• NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR THE NORTHERN AGRICULTURAL REGION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Grant Writing

Getting Started

Billions of dollars in grant funding are provided each year by governments, philanthropic organisations, industry bodies and other funders. Finding funding that is a good fit for your organisation and your proposed project is an important first step towards preparing a successful application.

Before looking for funding, be clear about what you want to achieve. What problems, opportunities or priorities does your group or organisation want to address? What projects or activities could help achieve these outcomes, and approximately how much would they cost? Maintaining a list of potential projects, supported by your organisation’s strategic plan or other planning documents where available, can help you identify suitable grant opportunities as they arise.

Grants are available from a wide range of sources, including Australian, state and local governments, philanthropic and community foundations, industry organisations, not-for-profit organisations and businesses. Understanding the objectives and priorities of potential funders can help you identify opportunities that are a good match for your project.

Before applying, carefully read the grant guidelines and confirm that your organisation and proposed activities are eligible. Consider how well your project addresses the funder’s objectives, assessment criteria and expected outcomes. A strong application should clearly explain the need for the project, what will be delivered, who will benefit, how much it will cost and how its success will be measured. This is consistent with current Australian Government grant guidance, which recommends reading the Grant Opportunity Guidelines and associated questions and answers before applying.

Where to look for grants

A good starting point is your local government and relevant Western Australian and Australian Government department websites. Useful sources include the Australian Government’s GrantConnect and Community Grants Hub, and the Western Australian Government’s Grants and subsidies information.

For natural resource management, conservation and sustainable agriculture projects, it is also worth monitoring the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust and relevant opportunities from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The current phase of the Natural Heritage Trust runs to 30 June 2028 and supports environmental, natural resource management and climate-smart sustainable agriculture activities.

Industry organisations such as the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) may also provide relevant funding, investment or partnership opportunities. Regional and local organisations, community development staff and industry networks can also be valuable sources of information about upcoming opportunities.

Grant databases and funding newsletters can help organisations monitor a broader range of opportunities. It is also useful to periodically search online for funding relevant to your particular project, location or area of interest.

How to Write a Winning Grant Application

There are some good habits that will set you up well for any grant application. There are also questions that you will be asked every time you write a grant application. Get good at these, and you’ll get more successful at seeking out grant funding.

  • Read all the forms and, particularly, read all the guidance documents
  • Check that the project you want to do is eligible for funding under the grant
  • Check that your organisation is eligible for funding under the grant
  • Ask yourself if you have the skills and capacity to start, execute and complete your proposed project within the timeframes of the grant
  • Ask yourself if you will be able to complete the project with the funds available through the grant
  • Plan it all out on the back of an envelope or a piece of scrap paper

Funders need to know enough about your organisation to be able to establish credibility and ensure that you are eligible for funding and qualified to deliver the program or project. Collect and store information that is unlikely to change often, such as your organisation’s name, ABN or TFN, incorporation details, banking details and insurance certificates so that these are readily available when funding rounds open. Be ready to describe the qualifications and experience that you, your organisation or your staff have that is relevant to your planned project. A simplified format you can customise to the specific requirements of different funders would cover:

  • Who we are;
  • What we want to achieve;
  • What we have already achieved;
  • What we need support for;
  • Why this is important.

You will need to demonstrate that you have a clearly defined, creative, achievable and measurable strategy to address the problem you have identified. Be as specific as possible.

  • Project Description. Provide a short, sharp outline of the project at a glance, so the funder can get the picture quickly.
  • Objectives. Describe as precisely as possible exactly what you want to achieve and how you will achieve it. 
  • Methodology. Provide a detailed description of the specific activities you will do. This is an opportunity to bring in some creative ideas. 
  • Match up. Demonstrate that your project objectives align with relevant national, state, regional or local strategies or plans  (e.g. referring to the priorities identified in the Regional NRM Plan). Demonstrate how your project will help the funder to achieve their objective as well. 
  • Stakeholder Management. Demonstrate that you have thought about the relevant stakeholders and how they will be involved.
  • Communication. Describe how will you publicise your project and communicate the outcomes to different groups.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation. Describe how you will measure if you project has been successful. 

The budget is about more than just figures.  It is a chance to demonstrate that the funder will receive value for money out of their partnership with you. Demonstrate that you are willing to support their investment with whatever resources you can.

  • ‘In-kind’ contributions. Think about what you can offer to supplement the investment by the funder.  An in-kind contribution might include volunteer labour, administrative support, rent-free accommodation or free/discounted use of materials, or equipment.
  • Take the time to make very sure that your numbers add up correctly.
  • Demonstrate sustainability.  Describe how the outcomes of the project will be sustained beyond the end of the funding you are applying for.

Your budget should include:

  • What it will cost to deliver the project;
  • How much you or your other partners can contribute (financially or in-kind).
  • GST, where applicable. 

Good quality reporting, submitted on time, clearly communicating your achievements will help to build a good reputation. Keep the following in mind when planning and executing your project:

  • Generally funds must only be used for the approved project. Keep detailed financial records so that you can show how funds were spent.
  • Reporting is usually required at the end of the project. In some cases, funders may require progress reports at specified times throughout the project. Ensure you are aware and stick to the reporting schedule.
  • Complete the project within the defined time frame. If you think you will need more time, contact the funder well before the end date and request an extension.
  • Ensure that you acknowledge the funder in all published material, displays or presentations related to the project.

Get ahead of the game by making sure you always pay attention to the details. 

  • Read the guidelines. The most important part of any application for funding is to follow the guidelines to the letter. Ensure that you meet the criteria for the grant. Funders receive many incomplete or ineligible applications and making sure that you have followed all the guidelines will send your application to the top of the pile.
  • Follow the application format that the funder requests. Stay within the word limit and make sure to complete and attach all additional information requested. This makes it easier for the funder to assess your application.
  • Write in clear, simple English.
  • Include a definition for all acronyms or terms that may not be generally understood.
  • Be specific
  • Proofread. Carefully read everything you have written. Read it aloud. Read it a day after writing. Give it to someone else to read for you. Typos make a bad impression and undermine your credibility.
  • Seek out feedback from someone you trust on the content of your application.
  • Have an eagle-eyed friend or colleague check that everything tallies in your budget.
  • Get it in on time. Aim to submit before the deadline if you can. 
  • Include photographs, infographics and examples wherever you can.
  • Have a few referees who you have asked for permission, complete with name, title, contact details and email, ready to upload.
  • Ask for feedback if your grant is rejected. This is a powerful learning opportunity that can help you to write better grants in the future. 

Useful grant directories include:

If you are an organisation who provides grants, SmartyGrants offers grant management software to assist grant makers.

Acknowledgment of Country

We respectfully acknowledge the Yamaji and Noongar people who are the Traditional Owners and original natural resource managers of the Northern Agricultural Region and pay our respect to all of the Aboriginal Elders and leaders in the region, past, present and emerging

“Bandang jinangij ngala nyoongar boodja danjoo.” All people looking after Country together (Noongar).

“Barndi nhurra nganjungu barnagi yanayinha.” It is good that you come to our Country (Yamaji Wajarri).

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Water On Badimaya Barna
Water On Badimaya Barna - Barbara Merritt