Applications are now closed for the Healthy Cities Landcare Grants Program.
Landcare Australia and Bupa have partnered to deliver the Healthy Cities Landcare Grants, as part of Bupa’s Healthy Cities Challenge. This funding will support environmental community groups and organisations to establish native plants (trees, shrubs and groundcovers) across Australia in urban and peri-urban landscapes to enhance biodiversity and positive health outcomes.
Each application must contribute to the establishment of native plants and host community events open to the public.
Eligible Urban and Peri-Urban Planting Regions
CLICK HERE for a map of eligible urban and peri-urban regions across Australia.
Eligible Planting sites
The Bupa Healthy Cities Landcare grant planting sites must be:
- in an eligible urban or peri-urban region;
- within public natural open space areas accessible to the community (e.g. parks and reserves);
- within 300m of an urban home, or easily accessible by public transport;
- in a location suitable for recreational physical activity such as walking and cycling; and
- Include a minimum of 500 plants.
For inspiration, you can read about the previously funded projects on Restor.
Grant Funding Available
Grant applications should be for a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $25,000 (ex-GST).
Please note: If your group has a particularly good project that requires more than $25,000 funding and can be established by August 2026, please call Landcare Australia to discuss the proposal.
Key Dates
| Applications open | Tuesday 22 July 2025 |
| Applications close | Friday 29 August 2025, 5pm AEST |
| Successful applicants notified | By Friday 21 November 2025 |
| Final report due and project complete | Monday 31 August 2026 |
Enquiries
If you have any questions after reading these guidelines, please call 1800 151 105, or email: [email protected].
To download the 2025 Healthy Cities Landcare Grants guidelines click here.
Grant Guidelines
Grant Outcomes
Projects must plant native species that will improve the extent, condition and connectivity of native vegetation in urban and peri-urban areas.
Project planting activities will contribute to the following:
- reconnecting areas of important natural habitat in the urban and peri-urban landscape;
- encouraging greater community participation in landcare and outdoor recreation activities;
- improving the amenity and liveability of cities/towns by creating urban green space; and
- contributing to the health and wellbeing of local community members.
Grant recipients should engage local community volunteers, which can include Scouts/Guides, schools, and other community groups, to help deliver the on-ground revegetation activities.
Plant Establishment
Project planting must be completed by 31 August 2026.
Ongoing Maintenance
Each Project will need to undertake adequate maintenance (particularly weed control and watering) to support the survival of the native plants established. Project maintenance can be funded through the grant program until August 2027. Planting maintenance costs beyond August 2026 can not exceed 10% of the total project budget
Capacity to Maintain Site
Successful recipients, or their partners, such as council staff or parks rangers, will have the means and capacity to maintain the site after the grant period ends, including performing any ongoing maintenance.
Eligibility
Eligible organisations include:
- Landcare groups and networks and other community-led environmental groups (e.g. ‘Friends-of’, Coastcare, WildCare, Dunecare, Bushcare, Intrepid Landcare, etc).
- Local government.
- NRM organisations or not for profits – including those operating nationally.
- Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations.
- State and Territory Landcare Organisations.
Eligible organisations must:
- If a community volunteer group, network or organisation:
- Be an incorporated association ; or
- Be an unincorporated association that has an auspice agreement with an eligible organisation;
- Have an Australian Business Number (ABN);
- Have an account with an Australian financial institution; and
- Hold a Certificate of Currency for appropriate insurance, including public liability and personal accident (volunteer) insurance.
Ineligible organisations
The following organisations are ineligible to apply; however they can participate as co-contributors for applications:
- Commonwealth statutory authorities.
- State or Territory Governments.
- Schools, kindergarten and childcare centres, scouting groups, junior landcare or youth environmental groups.
- Individuals/sole traders/partnerships.
Note: Ineligible organisations above are strongly encouraged to work as supporting co-contributors for applications with a local group. CLICK HERE to find your nearest group.
Budget
Eligible Budget items
Each grant must focus on planting activities, and project budgets should reflect this. Planting activities and community events must be completed by 31 August 2026
| What we will fund | What we do not fund |
|---|---|
| -Native plant stock in tubes or hiko’s -Plant guards and stakes -Community planting events, and community education -Tools and equipment for planting events -Project management/ administration (must not exceed 10% of grant funding) -Site preparation activities (soil preparation, weed management, mulch, etc.) -Planting maintenance after August 2026, including supplementary watering, weeding, etc. (must not exceed 10% of funding) -Small scale direct seeding | -Computers, laptops, and smartphones -Capital expenditure items -Mature native plants -Artificial habitats or nesting boxes -Amenity improvements such as tables, chairs, paths etc. -Airfares, interstate, or overseas travel -Project costs and activities that are funded through another grant or fund source -Retrospective funding of activities or project costs that have been completed before the funding agreement was signed -Purchase of goods for competitions, prizes, giveaways, or vouchers, donations -Events and activities outside of urban and peri-urban areas - as defined in these guidelines. |
The above lists are not exhaustive. If unsure, contact the Landcare Australia Grants Team on 1800 151 105 or email: [email protected].
Budget
When developing your budget consider the overall cost per plant (funding requested / plant number).
Providing a detailed budget is an essential part of your project. To assist in the assessment of your project please ensure that you include detail in your item description.
Before working on your budget, please consider the following:
- cost estimates should be credible and realistic. Include quotes where applicable;
- inflated budgets will damage the credibility of the application;
- each item must be specific, avoid using terms such as ‘miscellaneous’ or ‘other activities’; and
- for each item, include a short description and provide details of calculations used to arrive at the amount budgeted.
In-kind contributions
An in-kind contribution is a contribution of a good or service or cash.
Some examples include:
- supporting organisations time and resources
- voluntary labour (labour for planting)
- donated goods (items donated to the project such as additional plants, guards)
- donated services (site preparation provided by council or another supporting organisation)
- cash contribution from other partners or participants
Example project budget
| Item Description | Funding Requested (ex GST) | In-Kind Contribution (ex GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Project management and administration 60hrs x $50/hr | $ 2,400.00 | |
| Native tubestock 5000 plants including grasses, shrubs and trees @$2.00 each | $ 10,000.00 | |
| Tree Guards - Biodegradable Fibreboard 300x95x95 (1000 units @ 0.70 each) for trees | $ 700.00 | |
| Bamboo Stakes (2000 units (2 per guard) @ 0.23 each) | $ 460.00 | |
| Council recycled guards and stakes (3,000 x $2/each) to protect shrubs | $ 6,000.00 | |
| Jute Weed Mats (100 per pack - 10 units @ $135 each) | $ 1,350.00 | |
| Mulch (68 cubic meters @ $65 per cubic meter) | $ 4,420.00 | |
| Site prep (bush regen contractor hours) weed control, lay mulch (40 hours @ $55/hr) | $ 2,200.00 | |
| Volunteer Coordinator wages for x2 school excursions (8 hours @ $50/hr) | $ 400.00 | |
| In Kind Volunteer Coordinator supervision during planting events (25 hours @ $50/hr) | $ 1,250.00 | |
| In kind (minimum) site maintenance and monitoring by volunteers (84 hours @ $50/hr) | $ 4,200.00 | |
| In kind restoration ecologist monitoring and pest control (30 hours @ $50/hr) | $ 1,500.00 | |
| In kind seed collection and propagation (30 hours @ $50/hr) | $ 1,500.00 | |
| Advertising - printing flyers 500@ $0.50c, social and print media advertising | $ 500.00 | |
| Community planting days catering 50 x $10pp | $ 500.00 | |
| Use of landcare group equipment/ fuel/ power | $ 500.00 | |
| Community planting day 50 volunteers x 2hrs x $45ph | $ 4,500.00 | |
| TAFE venue for presentation | $ 300.00 | |
| Project maintenance beyond August 2026 | $ 2,200.00 | $ 1,500.00 |
Budget Totals
Total Funding Requested (ex GST) | Total In-Kind Contribution (ex GST) | Total Project Cost (ex GST) |
$23,380.00 | $23,000.00 | $46,380.00 |
This number/amount is calculated. | This number/amount is calculated. | This number/amount is calculated. |
Reporting Requirements
As a condition of receiving the grant funding you will be required to complete a Progress Report, Final Report and two photo point update reports following project completion.
Funding
Funding will be provided in two (2) instalments – 80% of grant funds upon grant acceptance and 20% of funds upon completion of the final report. If groups are experiencing hardship or anticipate needing funds earlier, they are encouraged to contact the Landcare Australia Grants Team for support: 1800 151 105, or email: [email protected].
Terms and Conditions
The funding for this grant will be administered by Landcare Australia. Before receiving funding, you will be required to agree to the standard terms and conditions.
Other conditions
- Projects must be delivered on land easily and freely accessible to the public.
- Project sites cannot be located on private property.
- All projects must have landholder consent.
- Applicants are encouraged to engage with Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations in project development and delivery.
- Project sites that enable accessibility for all members of the community including wheelchair and mobility aid access are desirable.
- Groups with project reports overdue from previous Landcare Australia grants are ineligible for further funding, until all reporting requirements have been met (contact Landcare Australia if you are unsure).
- Photos of volunteers engaging in on-ground works or activities that showcase your organisation’s ability to deliver the project are welcome as part of your submission.
- Ensure suitable checks and risk management protocols as required under relevant legislation are in place.
Mapping Your Project Site
Project site mapping is required as part of your grant application. This can be provided in one of the following formats:
- JPG
Shape files, KML or KMZ files cannot be uploaded to the application form, however if successful these files will be required. Google Earth can be used to create the mapping information. If you need any further mapping support, please contact the Landcare Australia Grants Team: [email protected].
File creation using Google Earth
- Locate your project area on Google Earth
- Click on ‘Add’ – and select polygon or select the
icon to add a polygon.
- Click points on the map to define your project area.
- Select ‘Save to project’.
- Save your project to either Local KML File or Drive Project.
- Rename your polygon with the site identification number/name used in your project application.
- Repeat the above process for each project site identified in your project application.
- Rename your project KML file using your application number.
- Click on Print and change page format to Landscape.
- Select ‘Save as PDF’.
- Attach PDF file to your application in Smarty Grants.
Assessment Criteria
Landcare Australia will consider applications based on the following criteria:
| Essential Criteria | Weighting | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The project objective, activities, outcomes and timelines are clearly defined. | 25% | -Project goals are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely). -It is clear who will undertake the work, what will be undertaken, and where it will be done. -The project has significant community participation in project activities and the ability for significant community benefit following the project’s implementation. -Project benefits are likely to be achieved in the time and budget available. |
| The project is well developed, has a strong technical basis, appropriately supported and resourced. | 25% | -The project and activities are feasible with a sound technical basis and a strong probability of success. (i.e., Landholder permission is provided) -There is adequate technical expertise to support the project. -The project engages with and benefits the wider community. -The applicant group can provide example(s) of success with similar projects. |
| There is a commitment to monitor and maintain project outcomes | 10% | -Monitoring activities are in place to track project progress and assess effectiveness of project activities. -The application demonstrates a commitment to maintain or build on project outcomes into the future. (e.g. Council Letter of Support includes maintenance). |
| The project demonstrates value for money. | 40% | -Reasonable cost per plant (grant funding / number of plants). -Adequate detail is provided in the budget to show consideration of project planning and costs, and how the target plant numbers will be achieved. -The budget is relevant and aligns with the project activities. -The budget costs and activities align with the expected project outcomes. |
Grants will be objectively assessed by a panel against the Assessment Criteria, and the higher scoring projects will be funded.
How to Apply
Groups can apply for the Bupa Healthy Cities Landcare Grant on the Landcare Australia SmartyGrants Portal until 5pm (AEST) 29th August 2025
Your application
- Follow the link https://landcareaustralia.smartygrants.com.au/BUPA25. You can view and download the application form before you start your application.
- You must log in or register with SmartyGrants to be able to complete the application.
- If you wish to save a partially completed application, press ‘Save and Close’ and log out. You can log back in and continue to edit your application until you are ready to submit.
- To submit your application, click the ‘Review and Submit’ button at the bottom of the Navigation Panel. You need to review your application before you can submit it. Once you have submitted your application the application’s status will change to ‘Form completed’, and no further editing of the application or uploading of support materials will be possible.
- When your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive a confirmation email from SmartyGrants to your login email address. Please ensure you check your spam/junk mail folder if you do not receive the confirmation email.
If you have any problems or questions about online submissions, please refer to the FAQs below, or contact Landcare Australia’s Grants Team on [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my project site eligible?
Use the interactive map to search for your location to check if it is an eligible urban and peri-urban regions. CLICK HERE for the map.
How many plants should my project target?
Grants must involve a minimum of 500 locally indigenous plants which are appropriate for the site, with total numbers consistent with value-for-money considerations.
How do I know how many participants my project will have?
You should base expected participation numbers on the number of attendees your group has had at similar events in the past.
What do I do if I can’t find an auspice for my unincorporated group?
If you are not able to be auspiced by any of the other eligible organisation types including local government, Landcare Networks, state and nationally based organisations contact Landcare Australia and we can assist you with auspicing for your project.
Does my group need an ABN to receive a grant?
Yes, however if your group does not have an ABN, you can arrange for an affiliated group with an ABN (e.g. local council) to receive the grant funds on your behalf.
Does the grant include GST?
Yes, however not all groups are eligible to receive GST. Check whether your group is eligible to receive GST by searching here. Independent advice should be sought if you are unsure.
Please ensure your budget does not exceed the total grant funding stipulated in the guidelines. Funds will be transferred to the applicant’s nominated bank account if deemed successful.
What do I need to include in my budget?
All activities to be funded by the grant funding should be included in the budget. In-kind contributions should also be included to show volunteer or other cash contributions. For each item, include a description and provide details of calculations used to arrive at the amount budgeted. Inflated budgets will damage the credibility of the grant. Click here for a budget example,
Filling in your budget table:
In the ‘Activity/Item Description’ column, list the resources, funds and activities required to carry out the project.
‘Funding Requested’, enter the price of the items to be funded. Please note – total funding requested must not exceed the total amount of the grant (ex GST).
About Bupa
Bupa Asia Pacific is part of the Bupa Group, an international healthcare company. They are committed to reinvesting profits into providing high quality, innovative healthcare for the benefit of current and future customers around the world. Bupa is committed to helping customers live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. To help people live longer, they are focused on preventative health through collaborating with experts and communities to deliver meaningful programs and outcomes.
Bupa Healthy Cities is a global initiative designed to empower people to adopt healthy, long-term habits in their everyday lives, while unlocking investment in nature. Through Bupa’s ‘Healthy Cities Challenge in September, Bupa employees and corporate partners across Australia and New Zealand will be asked to complete activities and challenges to unlock Bupa investment into nature regeneration.
For more information please visit bupa.com.au.
About Landcare Australia
Landcare Australia is a national not-for-profit organisation established more than 30 years ago, that supports the landcare community with funding, capacity building, on-ground projects, information, networking and promotion of landcare achievements. Landcare Australia also delivers major land restoration projects.
Across Australia, our partnerships support thousands of people involved in landcare who are working to protect local ecosystems that contribute to the sustainability and productivity of our land and water assets. Together with the landcare community, our efforts improve biodiversity, build resilience in Australia’s food and farming systems, and create stronger communities. We are focused on supporting and working with First Nations, youth, women and engaging farmers and landholders in the emerging environmental markets.
Landcare enables people to actively care for the natural environment in their community through sustainable land management and conservation activities.
For more information please visit landcareaustralia.org.au.