Coastcare Victoria Community Grants

Overview

The annual Coastcare Victoria Community Grants assist the community in caring for the marine and coastal environments.

• 277 hectares of weed control and revegetation that conserved, restored, and protected the coastal environment.
• Over 13 tonnes of plastics and litter were removed from our coast and marine environment.
• 536 coastal education, citizen science, and engagement activities were delivered to more than 8,600 participants, building community knowledge and understanding of climate change, sustainability, and conservation.
• 6,478 volunteers donated more than 43,202 hours of their time and skills to environmental volunteering.
• 1,691 new volunteers were gained by the groups and organisations, increasing the diversity of coastal stewardship.
• 8 projects focused on strengthening Traditional Owners’ Self-Determination and recognising their longstanding connection to Sea Country.

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  Funding available	Up to $10,000 ex GST
  Delivery Timeline	1 July 2026 to 31 May 2027
  Number of Applications	One per applicant

  Who can apply?

  The following applicants are eligible:

  community-led environmental groups or networks
• non-government environment-focused organisations
• Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs)
• Aboriginal groups or organisations
• Committees of Management (excluding Local Government)
• educational and research institutions, including schools and universities (recommended to partner with a local coastal volunteer group and/or align with the Coastcare Victoria Schools Kit).

• Projects that align with one or more of the 2026 Coastcare Victoria Community Grants objectives:
• Championing Inclusivity - increasing the diversity of coastal stewardship and volunteering participants.
• Improving Capacity – coastal education, citizen science and engagement activities that build knowledge and understanding of climate change, sustainability and conservation.
• Increasing On-ground Actions - to conserve, restore, and protect the coastal environment.
• Strengthening Traditional Owners' Self-Determination - recognising their longstanding connection to Sea Country.

• 2026 Coastcare Victoria Community Grant – Guidelines (PDF version)
• 2026 Coastcare Victoria Community Grant – Guidelines (Word version)

• Job Safety and Emergency Management Plan
• Letter of Support from Auspice Organisation
• Letter of Support from Land Manager
• Application / Project Plan template

• Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2021-2026
• Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Guide 2020
• Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register and Information System (ACHRIS)
• Coastcare Victoria’s Schools Kit
• CoastKit

• To start a new application: https://deeca.my.site.com/grants/s/form?id=a0hRF00000A7IQfYAN
• To return to a draft application: https://deeca.my.site.com/grants/s/