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The Fortescue Innovation Grants aim to inspire Pilbara based community members to innovate and embrace green and sustainable initiatives, events and programming. Grants of up to A$25,000 (GST exclusive) are available for eligible applications, supporting community initiatives within the council boundaries of the Town of Port Hedland, City of Karratha, Shire of Ashburton and Shire of East Pilbara.
Applications open 1st September and close 30th September

Who is eligible for a community grant?

Not-for-profit, sporting and recreation, and community organisations which are incorporated (or auspiced via another incorporated body) are eligible for funding consideration. Individuals, sole traders and companies are not eligible to apply for a community grant. Organisations can submit one application per round and acknowledge that Fortescue may not necessarily fund the whole (or any) of the requested grant, even if they meet the funding criteria.

We encourage grant applications that focus on:

  • Environment and sustainable innovations to minimise climate risk
  • Education and development to build capacity for a sustainable future
  • Access to and adoption of green technologies, sustainability and renewable energy through future-focused innovations and environmentally responsible measures

Examples of projects Fortescue will consider funding:

  • STEM focused initiatives
  • Solar lighting and digital signage
  • Solar powered digital score boards
  • Sustainable living events, workshops, and programs
  • Community Gardens
  • Water conservation or hydroponics
  • Racks for scooters and bikes
  • Planting native trees and vegetation
  • Upcycling initiatives
  • Repurposing initiatives

Fortescue will not consider funding:

  • Operational costs (insurance, rent, wages and salaries)
  • Team uniforms and/or travel for sporting clubs and organisations
  • Religious activities or political organisations or purposes
  • Academic studies or individual pursuits
  • Travel outside the Pilbara region or overseas travel for any purpose
  • Activities that are high risk or involve gambling
  • Individual ownership (e.g. equipment must remain the property of the sporting club)
  • Retrospective activities or events (activities or events that have already occurred)

Key dates for submitting your application

The Fortescue Innovation Grant round opens and accepts applications from 1st to 30th September. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date of the grant round and all applicants will be notified of the outcome via email within 30 days of the end of the acceptance period.

Grant funding determination

Applications are considered by the Fortescue Community Support Committee. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via email within 30 days of the end of the application acceptance period. It is important to note that as there are limited funds, not all applications, even if they meet the criteria, can be funded.

Acquittal

Once the community project or event has been delivered, the grant recipient must provide Fortescue with a completed acquittal form to confirm the organisation has complied with the terms of the grant funding agreement. Fortescue may request Photographic Consent Forms and supporting documentation for the use of supplied images. No further applications for funding will be considered until an acquittal has been provided and reviewed by the Fortescue Community team.

2024 Grant recipients

Seven Pilbara initiatives have shared in A$123,000 of funding through our inaugural round of Innovation Grants. 

Organisation
Overview
Local Government Area
Julyardi Aboriginal

Corporation

Led by the Elders, the Mayaka project will provide education on their traditional

bush medicine and food for the community. The garden will be named Mayaka,

which is the Kariyarra word for "Pharmacy".

Town of Port Hedland
Punmu Aboriginal

Corporation

The Punmu Community is a remote community that currently depends on diesel

generators for its power needs. The grant will go towards installing solar to power

two existing water bores.

Shire of East Pilbara
Marine Rescue

Onslow

Solar powered lighting will be installed in the car park adjacent to the Onslow

Emergency Services building, improving visibility and safety while reducing

energy consumption.

Shire of Ashburton
Tom Price

Community

Garden Inc.

An efficient irrigation system will be installed, along with enhanced lighting and

pathways to improve accessibility.

Shire of Ashburton
Tambrey Primary

School

The Scoot 'n' Ride upgrade initiative is designed to enhance the school's infrastructure

by implementing facilities and programs that promote active transportation options,

including walking, biking and scooting to school. The grant will allow for the installation

of bike racks, wider pathways, and safety features to ensure a secure and welcoming

environment for all students.

City of Karratha
Ngarliyarndu

Bindirri Aboriginal

Corporation

The grant will be used to install solar panels which will reduce electricity costs,

allowing NBAC to allocate more resources toward community programs.

City of Karratha
South Hedland

Primary School

The grant will go towards South Hedland Primary School's STELR STEM program

including resources and lessons.

Town of Port Hedland