The WIRES National Grants Program (WIRES NGP) is now open for applications to support best practice rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, an increase in emergency preparedness in the sector, along with native species recovery projects to improve long-term outcomes in Australia.

The WIRES National Grants Program (WIRES NGP) has been developed to provide ongoing support for wildlife, and their habitats, across Australia. WIRES focus is on proposals that have tangible, positive and ideally long-term outcomes for wildlife.

Funding Information

• A total funding pool of $1,000,000 is available across four tiers or categories each year.

Eligible applicants are invited to submit proposals for:

• Tier 1: Individually Licensed Wildlife Rescuers and Carers (maximum $1,000)
• Tier 2: Licensed Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Organizations (maximum $5,000)
• Tier 3: Environmental NGOs and Community Groups (maximum $20,000)
• Tier 4: Consortia/ Multi-partner Collaborations (maximum $50,000)

Funding granted throughout this program is one-off and is for projects of between 6-12 months duration.

Outcomes

Project outcomes should also support the objectives of the WIRES National Grants Program including:

• Building capacity and capability for the Australian wildlife rescue and rehabilitation sector.
• Improving emergency preparedness and response capabilities to assist wildlife.
• Preserving species and their habitat through projects leading to long term positive outcomes for native wildlife.
• Raising community awareness and inspiring broader community involvement in supporting Australian wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and preservation.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicant must:

• Be a legal entity, able to enter into a legally binding agreement
• Must comply with all relevant laws and regulations in undertaking the project
• Have the knowledge and experience required to deliver the project and been operating for a minimum of two years.
• Be the organization or individual completing the project
• Be located in and conduct activities within Australia
• Not have overdue progress or acquittal reports for previously funded grants
• Have a demonstrated history of professional, proactive, and positive collaboration with other organizations and individuals, including WIRES
• Submit the correct application form accurately and on time
• Have the appropriate type and level of insurance for the activities that are the subject of this proposal
• Have an Australian bank account

Project must:

• Address one of WIRES National Grant Program priority objectives
• Identify a current need or issue and propose/provide a solution
• Result in demonstrable tangible outcomes for wildlife and/or their habitats
• Begin after the grant funding commencement date and not require retrospective, recurrent or ongoing funding
• Meet eligibility criteria for the appropriate funding tier
• Be realistic in terms of deliverables, time frame, and budget.

Source: https://www.wires.org.au/national-grants-program