2026 VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT LANDCARE GRANTS NOW OPEN

Landcare Grants to boost outstanding work of volunteers 

Landcare groups and environmental volunteers are receiving more support to care for nature. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is inviting applications for the Victorian Government Landcare Grants totalling $3.55 million to fund projects making a difference to enhance and protect Victoria’s great outdoors.

Landcare and environmental volunteer groups can apply for grants of up to $20,000 for projects, and $500 for support, from now until 23 April 2026.

Last year 509 Landcare and environmental groups across the state shared $3.56 million in grants, helping fund on-ground works, community education and engagement activities, group development and small grants supporting administrative functions including insurance, incorporation and operational costs.

Recipients included:

• Friends of Mallee Conservation’s project to develop a non-technical A4 identification guide and plain English key for Mallee Eucalypts. Assisting with the identification of both common and rare species and building awareness of the vegetation communities of north-west Victoria. 
• Kiewa Catchment Landcare Group’s Sowing the Seeds: Educating the Next Generation project, enabling growth of the involvement of young people in Landcare and creating the next generation of Landcare leaders.
• Friends of Mallacoota to assist with the on-going effort to eradicate weeds from Gabo Island, a 154-hectare island off eastern Victoria

Grants are available to all Victorian Landcare and environmental volunteer groups, including Landcare and Friends groups, Conservation Management Networks, Committees of Management, Coastcare groups and Traditional Owner or Aboriginal groups and organisations working on Country.

For more information, visit environment.vic.gov.au/grants/victorian-landcare-grants

Quotes attributable to DEECA Director of Environmental Investment and Programs, Lorna Mathieson:

“It is so important that we support the significant contribution that Landcare and environmental volunteer groups make to our communities managing projects that restore and enhance our parks, coastlines, nature reserves and waterways.”

“These grants continue to be of incredible value to Victoria and we’re proud to support the work of Landcare and environmental volunteers to protect our environment for generations to come.”

Quotes attributable to Corangamite CMA Regional Landcare Coordinator, Kylie McLaren:

“Now is the perfect time for Landcare and environmental volunteering groups to put forward the projects they’re ready to deliver. The application process is simple and accessible — just jump online, read the Victorian Landcare Grants guidelines, and start your application. And if you need support at any stage, we’re here to help.”

“Volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year to protect and enhance our natural environment. This funding boost will make a significant difference to the on‑ground results, learning opportunities and community connection that these groups can achieve.”

For more information go to https://ccma.vic.gov.au/grants/other-grants/