Applicants must either be a legal entity (e.g. an incorporated association, individual, partnership, corporation/company) or be sponsored by a legal entity. If a sponsor is used, the sponsor will enter into the grant agreement and be responsible for managing the funding on the applicant’s behalf.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to form partnerships (i.e. joint applications) with relevant organisations and explore ways to share resources between areas and projects to maximise outcomes and minimise the costs of administration and other forms of duplication.

Projects must relate to the Murraylands and Riverland region. Projects that include activities on public land may require relevant approvals and permits – i.e. a scientific permit to monitor threatened plants.

Use the map on the right-hand side of this page to see if your proposed project falls within the region.

Projects can commence from 1 July 2026 and must be completed by 30 June 2027.

The total amount of funding available in the program for 2026-27 is $408,850.

There is no minimum or maximum amount of funding per project. Applicants should keep in mind the total funding available for Grassroots Grants is less than previous years, and are encouraged to demonstrate strong value for money, including in-kind and other financial contributions where possible.

Why is the funding pool for Grassroots Grants less than in previous years?

In the last few years, the landscape board was in a position to be able to provide additional funds to the base 2.9% of landscape and water levies which is the legislative requirement. For this round, we are only able to provide the base funding.

While there is no limit to the number of applications that can be submitted, applicants are encouraged to combine multiple projects into a single application where practical.

There are 3 application forms based on the amount of funding being sought:

• Funding up to $1,000
• Funding between $1,001 to $10,000
• Funding over $10,001

A range of criteria will be used to assess applications including:

• contributions to the landscape board’s regional priorities and focus areas
• methodologies and activities
• partnerships, including other financial contributions
• budget, value-for-money and in-kind contributions

It is anticipated that applicants will be notified about the outcome of the assessment process in June 2026.

• Successful proponents will be required to submit a progress report and/or a final report depending on the value of the grant. Proponents will be required to monitor and evaluate the success of project activities.
• Successful applicants will be required to work with landscape board staff to publicise project activities in regional communications including print media, website and social media
• All project communications must acknowledge the landscape board as the funding source. More detailed acknowledgement information, wording and logos will be provided to successful applicants.
• The type of activities, the amount of funding granted, and the applicant type will determine the type and level of insurance required. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure they are adequately insured. For not-for-profit proponents with grants of $10,000 or above, the applicant will be required to have a minimum of $1 million public liability insurance coverage.

Applications are due by 11.59pm ACDT on Sunday 22 March 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications are submitted online using SmartyGrants. Applicants requiring additional assistance to complete or lodge an application can request assistance by contacting Kathy Hill – Project Officer - Investment Support by calling 0499 344 858 or emailing kathryn.hill2@sa.gov.au.

Late applications will not be accepted, except where extenuating circumstances apply. Applicants who miss the deadline due to extenuating circumstances may be granted up to 48 hours to submit their application.

Yes, previous applicants are welcome to apply. All applicants are encouraged to speak to the relevant technical contact at the landscape board to discuss your project idea before lodging your application.

The Friends of Parks and Nature grant program is the preferred funding for Friends of Parks (FoP) groups working in national parks. You can apply for a Grassroots Grant if:

• Your group missed out on Friends of Parks funding, or
• You need funding to cover the gap between a successful Friends of Parks grant and your project cost.

If you apply through Grassroots Grants, please mention any previous attempts to secure funding from the Department for Environment and Water.

Not sure if your group is registered? Check the Friends of Parks and Nature member directory here.

The South Australian Automated External Defibrillator Grants Program supports organisations to purchase a defibrillator and is the preferred fund for this purpose.

The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board may consider applications from groups who have been unsuccessful in being awarded funds through the SA AED Grants Program, or to fund the gap between the grant amount and the cost of a defibrillator.

Groups applying for the cost of a defibrillator through the Grassroots Grant scheme should ensure that they address previous attempts to seek funding as part of their application.