The Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants Program for local governments provides support to Adelaide’s metropolitan councils to undertake projects that deliver greening outcomes, incorporate water sensitive urban design or biodiversity sensitive urban design principles.
Applications for Round 2 are now open.
Browse our FAQs below to learn more.
What is the Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants Program?
The current round of Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants Program provides support to local governments in the Green Adelaide region to undertake projects that deliver greening and cooling outcomes, and include practical implementation of water-sensitive urban design and biodiversity-sensitive urban design principles, in highly modified urban settings with high community usage, at the site, street or precinct scale. Projects will improve liveability, biodiversity and climate resilience.
How does the Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants Program differ from previous Green Adelaide grants programs?
The Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants Program has been designed to encourage projects which will deliver multiple outcomes across water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) and biodiversity-sensitive urban design (BSUD) and urban greening. The program includes objectives focused on supporting activities and outcomes from a number of previous Green Adelaide grants programs. Projects may link to one or more program objectives, with higher consideration given to projects which achieve outcomes aligned to multiple program objectives.
What types of projects are eligible for funding?
Projects that deliver greening and cooling outcomes, and include practical implementation of water-sensitive urban design and biodiversity-sensitive urban design principles are eligible for funding.
Please refer to the Application Guidelines for more information regarding eligible and ineligible activities.
Who can apply for a grant?
Councils within the Green Adelaide region are eligible to apply.
My project is outside of Green Adelaide but benefits the Green Adelaide community, can I apply?
No, projects must be delivered within the Green Adelaide region.
When can I apply for a grant?
Applications are now open and close on 23 February 2024.
Can I have an extension to the grant application deadline?
No, extensions will not be considered.
How do I apply for a grant?
Applications are through Smarty Grants at: https://greenadelaide-sa.smartygrants.com.au
Can I get assistance with SmartyGrants?
Yes, please contact DEW.GreenAdelaide@sa.gov.au to request assistance with the SmartyGrants system.
Can I apply for more than one grant?
Yes, applicants may submit multiple applications but should consider their ability to match requested funding for all projects.
How much funding can I ask for?
Applications between $25,000 and up to a maximum of $200,000 are encouraged. Councils may submit multiple applications but should consider their ability to match requested funding for all projects.
Can a council apply for grant funding of greater than 50% total project cost?
No. Applications will only be considered that apply for up to 50% of the total project cost. Partnership co-contributions are encouraged to leverage funding from additional sources.
Can I still apply for this grant program if my project received funding from another source?
Yes. Partnerships or leveraging of funds from other grant programs is encouraged. However, funds would need to be guaranteed to enable a successful grant application.
Can the matched funds be in-kind?
Yes, in-kind contributions from partners will be accepted. However, financial co-contributions will be weighted higher.
What can be included as in-kind contributions?
In-kind contributions could include a project management and other staff time as well as time contributed by other organisations or volunteers (such as community groups and non-government organisations for planting or maintenance).
Can our council partner with another council?
Yes. Your application should clearly outline the nature of the partnership and the respective functions each group will undertake as part of the proposed project.
One of the councils should be clearly identified as the lead council for correspondence, reporting and overall responsibility for the project and the application should be submitted in the name of the lead council.
When will successful projects be announced?
Application outcomes are anticipated to be announced in April 2024.
When do contracted works and financial acquittals need to be completed by?
Projects need to be completed within 24 months (nominally 30 June 2026) of completing the grant agreement and should align with the timeframe indicated in your application.
The final report and financial acquittal is due one month after the completion date.
All project variations such as timing and project outcomes must be formally approved by Green Adelaide in writing.
Will my project be funded if it is to be completed over multiple years?
Projects need to be completed within 24 months (nominally 30 June 2026) of completing the grant agreement and should align with the timeframe indicated in your application.
All project variations such as timing and project outcomes must be formally approved by DEW in writing.
What supporting information should I include in my application?
Please include evidence on which the project is based and which support each of the outcomes claimed. Please refer to the Application Guidelines for more information on the types of supporting documentation to include.
Is there further guidance available on water-sensitive urban design and biodiversity-sensitive urban design?
Information and guidance on WSUD concept can be found at: https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/environment/docs/water-sensitive-urban-design-policy-gen.pdf
Further background and guidance can be found at Water Sensitive SA which can be accessed at https://www.watersensitivesa.com/
Information and guidance on BSUD concept can be found at: https://ggarrardresearch.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/bsud-final_reduced-size2.pdf
Further background and guidance can be found in Professor Sarah Bekessy’s presentation in the webinar ‘Nature-based Opportunities for Resilient Cities’ run by the Threatened Species Recovery Hub which can be accessed at: https://youtu.be/iZLlrUOEnIU
Is there a specific or preferred vegetation species list for plantings?
No, however projects that incorporate a suitable diversity of local native species will be favoured. We recommend that you speak to your council’s biodiversity officers or relevant experts for advice on species selection and habitat for wildlife and cross-reference with arborists regarding purpose, such as shade and root depth. Please provide any supporting information for your species choices, in particular in relation to biodiversity-sensitive urban design.
You are encouraged to also use tools such as:
- Nature Maps to search for native plant species in your area NatureMaps (https://data.environment.sa.gov.au/NatureMaps/pages/default.aspx). Non-endemic native species may be justifiable based on amenity, height and size considerations in some settings.
- Plants of Green Adelaide to select endemic species for greater biodiversity outcomes (http://www.syzygium.xyz/saplants/index_GA.html). Note that this site also provides information on regionally rare species whose inclusion in projects may facilitate elevated conservation outcomes.
When biodiversity isn’t the main driver, you may also consider the use of these tools to assist with species selection, however they are less likely to address BSUD objectives within the grant round.
- Botanic Gardens of South Australia’s tool Plant Selector+ (http://plantselector.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/home.aspx)
- i-Tree Species Selector (https://species.itreetools.org/selector/)
Want to know more?
For more information, read the Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants Program Application Guidelines.