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Grassroots Grants 2021-22
Guidelines Green Adelaide is launching its annual Grassroots Grant program to support individuals,
volunteers and community groups and other bodies to deliver local projects that contribute
to improved management of the metropolitan Adelaide environment.
The following document provides guidelines for applicants to apply for a Green Adelaide
Grassroots Grant. In 2021-22 the total funding available in the Green Adelaide region (see
Appendix 1 on page 12 for a map) is $1 million, with a minimum of $2000 and maximum of
$150,000 available per application.
What is Green Adelaide?
Green Adelaide was established on 1 July 2020 under the Landscape South Australia Act
2019, following a range of reforms to natural resources management in South Australia.
Green Adelaide’s region spans 17 metropolitan councils, from Gawler River in the north to
Sellicks Beach in the south, and about a third of Gulf St Vincent.
The Grassroots Grants program is an opportunity for Green Adelaide to partner with
individuals, communities and volunteers to work together and create a cooler, greener,
wilder and climate-resilient city. To support this vision for Adelaide, there are seven priorities:
1. Coastal management
2. Water resources and wetlands
3. Green streets and flourishing parklands
4. Biodiversity and water sensitive urban design
5. Controlling pest plants and animals
6. Nature education
7. Fauna, flora and ecosystem health in the urban environment.
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Grant objectives
All grants must contribute to one or more Grassroots Grants objective.
The objectives are:
Protection and ecologically sustainable management of landscapes and their
interconnected elements, in particular land, soil, water, native fauna and flora.
Protection and conservation of biodiversity, and restoration or rehabilitation of ecological
systems and processes so they are resilient to changes.
Prevention or control of impacts caused by pest species of animals and plants that may
have an adverse effect on the environment, primary production or the community.
Encouragement of the restoration or rehabilitation of ecological systems and processes
that have been lost or degraded.
Support for primary industries, interest of Aboriginal peoples and resilient communities.
Provision of information, educational initiatives and support mechanisms to strengthen
the skills, knowledge and capacity of people to sustainably manage natural resources.
The program encourages partnerships to achieve these objectives. Projects must also be
broad enough to deliver benefits across the community, not just to an individual person or
organisation.
Key dates:
Applications open – 28 April 2021
Applications close – 9 June 2021 at 5pm
Note: Late applications will NOT be accepted
Assessment period – June to August 2021
Successful applicants announced – September/October 2021.
Contacts
For enquires on the guidelines, application or project, email
[email protected] or phone 8226 8527.
For Aboriginal engagement assistance, email [email protected]
For assistance in accessing the Grants Management System, logins and passwords please
email: [email protected] or phone 8463 7883.
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Who can apply?
To be eligible for a grant you must be a legal entity or sponsored by a legal entity. The
project must be within the Green Adelaide region (see Appendix 1 on page 12 for a map,
including a link to an interactive version) and the project must be undertaken on a not-for-
profit basis.
Eligible entities include:
an incorporated community group or organisation (or a non-incorporated group with a
sponsor that is a legal entity)
an individual or partnership
a non-government organisation
a school, university or other educational entity (may require a sponsor)
an incorporated Aboriginal organisation (or a non-incorporated group with a sponsor).
If you are not a legal entity (i.e. not incorporated) you will need to seek sponsorship from a
legal entity that is prepared to take responsibility for the legal and financial accountability of
the project. The sponsor will receive the funding on your behalf and will be required to
provide a final acquittal of project funds. Trusts must register the name of the trustee (i.e.
John Smith as trustee for John Smith Family Trust).
The applicant’s sponsor organisation can apply for administration costs of up to 10%.
Note:
local councils are ineligible to apply
each applicant can only submit one application
applicants successful in Round 1 of Green Adelaide Grassroots Grants will be eligible
to apply for Round 2, however new applicants may be prioritised
applicants with outstanding reports from the previous Adelaide and Mount Lofty
Ranges Natural Resources Management Board grants will not be funded.
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How much can I apply for?
The total value of the Grassroots Grants program for Green Adelaide in 2021-22 is $1 million,
with grants between $2000 and $150,000 available per application.
The table below describes the level of funding, project time and reporting requirements for
each of the three tiers available.
Level Funding Project time Reporting requirements to
Green Adelaide
Tier 1 $2000 to $10,000 Up to 12 months Reporting frequency: end of project
Must include:
• photographs and/or videos of
activities and outcomes (e.g. before,
progress and after photos)
• completion of other agreed
monitoring and reporting
requirements as per grant agreement
• final financial acquittal.
Tier 2 $10,000 to $50,000 Up to 18 months Reporting frequency: six-monthly
and end of project
Must include:
• photographs and/or videos of
activities and outcomes (e.g. before,
progress and after photos)
• end of financial year acquittal
• final financial acquittal
• completion of other agreed
monitoring and reporting
requirements as per grant agreement.
Tier 3 $50,000-$150,000 Up to 24 months Reporting frequency: six-monthly
and end of project
Must include:
• photographs and/or videos of
activities and outcomes (e.g. before,
progress and after photos)
• financial reporting against agreed
budget
• final financial acquittal
• completion of other agreed
monitoring and reporting
requirements as per grant agreement.
Tier 1 funding will be paid 100% on signing of a grant agreement, with proof of project
completion required within 12 months of grant agreements being signed by both parties.
Tiers 2 and Tier 3 funding may be granted to multiple-year projects (e.g. two years); however,
funding under these tiers will be paid in instalments according to milestones and subject to
satisfactory reporting as agreed to by the applicant and the Green Adelaide Board.
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It is anticipated that grant agreements will be forwarded to successful applicants in
September/October 2021.
How to apply
Applications are prepared via the Department for Environment and Water’s online Grant
Management System by clicking the link below:
http//gmsportal.environment.sa.gov.au
The system allows you to track your application throughout the grant process and review
your submitted application.
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What types of activities will be considered for a grant?
Grants are available for a variety of activities which contribute to the objectives (see page 2)
of the Grassroots Grants program. The types of activities that will be considered for a grant
include, but are not limited to:
Type of activity Detail to be provided in your application
Assessment and monitoring Tell us about the surveys/monitoring the project
will be undertaking, what you will be monitoring,
the survey technique and the number of
surveys/monitoring activities.
Examples of activities include:
fauna survey
flora survey
pest animal survey
plant survival survey
water quality survey
weed mapping and monitoring
cultural monitoring
workshop, skills and knowledge survey.
Aboriginal
partnerships/engagement/knowledge
sharing
Tell us about the type of Aboriginal
partnerships/engagement/knowledge sharing the
project will be undertaking and the number.
Examples of activities include:
Aboriginal on-country visits
cultural training sessions
workshop/field day.
Educational and communication
materials
Tell us about the types of publications to be
produced, the purpose and the number.
Examples of activities include:
educational materials
newsletters
fliers
report
social media posts
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videos
signage.
Community/stakeholder engagement Tell us about the types of events the project will be
undertaking, the purpose and the number.
Examples of activities include:
conference/seminar presentation
field day
training session
working bee
workshop.
Conservation actions Tell us about the conservation actions targeting
threatened species/threatened ecological
communities and the number.
Examples of activities include:
installation of nest boxes or other
breeding/refuge structures.
Fencing Tell us about the barriers or other upright
structures the project will be undertaking to
control access and the length of fencing (km).
Examples of activities include:
Length (km) of fencing installed
Note: property boundary is not an eligible activity.
Controlling pest animals Tell us about the pest animals and the actions the
project will undertake to control them and the
area (ha).
Examples of activities include:
Area (ha) pest animal controlled.
Controlling pest plants Tell us about the pest plants and the actions the
project will undertake to control them and the
area (ha) or length (km).
Examples of activities include:
Area (ha) or length (km) pest plant controlled.
Debris removal Tell us about the actions the project will undertake
to remove debris from land and/or water systems
and the area (ha) or length (km).
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Note Other activities or specific expenditure may be eligible where they support achievement of
the Grassroots Grants program objectives and Green Adelaide priorities.
If you are unsure about the eligibility of your proposed project or activities, please email:
[email protected] or phone 8226 8527.
Examples of activities include:
Area (ha) or length (km) of debris removed.
Revegetating landscapes Tell us about the revegetation activities and the
actions the project will undertake and the area
(ha) or number of plants.
Examples of activities include:
direct seeding
tube stock planting
mulching
plant guards
supplementary watering
erosion control.
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Limits on grant activities
Grassroots Grant funding cannot be used for:
activities that are causing or likely to cause environmental damage, either directly or
indirectly
administration and finance costs (unless paid to sponsor organisations, see “How to
apply” section on page 5)
reimbursement of personal labour costs
property boundary fencing
preparation of the grant application and grant reporting
components of projects that have no environmental or educational benefit, such as
retaining walls, shelters etc.
purchase of assets that could be considered for personal use
purchase of assets that could be obtained by other means, i.e. hire, loan etc.
retrospective funding of activities; projects cannot start until a grant agreement has been
signed by all parties
existing debts or shortfalls
marketing and promotion of the organisation or existing services (unless directly
associated with the project and educational in nature)
projects that have been funded through another source
activities that are unlawful.
Note This list is not exhaustive.
Only expenditure incurred by the funding recipient or sponsor, directly attributable to the
approved project, will be considered eligible expenditure.
How will grants be assessed?
Applications will be assessed by a panel of Green Adelaide staff, with final funding decisions
made by the Green Adelaide Board or its delegate.
Priority will be given to projects that:
detail how they will specifically contribute to achieving the Grassroots Grant program
objectives
leverage other funding sources or provision of in-kind funding (e.g. fencing funded
privately combined with a Grassroots Grant for tube stock, tree guards and weed control)
provide a high level of value for money based on the scale and impact of the project
demonstrate how well the project complements or supports existing programs/initiatives
include clear timelines, milestones and management of potential risks for the proposed
project
provide a high level of public benefit and supports the local community
utilise strategic partnerships and collaborations
demonstrate how success of the project will be measured
demonstrate how the project outcomes and outputs will be supported and maintained
into the future.
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Green Adelaide staff may work with applicants to refine project design, partnerships, scope
and scale before entering into a grant agreement.
All applicants will be formally advised on the outcome of their application in writing. Feedback
will be provided to unsuccessful grant applicants upon request.
Conditions of funding
Successful applicants will enter into a grant agreement which may (depending upon the level
of the grant) outline:
key objectives and project outcomes
project and grant payment milestones
monitoring and reporting requirements
data sharing agreement
sharing of any media/promotional opportunities
process for any project variation and/or extension requests
responsibility for public liability insurance
any other terms and conditions as deemed appropriate.
All successful applicants will need to acknowledge Green Adelaide in any promotions
including media, online (social media, website) and promotional materials.
Unspent funds
Any unspent grant funds must be returned to the Green Adelaide Board in accordance with
the grant agreement.
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Checklist before submitting a grant application
Have you considered discussing the project with partners or Green Adelaide or
Department for Environment and Water staff?
Have you reviewed your application, ensuring all sections have been completed and
each question has been addressed?
Have you uploaded the required documentation? The following information is
mandatory:
Budget justification (detailed spreadsheet outlining how the costs were
determined within the budget table for each activity). Please see How do I
complete the budget table? in Appendix 2 on page 14.
Project photos (of the site/s). Mandatory for all on-ground works
Project location map (where the project will be delivered).
Quotes, cost estimates.
Evidence of partnership support (if you have a project partner you will need to
attach a letter of support).
For projects delivering on-ground works such as planting trees and pest control, have
you included:
approvals/permits or evidence that approvals are being sought or not
required?
landholder permission to undertake the project? If you are undertaking work
on someone else’s land, you will need a letter of support.
plant list? Must be included for any project purchasing plants.
For projects holding an event such as a field day or a workshop, have you included:
event program/itinerary/schedule?
For Tier 2 and 3 projects, it is recommended that you include:
Project brief: plans, images, concept designs, specifications etc.
Risk management plan. Please see Appendix 3 on page 15 for information on
risks and an example of a risk management plan.
Other supporting documentation such as management plans can also be uploaded.
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Appendix 1 - Green Adelaide region
For an interactive map of the Green Adelaide region please click here. Note it is not
compatible with Internet Explorer.
The interactive map shows the Green Adelaide boundary, as well as council boundaries – and
there’s a search bar which allows you to search for an address.
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Appendix 2 - How do I complete the budget table?
The budget table in the application form provides costings at the project activity level.
The project activities should reflect the same type of activities the project will be delivering as outlined in project delivery tab.
Project
activity
Quantity Start date Finish
date
Grant
funding
sought
($’s)
Cash
contribution
($’s)
Identify cash
co-
contributor
Volunteer hours
In-kind
contribution
($ value)
Identify in-
kind
contributor
Total
activity
costs
(i.e. Flora
survey,
pest plant
control)
(Number,
area ha,
length
km)
Date the
activity will
commence
Date the
activity
will be
completed
Funding
you are
seeking
from
Grassroots
Grants
Cash that will
be added in
addition to
Grassroots
Grants
funding being
sought
Who will be
contributing
cash towards
the activity
(e.g. list
other grants,
project
partners)?
Number of
volunteers
multiplied by
number of hours
per activity
Non-cash
contributions to
activity;
including venue
hire, donation of
goods, loan of
equipment.
Who will be
contributing
to activity (e.g.
council,
Bunnings,
school,
volunteer
group)
Grant
funding
sought plus
cash
contribution
plus in-kind
contribution
Example:
Flora
surveys
4 flora
surveys
Aug 2021 Oct 2021 $1500 $0 N/A 5 $200 Protective
clothing from
Bunnings
$1500
Example:
Training
sessions
2 training
sessions
Nov 2021 June
2021
$2000 $100 Landcare
group
5 $500 Venue hire
from local
council
$2100
Example:
Pest plant
control
5 Ha Sept 2021 Nov 2021 $15000 $500 Local council 10 $100 Hire of fill and
drill kit from
DEW
$15500
Example:
Direct
seeding
0.1 ha Jul 2021 Aug 2021 $400 $400 Parents and
Friends
20 $100 Materials -
shade cloth –
Parent
$800
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Appendix 2 - Budget justification
A budget justification spreadsheet will need to be uploaded to the Grant Management
System which itemises the costs for each activity (demonstrating how you arrived at the total
cost per activity). Please refer to the example below for the type of detail required within the
budget justification template.
e.g. training session
Training
sessions on
pest plant
and animal
control
Grant
funding
requested
Cash
contribution
In-kind
contribution
(including
volunteer
hours)
Comments
Consultant to
run 2 training
sessions @
$500 each
$1000 $0 $0 Quote
attached
Promote the
training
sessions,
organise
venue hire and
organise
consultant
(Salary -
12hours x $50)
$600 $100 $0 Salary scale
attached
Venue hire (2
days) @ $250
per day -
council
$400 $0 $100 Cost estimate
attached
Volunteer
trainers (2
volunteers at 2
hours @ $45)
$180 Based on
ABS hourly
rate for
volunteers
Total $2000 $100 $280
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Appendix 3 - What are grant activity risks?
Grant applications will require assessment of possible risks associated with the activity. When addressing risk in your application, consider risks such as
insufficient community interest or engagement, climate and seasonal conditions, availability of contractors/volunteer, staff turnover, safety risks
(volunteers, contractors) that may impact on the delivery of these activities and describe how these risks will be managed. For example, for insufficient
community interest or engagement, consider timing of the event, ensure it has been promoted across various mediums etc. For Tier 2 and 3 projects,
a risk management table may be attached in the Supporting Documents tab if preferred.
Risk management plan – example only
Describe the risk
There is a risk of/that
Risk cause/s
The risk/s are caused
by:
Current controls
The current controls for
the risk are:
Risk assessment Risk treatment
Depending on risk rating, additional
controls/mitigation strategy to be
implemented (to reduce risk rating)
Likelihood Consequence Risk rating
View the tables below to help determine your ratings and assessments.
Planting event will
not occur as planned
Seasonal
conditions (wet
weather)
Lack of volunteers
Consider
rescheduling
event
Advertising on
social media
Possible Moderate Medium
Plan for additional planting days
Consider school participation,
increase advertising
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Risk assessment ratings
Likelihood (of the risk occurring) Consequence (of the risk to the project)
ALMOST CERTAIN SEVERE
LIKELY MAJOR
POSSIBLE MODERATE
UNLIKELY MINOR
RARE INSIGNIFICANT
Use this table in conjunction with the likelihood and impact tables and the risk assessment guideline to determine the level of risk.
CONSEQUENCS ASSESSMENT
Lik
eli
ho
od
ass
ess
men
t
Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Severe
Almost certain Medium Medium High Extreme Extreme
Likely Low Medium High High Extreme
Possible Low Medium Medium High High
Unlikely Low Low Medium Medium Medium
Rare Low Low Low Low Medium