2015 Threatened Species
Protection Initiative
Community Volunteer Action Grants Guidelines
© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2015
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August 2015 ISBN 978-1-74146-755-0 (pdf)
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Cover photograph
Volunteer planting, in Yea district 2012. Photo courtesy of Victorian Landcare Program
Minister’s Foreword
Victoria is home to some of the most interesting and unique flora and fauna in
Australia, and indeed, the world. Today, a number of these species are sadly
endangered or threatened, as a result of both human and natural activity.
Without prompt intervention, those special plants and animals risk extinction. If we
don’t take steps to address our impacts on the natural environment, we lose the
diversity of native species, habitats and ecosystems that are needed to maintain a
healthy natural environment.
We, the Victorian Government, have an important part to play in protecting
threatened species. We are stepping up and playing a leading role in conservation.
But if our leadership and investment is to truly make a difference, we need support. We need Victorians to
help.
The health of our natural environment is everyone’s responsibility. Every day, every one of us benefits from
a healthy environment: breathing the air, enjoying the land, drinking the water. A healthy environment is
essential for our wellbeing and critical for healthy, prosperous and sustainable communities. To this end,
we can all make a difference.
Pleasingly, many Victorians already care for the natural environment. Through volunteering, community
groups, not-for-profit organisations, and indigenous groups; people are out there doing great work - such
as habitat protection and revegetation - that benefits threatened species.
Rapid local community action on threatened species helps plants and animals in the short term, while
Government develops longer-term strategies and programs to address systemic challenges to threatened
species’ survival. Both of these approaches are critical to success.
We recognise the value of grassroots action in making change happen quickly.
To harness that, we have established the Threatened Species Protection Initiative to support the great work
happening at a community level. Through the initiative, $2 million dollars will be provided through the
Community Volunteer Action Grants to small-scale threatened species projects that build community
connections to the local environment.
A number of grant recipients will also have the opportunity to expand their programs through
crowdfunding campaigns. In a Victorian Government first, we will partner with an Australian crowdfunding
website to support community threatened species conservation campaigns. This enables the broader
community to directly invest in causes and projects that they value, and are particularly passionate about.
I am excited about this innovative, partnership approach to conserving our natural environment. I wish all
grant applicants the best of luck with their applications, and I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes
your work has for our threatened species.
The Hon Lisa Neville
Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water
2015 Threatened Species Protection Initiative Community Volunteer Action Grants Guidelines
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What is the Threatened Species Protection Initiative?
Victoria has some unique and precious flora and fauna.
However, Victoria’s flora and fauna face a number of challenges, with around one quarter to one third
threatened to some degree. Habitat continues to be lost or to decline in suitability due to impacts of
climate change, land use and threats posed.

The new Threatened Species Protection Initiative (TSPI) will support immediate action on threatened
species and habitat protection, whilst a longer term strategy for flora and fauna is developed.

$2 million in Community Volunteer Action Grants targeted at local threatened species projects.

$3 million in Critical Action and Strategic Partnerships Grants targeted at site specific and landscape
threat reduction activities in partnership with environmental agencies and organisations.

$200,000 for a crowdfunding pilot which will allow community groups and organisations a unique
opportunity to expand their projects through crowdfunding.

The initiative takes an innovative, partnership approach to threatened species protection that
recognises and harnesses the value of grassroots action coupled with good science in making change
happen quickly.
This guidelines document provides instruction for the Community Volunteer
Action Grants.
What are the Community Volunteer Action Grants?
The $2 million offered in grants will support small-scale threatened species projects on public and private
land that strengthen community connections to the local environment. The grants are aimed at improving
habitat and the security of sites for threatened species and engagement of volunteers in threatened
species projects. Funds will be directed towards voluntary efforts to protect and restore threatened
species habitat (such as native vegetation planting and control of pest plants and pest animals) as well as
engagement activities that increase the understanding of threatened species (such as participation and
training of volunteers in bird counts and monitoring of plant and animal populations for conservation and
recovery purposes).
What are threatened species?
The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) provides for the listing of taxa (genera, species,
subspecies, varieties) and communities of flora and fauna that are threatened and in decline as a result of
actions such as the removal of habitat. Threatened species have a statutory listing under the FFG Act which
affords a species legal protection.
 Statutory Listing under FFG Act
In addition, threatened species are listed under advisory lists (invertebrate fauna, vertebrate fauna, plants)
which provide detail of the conservation status of species in a way that is not currently provided for by
statutory mechanisms.
 Conservation Status- Victoria (Advisory List)
Threatened species listed under the FFG Act or Advisory Lists are the focus of the Community Volunteer
Action Grants. Groups can apply for funding for actions that support a single species or multiple species.
2015 Threatened Species Protection Initiative Community Volunteer Action Grants Guidelines
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What funding is available?
Eligible community groups can apply for a grant for an amount between $2,000 and $20,000*.
Projects funded through the Community Volunteer Action Grants must be completed by early November
2016.
Successful grant recipients may also be provided a unique opportunity to raise further funds through a pilot
crowdfunding campaign (refer What happens next on page 7).
*GST inclusive
When do applications open and close?
Threatened Species Protection Initiative Community Volunteer Action Grants:
Applications open 9.00am Wednesday 12 August 2015
Applications close 4.00pm Tuesday 22 September 2015
Who can apply?
Volunteer based, not for profit* local community and indigenous groups engaged in threatened species
conservation or habitat protection and restoration projects are encouraged to apply.
For example:

Local Landcare, Bushcare, Coastcare, Rivercare, Parkcare and Friends of groups

Conservation Management Networks

Naturalist groups

Volunteer Committees of Management

Indigenous Associations and Aboriginal groups
Other volunteer based community groups may also be considered if they are involved in local threatened
species projects.
Groups must hold insurance to cover volunteer action and must also be incorporated or will need to seek a
sponsor organisation that can support their application and enter into a contract with the Department of
Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
*As defined by the Australian Taxation Office: https://www.ato.gov.au/non-profit/getting-started/is-yourorganisation-not-for-profit-/
Who can be a sponsor?
The following organisations can participate as a sponsor, but are NOT eligible to apply in their own right.

Catchment Management Authorities

Water authorities

Umbrella not for profit associations that support smaller, local volunteer community groups

State and local government agencies and statutory authorities
Sponsors must agree to be accountable for the project including signing of the funding agreement,
receiving payment, meeting reporting and project delivery requirements.
2015 Threatened Species Protection Initiative Community Volunteer Action Grants Guidelines
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The following are NOT eligible to apply for or sponsor a project

Commercial entities: organisations, companies and trusts

Commonwealth government agencies

Private entities: individuals, companies and trusts

Research institutions

Owners/caretakers of properties under the Heritage Register of the National Trust of Australia
What might be funded?

Threatened species projects should focus on on-ground action through voluntary community
involvement to protect threatened species and improve their habitats.

In addition to on ground activities, projects may also include educational activities that engage
community in better understanding of how to protect threatened species and their habitats.
Eligible activities can include:

Native fauna and flora habitat protection such as fencing to exclude threats

Restoration of habitat through removal of rubbish or the planting of indigenous vegetation,
building of threatened species nest boxes

Humane and legal pest animal control activities

Environmental weed control using targeted hand weeding or other low impact means

Volunteer engagement and educational activities such as participation and training in bird counts
and monitoring of plant and animal populations for conservation and threatened species recovery
programs
Project budget items can include:


Purchase of materials to complete the project, such as:
o Fencing
o Native plants and seeds (locally indigenous species only)
o Mulch
Purchase of equipment and capital items to a maximum of $1000, such as specialist equipment
needed to complete the project, for example, motion sensor cameras for monitoring of threatened
species

Hire of equipment such as direct seeding machine for revegetation activities, post hole digger for
fencing

Contractor fees* for specialist work by qualified contractors required prior to voluntary activities
being able to be completed

Rubbish removal (if necessary prior to site restoration)

Project coordination* (at no more than 20% of the project budget)

Educational signage on threatened species to a maximum of $1000

Training of volunteers
* Applicants will need to demonstrate how project coordination, and/or contractor costs are essential to
facilitate the on-ground works component of the project and in the case of contractors, is for work that your
group is unable to carry out and is required before voluntary effort can be applied.
2015 Threatened Species Protection Initiative Community Volunteer Action Grants Guidelines
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What will NOT be funded?
Funding is not available for:

Activities that are already fully funded through another organisation or program

Activities that are not focused on threatened species education or conservation

Native vegetation offset projects (such as through a condition of a permit to clear native
vegetation, contract or agreement)

Non indigenous or advanced plants (indigenous tube stock or smaller plants and seeds are eligible)

Any activity involving clearing of native vegetation

Any activity involving the use of fire-arms, tranquilisers, traps or explosives (excluding use of
confinement traps under permit and expert supervision for population monitoring projects)

Any illegal activity

Transport and travel costs

Purchase of goods for competitions, prizes, giveaways, vouchers or alcohol

Development of recreational facilities, beautification projects, infrastructure or engineering works

Erosion control structures

Existing management obligations for example management agreements regarding control of weeds
on public roadways or landholder obligations for the control of declared weeds or pest animals
under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994

Insurance

Any other action or activity deemed through the assessment process to be an inappropriate use of
the funds
Do groups need to contribute to their project’s budget?
Groups do not need to contribute direct funding to a project as the grant is to support volunteer action by
community groups.
Community groups can include any funds or in-kind support that they contribute such as labour and
equipment. The volunteer time of community group members should be estimated by the number of hours
and costed at $25/ hour per person.
Funding conditions
Successful applicants/sponsor organisations are required to:

Enter into a funding agreement with DELWP to be signed by the authorised representative of the
group or sponsor organisation.

Be responsible for meeting contractual obligations including submission of expenditure, acquittal
and project reporting requirements by early November 2016.

Adhere to all relevant legislation including Occupational Health and Safety requirements.

Acknowledge the Victorian Government funding in publications.

Work with DELWP to identify and promote major project milestones and completion.
2015 Threatened Species Protection Initiative Community Volunteer Action Grants Guidelines
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How do I apply?
Complete your application online via SmartyGrants at:
https://delwp.smartygrants.com.au/CVAGrants2015
Attach all necessary documents requested.
For further information and for help in completing your application contact the Grants Information Line on
1300 366 356 (during business hours).
We recommend that you start your application as early as possible. Applications can be saved and worked
on until they are ready to be submitted. Ensure that your local environmental experts are aware of your
project to make sure that work is not undertaken in isolation or contrary to regulations, strategies and
plans:
o Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning for crown land, forests and the
provision of threatened species information
o Parks Victoria for parks and reserves
o Catchment Management Authorities for regional priorities, regional catchment strategies,
sub strategies and related plans
o Local Council planning staff for council owned land
o Water Authorities on their land
You will also need to obtain approval to undertake works from the site’s land manager/owner and consult
with your local Council regarding any permits you may need to undertake works.
What happens next?
Following an assessment process, the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water will announce
successful grant recipients.
You will be advised of the outcome of your application in writing after the assessment process is
completed. All decisions are final and are not subject to further review. However, applicants not granted
funding can ask for feedback on their application.
Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be able to participate in an information session about
crowdfunding. A selection of grant recipients will also be provided the opportunity to raise further funds
through a pilot crowdfunding campaign (refer page 9) and will be supported to develop a campaign.
Successful crowdfunding campaign projects will be provided with matched government funds in addition to
the base grant.
2015 Threatened Species Protection Initiative Community Volunteer Action Grants Guidelines
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Checklist before you submit your application
Required to
be attached
to your
application?
Do you have written consent from the relevant public land manager or private landowner to
undertake the work?
Yes
Does your group or sponsor have a current certificate or statement of Public Liability insurance
($10 million) and for Personal Accident insurance?
If your group needs sponsorship, do you have a written agreement (email or letter) from the
sponsor organisation to fulfil sponsorship obligations (refer page 4)?
Have you identified the location, boundaries and size (in hectares) of the project site on a map?
Yes
Does your project align with the objectives of the Community Volunteer Action Grants program
as outlined in this guidelines document and in SmartyGrants?
Does your project align with a regional plan (such as Catchment Management Authority
Regional Catchment Strategy; sub-strategy or plan?
Does your project align with other plans such as a Park plan or existing site management plan?
Have you consulted local environmental agency staff or threatened species experts to ensure
that the work you have planned is appropriate to the location?
Has your project listed one or more threatened species identified through either the Statutory
Listing under the FFG Act or the Conservation Status- Victoria (Advisory List)?
Do you have evidence that threatened species exist at the project location?
Have you sought approval for appropriate works permit/s from councils or authorities where
applicable?
Has your project taken safety, cultural heritage and biodiversity impacts into account?
Have you prepared a budget identifying all project costs including materials, labour and any inkind contribution (for example volunteer hours, equipment or additional funds provided from
other organisations)?
Have you checked cost and availability of materials and services (for example, availability of local
native plants at nurseries)?
If your group has received previous funding from DELWP, have you submitted all outstanding
project reports?
Do you have a plan for maintaining the project benefits beyond the life of the project?
Have you asked someone else to review your application?
2015 Threatened Species Protection Initiative Community Volunteer Action Grants Guidelines
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Yes
Yes
Key Dates
12 AUGUST 2015
22 SEPTEMBER 2015
OCTOBER 2015
NOVEMBER 2015
NOVEMBER 2016
Grants applications open
Grants applications close
Applicants notified of outcome
Projects commence
Projects and reports completed
Crowdfunding

The Victorian Government is providing $2 million for Community Volunteer Action Grants. In
addition, the government is also supporting a crowdfunding pilot of $200,000. Crowdfunding
raises small contributions from a large number of people through their social networks.
Crowdfunding:
 Allows the community to contribute to campaigns that they value, and
 Helps raise the profile of projects to generate additional awareness and involvement.
The Victorian Government will match community contributions for approved campaigns,
with up to $25,000 in Government funds available for each campaign.
Express your interest in crowdfunding
in your Community Volunteer Action Grants application and we will contact you with
more information in September 2015.
More information
Contact the Grants Information Line on 1300 366 356 or visit the website: http://www.delwp.vic.gov.au/tspi
2015 Threatened Species Protection Initiative Community Volunteer Action Grants Guidelines
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www.delwp.vic.gov.au