Community Environment Grants

The Community Environment Grants 2024/2025 combined round is now open.

The Lake Mac Community Environment Grants Program, formerly known as Environmental Sustainability Grants Program, is designed to support community-initiated projects that improve our local environment and/or inspire environmentally sustainable behaviour in Lake Macquarie City.

Incorporated, not-for-profit community organisations are eligible to apply, including school Parent and Citizen groups, community-based pre-schools, service clubs, bush regeneration/conservation groups and Sustainable Neighbourhood Groups. Grants of up to $5000 per application are available for projects located in Lake Macquarie City. The number of grant applications funded per round is limited. These grants are offered twice a year.

Applications close 31 March 2025.

Apply online

Step 1.Consider your project

Sustainability is about more than veggie gardens, rainwater tanks and compost bins. Think broadly about what your group could do to:

encourage sustainable community behaviour, like reducing resource consumption or increasing participation in active transport
reduce food or general waste, or encourage the community to recycle, upcycle or swap
educate, enrich and inspire the community through sustainable activities
reduce the carbon footprint of the Lake Macquarie community
improve biodiversity and local ecosystems
environmental education and training workshops (including engaging expert presenter(s) to run a workshop)

Step 2.Review our guidelines

Familiarise yourself with the grant guidelines(PDF, 2MB) and example budget(PDF, 41KB) to ensure your application has the best chance of success.

We strongly recommend you contact Council's Sustainability Engagement Officer about your project and the grants before you apply.

Step 3.Attend an information session

The grants information sessions give interested applicants an opportunity to learn more about the program, the application process and ask any questions. Attendance at an information session is encouraged.

Step 4.Apply

Applications open 17 February 2025.

Apply now

Need help with your application?

Contact Council's Sustainability Engagement Officer on 02 4921 0333 to discuss your project before you apply and for assistance with your application.