Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants
Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants Program FAQs
Applications for Round 5 are now open.
Browse our FAQs below to learn more.
What is the Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants Program?
Green Adelaide's Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants Program supports 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 (WSUD) and biodiversity-sensitive urban design (BSUD) principles, in highly modified urban settings with high community usage. Projects will improve liveability, biodiversity and climate resilience and can be at a site, street or precinct scale.
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 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 will close 21 December 2026.
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.
Will there be an information, session?
Yes, there will be an online webinar hosted by Water Projects Officer Martin Fidge on 5 November at 2pm on Microsoft teams. To register, please click on this link HERE.
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 of up to $500,000 are encouraged.
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 project costs contributing to cooler, greener, wilder outcomes. The council contribution can include monetary or in-kind contributions, as well as support from volunteer groups or other grant funding 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 on a co-contribution basis is encouraged. However, funds would need to be guaranteed to enable a successful grant application and Green Adelaide will not duplicate funding for the same activity.
What are the key Objectives of the Cooler, Greener, Wilder, Grants program?
Increase urban green cover, as well as tree canopy to progress against the target in the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan and Urban Greening Strategy for Metropolitan Adelaide, and reduce the urban heat island effect across metropolitan Adelaide.
Specific outcomes may include increased green cover, tree canopy and/or other forms of greenery in urban streets and reserves; mitigation of urban heat islands; and increased species diversity.
Integrated Water-Sensitive Urban Design for localised water management, fit-for-purpose water provision or at-source infiltration to support urban greening and cooling.
Specific outcomes may include at-source stormwater infiltration to support greening and cooling, stormwater runoff quality improvement and/or volume reduction; water reuse/recycling (stormwater, wastewater).
Create diverse and appropriate habitat for native wildlife in urban settings through the implementation of Biodiversity-Sensitive Urban Design principles.
Specific outcomes may include maintenance and creation of targeted biodiverse habitat; facilitation of species dispersal; minimisation of threats and human generated disturbance; facilitation of natural ecological processes; improved potential for positive human-nature interactions.
Enhance public amenity and natural character to provide community benefit in areas of high pedestrian usage, through creation of Quality Public Green Spaces (QGPS).
Further outcomes may include community health and wellbeing; connection with nature; stronger communities; access for all; neighbourhood character; resilient communities.
Support projects that lead industry best practice through innovation.
Can the matched funds be in-kind?
Yes, in-kind contributions from partners will be accepted.
What can be included as in-kind contributions?
In-kind contributions could include staff time as well as time contributed by other organisations or volunteers (such as community groups and non-government organisations for planting or maintenance). Please see the program guidelines for further information.
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 March 2027.
When do contracted works and financial acquittals need to be completed by?
Projects need to be commenced by 31 December 2027 and completed by 31 December 2030. Start and end dates 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 by 31 December 2030 and should align with the timeframe indicated in your application.
This extended timeframe will allow for establishment and maintenance of vegetation during the grant period.
All project variations such as timing and project outcomes must be formally approved by Green Adelaide 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 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:
Do the grants cover irrigation?
For this year CGW grants will consider maintenance and establishment costs for the first 12 months after planting, including weeding and irrigation, up to the value of 10% of eligible project costs.
What are the 6 steps in BSUD?
Further guidance on Water-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/
For more biodiverse plantings in raingardens see Raingarden-Plant-Fact-Sheet-v5_FINAL-Dec16.pdf (watersensitivesa.com) and for a built example: Water Sensitive SADover Square raingarden, South Brighton - Water Sensitive SA
What is the average annual reduction in volume of stormwater runoff to the downstream system from the WSUD installation? MUSIC model results can be provided for this, or the following assumptions can be used:
Further guidance on Biodiversity-Sensitive Urban Design
For more information, read the Cooler, Greener, Wilder Grants Program Application Guidelines.