The Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants are now open, with $450,000 available for projects that involve young people actively caring for Victoria’s biodiversity and natural environment.

Schools, kindergartens, childcare centres and youth groups can all apply for grants of up to $5000 for projects that encourage young Victorians to learn more about the state’s plants, wildlife and nature through hands-on activities or classroom learning.

More than 47,000 young people have been a part of the program involved in 1100 nature-based excursions and conducting 270 biological surveys through biodiversity focused learning activities.

Junior Landcare Biodiversity Grant recipients have also planted an incredible 99,000 indigenous plants across numerous landscapes to help maintain ecosystem health.
Past projects funded by the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants include the creation of a walking trail aimed at promoting opportunities for students to care for indigenous plants and animals on Phillip Island, transforming land with indigenous flora in Bundoora and biodiversity-focused excursions to learn about local wildlife in Yarra Glen.

All initiatives funded as part of the grants program help deliver on the Allan Labor Government’s long-term plan to protect Victoria’s native plants and animals through the landmark Biodiversity 2037 plan, backed by record investment of $582 million since 2014 to safeguard our natural environment.

Applications for the Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants will close at 3pm on Friday 14 June 2024.

For more information and to apply, visit here.

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“The Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants play such an important role helping young Victorians connect with nature.”

“Since 2018, the grants have provided more than $2.5 million to projects across the state, with 584 projects being completed and making a difference.”

“These grants benefit our beautiful landscapes across the state and help young Victorians get involved in nature-based programs at a young age can instil a passion for the environment that can last a lifetime.”