Nature Foundation – Wildlife Recovery Fund Grants Program

This program seeks to support individuals, community groups and other organisations to undertake projects aimed at promoting the medium to long term recovery and increasing resilience of fire impacted habitats, native flora and fauna (particularly threatened species) in South Australia.

The fund was established by Nature Foundation and the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service in response to the significant impacts to wildlife and habitat across multiple fires in South Australia in late 2019 and early 2020.

The objectives of the program are to:
- Re-establishment of critical habitat and/or protection of remaining refuge habitat of fire impacted flora and fauna (particularly threatened species).
- Recovery of populations or protection of remaining populations of fire impacted flora and fauna (particularly threatened species).
- Increased body of knowledge regarding recovery of fire impacted habitat, flora and fauna (particularly threatened species).

There are three tiers of funding available:
- Tier 1: Between $1,000 and $5,000
- Tier 2: Between $5,000 and $20,000
- Tier 3: Between $20,000 and $50,000

Tier 1 funding will be paid 100% upfront, with proof of project completion required by 30 June 2021 and full grant expenditure required by no later than 30 June 2021.

Tier 2 and Tier 3 funding may be granted to multiple year projects (e.g. 2-3 years), however funding under these tiers will be paid in instalments according to milestones and subject to satisfactory reporting as agreed to by the applicant and Nature Foundation.

Eligible applicants include:
1. Tier 1
- Landholders (landowners and/or lessees/land managers)
- Groups of landholders
- Farmers
- Community groups
- Schools
- Not-for-profits
- Research institutions
- Regional Landscapes Boards

2. Tier 2
- Landholders (landowners and/or lessees/land managers)
- Groups of landholders
- Farmers
- Community groups
- Schools
- Not-for-profits
- Bodies such as Regional Landscapes Boards

3. Tier 3
- Relevant community groups
- School
- Not-for-profits
- Research institutions
- Regional Landscapes Boards
- Other organisations with a current ABN, or individuals or organisations which are sponsored by an organisation with a current ABN, and which are proposing to undertake eligible activities

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Restoration and/or rehabilitation of native vegetation (e.g. pest plant and animal control, revegetation and linking of existing native vegetation).
- Conservation or provision of potential habitat/refuges for fire impacted flora and fauna (particularly threatened species) (e.g. fencing or rehabilitation of sites that may be used for translocation).
- Removal or management of recognised threats to fire impacted flora and fauna (particularly threatened species) (e.g. pest plant and animal control, fencing, and disease management).
- Catchment management and protection of riparian and aquatic ecosystems (e.g. management of soil erosion, water quality, fencing).
- Increased scientific knowledge through investigations and/or monitoring (e.g. survey and impact assessment, camera traps, animal tracking).
- Re-wilding and/or translocations (note: translocations, ex-situ breeding, placement of nest boxes etc. require permits and will require discussion with DEW regarding permit requirements).

Projects must be undertaken either on fire impacted land or for the benefit of fire impacted habitat, native flora and fauna (particularly threatened species) in South Australia.

Other activities or specific expenditure may be eligible where it supports achievement of the grants program objectives.

The main assessment criteria include:
1. Tier 1, 2 and 3
- Detail how they will specifically contribute to achieving the Wildlife Recovery Fund Grants Program objectives (projects aimed at achieving multiple objectives may be given preference).
- Demonstrate linkages to post-fire recovery planning, and benefit flora and fauna (particularly threatened species) and habitat that have been impacted by fires.
- Leverage other funding sources or provide in-kind funding (e.g. fencing funded privately combined with a Wildlife Recovery Fund grant for tube stock, tree guards and weed control).

2. Tier 2 and 3
- Have a sound scientific basis and/or will contribute to an improved scientific understanding of fire impacts on flora and fauna (particularly threatened species).
- Provide a high level of value for money based on the scale and impact of the project.
- Encourage Aboriginal engagement in the project and activities.
- Include clear timelines, milestones, and management of potential risks for the proposed project.
- Utilise strategic partnerships and collaborations.
- Demonstrate monitoring and evaluation of the project outcomes will be undertaken.

The following are ineligible for funding:
- Projects, works or activities already funded by existing or future insurance claims, unless funding through the Wildlife Recovery Grants Program would provide for additional enhancement of a project that is already funded.
- Activities that are causing or likely to cause environmental damage, either directly or indirectly.
- Reimbursement for personal labour costs.
- Property boundary fencing.
- Preparation of the grant application.
- Purchase of larger machinery, plant, and equipment.
- Retrospective funding of activities.
- Project management and administration costs of the applicant’s sponsor organisation (payee).
- Existing debts or shortfalls.
- Marketing and promotion of the organisation or existing services (unless directly associated with the project and educational in nature).
- Activities that are unlawful.