habitat loss and climate change, and pairing this with a hands-on weeding or planting activity with a local Landcare or Friends group.

Previous grant recipients have undertaken projects including:

• Constructing a nature and biodiversity trail around a school
• Building a frog pond
• Turned an unused area into a native garden to attract birds, skinks and lizards
• Excursions to Melton Botanic Garden and a planting project.

Case studies from previous Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants recipients may also provide inspiration. An information sheet has been provided to outline an example project and budget. 

Those who are interested in applying should follow these steps: 

1. Read the project example and budget info sheet here
2. Review the full guidelines for more detailed information 
3. Chat with colleagues, local Landcare or Friends group or Landcare facilitator about the project idea
4. Login or register to start the grant application on the Landcare Australia Grants Site
5. Complete the application by 3pm, Friday 12 May 2023.

A list of frequently asked questions and further information is available here.