Applications for round 1 have now closed. Round 2 is open until 12:00pm (AWST), 24 April 2024. For information about round 2, visit the NFT Community Small Grants Fund Round 2 page.
About
The $4 million Community Small Grants Fund (CSGF) supports community groups and businesses within Western Australia's native forest regions.
The CSGF will be provided through two competitive grant rounds each delivering $2 million.
Funding of up to $100,000 is available for sustainable projects that aim to create jobs, expand and diversify the local economy, and create liveable communities through services, infrastructure, tourism and events.
The first funding round closed on 21 April 2023.
This is the second program in the Industry and Community Development Programs set up as part of the WA Government's $80 million Native Forest Transition.
To find out more about round 2 of the CSGF grants, visit the Community Small Grants Fund Round 2 page. You can also attend information workshops taking place in early March in Bridgetown, Manjimup and Nannup.
Step 1 – check eligibility
Show moreThe CSGF is open to organisations, businesses and community groups with well-planned and developed projects aimed at stimulating the local economy and supporting the community needs of the Native Forestry Timber Regions.
To find out all the eligibility criteria, please see the application guidelines [link], which are also attached in the Publications section below.
Eligible activities
To be eligible, your project must fit into at least one of these included activities:
- Development of new business streams that diversify or expand existing businesses.
- Development of new technologies aimed at providing a net economic benefit to the Native Forestry Region (e.g. prototype design, construction, and testing).
- Research development (e.g. market research and/or feasibility studies).
- Training courses and/or skills development.
- Business case development.
- Events will be considered where they demonstrate an economic benefit to the Native Forestry Region.
To find out about excluded activities, please see the application guidelines [link], which are also attached in the Publications section below.
Step 2 – how to apply
Show moreApplications open on Monday 20 February for the Community Small Grants Fund (CSGF) grants.
Eligible businesses are invited to apply through the online portal below.
Please ensure that your application addresses the assessment criteria set out on pages 7 and 8 of the application guidelines, located in the Publications section below.
Step 3 – assessment process
Show moreThe Native Forest Transition team, which includes local industry, union, and government stakeholders, will review the proposal against the eligibility criteria. The same team will also carry out a preliminary assessment of the eligible applications against the assessment criteria.
A Community Advisory Group (CAG) has been established to review the preliminary assessment of the CSGF applications and make recommendations for funding to the Minister for Forestry.
Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be reviewed by the CAG.
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified following the assessment process. Unsuccessful applicants in Round 1 can seek feedback on their application and resubmit a revised proposal in Round 2.
The review and assessment period is estimated to take up to 12 weeks after the funding round closes.
Need support?
Show moreTo find out more, read the information in the Publications section below, including the attached guidelines and frequently asked questions.
The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation and the South West Development Commission (SWDC) are working together to deliver the Industry and Community Development Programs.
If you have any queries about this grant, please email the SWDC or phone (08) 9777 1555.
