Through this program, Australian Geographic aim to support conservation leaders working across Australia. They will offer tiered, continuing, financial and practical assistance to courageous changemakers spearheading scientifically informed local solutions to the biodiversity, pollution and climate crises.

These competitive grants will run annually and each of the grants, known henceforth as awards, are worth either $20,000, $30,000 or $50,000 each.

There is a two-step application process which begins with an expression of interest letter (EOI).  Successful first step applicants will be invited to apply for the award.

There are tiered funding in three categories:

Bronze - Tier 1 (2 available in 2025) - $20,000 - Projects maybe not yet fully established, local in scale but fulfilling the criteria. With good potential and fleshed out plan for growth.

Silver - Tier 2 (2 available in 2025) - $30,000 - Established program with some evidence of success and effectiveness. Funds would help the project scale up to next level.

Gold - Tier 3 (1 available in 2025) - $50,000 - Established program/project or organisation with track record, large scale project with evidence of past successes.

Please submit an Expression of Interest letter to the Australian Geographic Society at society@ausgeo.com.au 

What kinds of projects are likely to succeed?

• Citizen science projects linked to practical conservation outcomes
• Fenced sanctuaries
• Rewilding programs
• Translocation programs
• Marine conservation
• Nature based climate change impacts: adaptation and mitigation
• Pollution mitigation
• Wildlife corridors
• Habitat restoration
• Applied scientific research with tangible projects
• Insurance population building

Eligibility criteria 

• Located in Australia or on an Australian o/s territory (Macquarie Is, Antarctica, Christmas Island Cocos Keeling Is.)
• Operating at a grass roots, hands on level.
• Run by passionate dedicated people who will be able to communicate their projects in an articulate and effective way that helps others to become engaged and involved. As such we are looking to award individuals leading a team. We prefer a face or identity for the project.
• Informed by the latest scientific research.
• Demonstrates collection and use of data to inform strategies
• Uses evidence-based methods and with indications of success.
• Demonstrates community stakeholder involvement and/or engagement including with First Nations stakeholders.
• Projects that can demonstrate scalability.
• Clear and measurable outcomes. Reporting requirements will be part of the award.
• Sustainable projects with longevity. We will be looking to track progress and impact well into the future.
• Proven ability to manage funding.

• Email: society@ausgeo.com.au