The ACT Government has awarded funding to eight local organisations to deliver community-led projects that reduce emissions, strengthen resilience, and empower Canberrans to take practical climate action.

This funding is for Round One of the Communities Climate Action Grants Program, with $300,000 committed over two years to support local organisations, including schools and community groups, with grants of up to $30,000.

The 8 funded projects are:

• Mount Rogers P&C: Creating a climate-responsive naturescape that improves heat resilience, biodiversity, and outdoor learning while showcasing climate-adaptive practices to the wider community. 
• Australian Multicultural Action Network Inc: Delivering culturally tailored workshops and campaigns to help culturally and linguistically diverse communities reduce emissions through practical actions in transport, energy use, and waste. ($12,500)
• Canberra Environment Centre: Running hands-on workshops to build skills in home resilience, water-smart gardening, and sustainable transport for renters, young people, and low-income households.
• Southern ACT Catchment Group: Installing shade and increasing vegetation to improve climate resilience, comfort, and usability at the Cooleman Farm Neighbourhood Park. 
• Yeddung Mura (Good Pathways) Aboriginal Corporation: Delivering culturally grounded workshops focused on water conservation and drought-resilient gardening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS): Hosting a forum to strengthen the ACT community sector’s capacity to understand climate risks and plan for future impacts.
• Dual Sport Motorcycle Riders Association (DSMRA) ACT: Supporting the off-road riding community to reduce emissions by replacing petrol-powered trail maintenance tools with electric alternatives.
• Rowing ACT: Replacing petrol generators with solar power systems at regattas to reduce emissions and support more sustainable sporting events.

For more information visit the Everyday Climate Choices website. 

Quote attributable to Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, Suzanne Orr:

“Across Canberra, communities are stepping up with practical ideas to reduce emissions and prepare for climate change, and these grants are helping turn those ideas into action.

“These eight projects show the power of local solutions. From cooler green spaces to helping households save energy and prepare for extreme weather, the projects will make climate action visible, accessible and achievable in everyday life.

“The Communities Climate Action Grants Program is about empowering people to act where they live, work and connect, because strong, informed and supported communities are essential to improving Canberrans’ wellbeing and resilience to the harmful effects of climate change.” 

Quote attributed to Ravi Krishnamurthy, President, Australian Multicultural Action Network:

“Climate action is strongest when every community feels included, informed and empowered to participate. Through practical education, trusted local leadership and culturally inclusive engagement, this initiative will help multicultural communities become more confident, resilient and prepared to respond to climate challenges together. This grant supports practical, community-led action to ensure no community is left behind in Canberra’s climate future.”

Quote attributed to Bernie den Hertog, President, DSRMA ACT:

"Climate change is real, and as riders we need to lead by example. This grant lets us transition our entire trail maintenance operation to battery and solar power, proving that environmental responsibility and motorsport can go hand in hand.”

Quote attributed to Dr Devin Bowles, CEO, ACTCOSS:

“The changing climate is putting Canberrans’ health and wellbeing at risk. Funding for the community sector to help mitigate these risks is essential. Support now helps ensure essential service can continue or expand during crises, when they are needed most.”