Community Environment Grants 2025/2026 Round 2

Before completing this application form, you should have read the Community Environment Grant guidelines located on Council's grant webpage.

Incomplete applications and/or applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

This section of the application form is designed to help you, and us, understand if you are eligible for this grant. It's crucial that you complete these questions before any others to ensure you do not waste your time applying for an unsuitable grant.

If you are completing an application in a group/team, multiple people can work on an application using the same log in details as long as only one person is working at a time. Ensure you save as you go.

If you have any questions in regards to the grant program, eligibility or your application, please contact Sustainability Engagement Officer, Melinda Brown, at mbrown@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

I confirm that the applicant complies with all eligibility criteria...

• has read and understands the grant guidelines 
• is a not-for-profit organisation, community group, social enterprise, sole trader, or other entity that demonstrate a clear community benefit and alignment with Council’s environmental strategies (Note: State and Commonwealth agencies and medium - large businesses are not eligible for funding)
• is incorporated. If your organisation is not incorporated, you must arrange for another legal entity (for example, an incorporated community organisation) to sponsor your application.  This means the sponsor will accept and administer the funding and final acquittal on behalf of your organisation.  
• grant project is located in Lake Macquarie City Council area
• has written permission from the landowner (if applicable)
• does not owe any reports or money to Lake Macquarie City Council as a result of previous grant funding
• has current Public Liability Insurance to the value of $20 million (or will obtain this insurance upon notification that your grant project has been selected for funding).

Activities that are INELIGABLE for funding through this stream are:

• activities that directly contravene the general eligibility requirements
• activities that supplement, increase, or continue ongoing service delivery and general business operational costs
• the purchase of capital items beyond the immediate needs of the Activity. These include vehicles and office equipment
• travel, accommodation, salaries, or private expenses
• projects that have commenced or already taken place
• projects that include modifications to leased buildings or land where written permission approval from the property owner has not been provided
• projects where half or more of the grant funds pay for labour (except to engage expert presenters)
• beautification projects without an environmental outcome
• individual projects that include planned tree removal
• gifts and prizes