Grants to mobilise community-led action on climate emergency
Published on 24 April 2026
Surf Coast Shire Council wants community organisations to drive creative action on climate change through its 2026 Climate Emergency Grants Program.
The program is open for expressions of interest until the end of the month, with a total of $20,000 to be shared between successful applicants.
“Our Climate Emergency Grants aim to help mobilise community-led projects that address climate change and inspire community action,” Cr Phoebe Crockett said.
““We have so many people already doing great work in this area across our shire, but maybe there are meaningful projects that just need some funding to come to fruition.
“We want our grants to help lift projects off the ground, and we invite organisations to look at our guidelines and get creative.
“Projects can take many different forms as long as they aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help our community adapt to the impacts of climate change and engage our community in climate action.
“The deadline for grant expressions of interest is approaching quickly, with submissions closing on Thursday 30 April.”
Grants of $10,000 and $5,000 are available.
Following an initial expression of interest process, projects will go to a public vote to determine which will be awarded grants on World Environment Day, 5 June.
Successful projects from previous years include:
- Winchelsea Primary School and Lorne P-12 College collaborations with Common Ground Project enabling students to learn about regenerative gardening.
- Installation of a solar power system at Torquay Spring Creek Community Garden.
- A dynamic hands-on education experience presented by the The Brainary-Geelong Regional Library Corporation-Arckit Sustainability Studio enabling participants to learn about and create models of environmentally safe architecture.
Find more information on the grants program via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/CEgrants or call Council’s Grants Team on 5261 0600 to discuss ideas and ask questions.