Sustainability Grants

Grant overview

The Sustainability Grants Program in the City of Cockburn offers funding for projects related to six sustainability themes. Open to small businesses, schools, not-for-profits, and collective households, successful applicants can receive up to $4,000 for their project. Projects requesting grant funding must fall under the sustainability themes mentioned below.

Eligibility criteria

Eligible applicants for the Sustainability Grants include:

• Collective households (more than 2 people)
• Small businesses (fewer than 20 employees)
• Schools and 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.
• 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 for Sustainability Grants is $4,000 per applicant, per year. 

Funding of projects must fall under the sustainability themes:

• Giving back: Focused on improving social equity and involvement. Possible projects include volunteering, helping those in need, and providing participation opportunities.
• 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.
• Strong communities: Geared towards building community capacity. Suitable projects include community development, events, and fostering inclusive neighbourhoods.
• Water, energy, and waste: Promotes resource use efficiency. Projects can include increased recycling, composting, and improving water and energy efficiency.
• TravelSmart: Supports the uptake of alternative 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.

​Please note grant funds cannot be used for:

• Individual infrastructure projects like renewable energy systems, rainwater tanks, grey water systems, or hot water systems
• Labour costs 
• Planning approval fees  

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. 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:

• Relation to one or more of the sustainability themes
• Demonstrated financial or in-kind contribution to the project
• Overall impact on sustainability within the City of Cockburn.

Limitations and conditions

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.
• If your application is successful:
  • You will receive a Letter of Offer along with a Conditions of Funding form, which may include various stipulations that you need to agree to
  • 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].