our grants

 

background

small grants program

Highways and Byways continues the work of the Missionary Sisters of Service (MSS) reaching out in hope and love to people socially and geographically isolated, strengthening community relationships and networks, developing leadership and empowering people to meet the challenges that confront them.

Since 1944 the MSS have travelled vast distances to reach people in all kinds of places and situations, and support those on the margins: geographically, culturally, spiritually, socially and economically.

Each year we provide small grants to community-led organisations for projects that address disadvantage and exclusion within towns and communities, especially in rural and regional Australia.

OUR theme and focus for 2023 grants

HEALING AND GROWING TOGETHER

The last few years have been tough for many Australians. 

Drought, bushfires and floods have impacted many communities, resulting in the loss of life, impacts on species and the destruction of vast tracts of land, property and habitat. The Covid19 pandemic also affected our very way of living, with restrictions and long periods of isolation affecting everyone, but none more so than our most vulnerable communities.

This year, we are supporting people and communities as they attempt to heal and grow from these challenges and are providing small grants for environmental restoration and rehabilitation projects, and community-focused initiatives that encourage re-connection post-pandemic. We are also supporting projects that foster indigenous identity and cultural connections. 

ELIGIBILITY & HOW TO APPLY

Applications for our 2023 Small Grants program “Healing and Growing Together” have now closed.

Applications are now being assessed and successful applicants will be announced in June 2023. 

Who can apply?

Incorporated Association or similarly constituted entities.

We do not fund individuals or trusts.

How much can I apply for?

Up to $4,000.

What is the 2023 focus area?
‘Healing and Growing Together’.

We aim to support communities as they attempt to heal and grow in the aftermath of the environmental and social challenges of the past few years.

What type of projects will you support in 2023?

a) Environmental/ecological initiatives that:

  • Promote environmental rehabilitation and restoration to rectify the impacts of recent fire, flood or drought.
  • Support healing the land in holistic ways.
  • Encourage connection with the land.
  • Foster community relationships through practical projects that improve the local environment.
  • Support the intergenerational exchange of knowledge and skills for the sustainable management of land into the future.
  • Increase opportunities for people to develop leadership or other practical skills.

Projects may include, but are not limited to:

  • Community partnerships to improve land health and increase local land management knowledge.
  • Revegetation initiatives.
  • Grasslands restoration.
  • Cultural fire management.
  • Carbon capture.
  • Bolstering soil fertility.
  • Sustainability expos.
  • Education and training sessions.

b) Initiatives that encourage community connections that:

  • Reduce isolation and loneliness and promote connectivity in the wake of the Covid19 pandemic and/or recent fires/floods/drought.
  • Foster Indigenous identity and cultural connections through sharing knowledge, skills or story.
  • Encourage partnerships between individuals, groups and/or organisations.
  • Build strong and resilient communities.
  • Provide opportunities for program participants to develop leadership or other personal or community-building skills.

Projects may include, but are not limited to:

  • Workshops, events, or expos.
  • Programs for vulnerable communities.
  • Well-being programs.
  • Training programs.
When do grants open and close?

Applications open on Wednesday 1 February 2023 and close at 5.00pm AEDT on Wednesday 15 March 2023.

How do I apply?

Applicants can apply for a grant in one of two ways:

1. Online:
Complete an application form via our website.

2. Application form:
Download an application form, complete and submit via email or mail.

• Email:
Applications can be emailed to: grants@hb.org.au

• Mail:
Applications can be posted to:

Highways and Byways,
90 Albion Road, Box Hill, Victoria, 3128.

All applications must be received by 5.00pm AEDT on Wednesday 15 March 2023.

When do you announce successful applicants?

Successful applicants will be notified by May 2023.

A grant agreement will need to be signed by an authorised representative of your organisation.

How long do I have to complete my project?

Projects are to be completed within 12 months unless otherwise negotiated.

I have a question. Who do I contact?

Please contact Highways and Byways in one of the following ways:

• Telephone: 03 9087 8606

• Email: grants@hb.org.au

Featured Grant Recipients

success stories

BIOBLITZ SHOWCASES LAKE PEDDER POSSIBILITIES

Lake Pedder, Tasmania Tabatha Badger’s work takes her to the magnificent Pedder Impoundment in Tasmania and the halls of Parliament House in Canberra. It’s for the same purpose; the restoration of the original, World Heritage Listed, Lake Pedder. It’s the same reason...

TOUCH, FEEL AND SMELL THE SURROUNDS

Drake, NSW Gardeners at the Drake Village Women’s Shed wanted to cater for most folk in the small NSW town when they developed their community garden with support from Highways and Byways. Using three newly built raised garden beds they planted up pollinator, sensory...

PROTECTING NATURE’S NATURAL BEAUTY

Broulee, NSW Lynn Bain wears a few hats around the beautiful NSW coastal town of Broulee, including "Rubbish Queen" and "Weed Lady". She and a group of volunteers can often be found pulling weeds, replanting and picking up rubbish from Mossy Point to Moruya Airport,...

CHANGING TIMES FOR FARMERS

Goondiwindi, Queensland Louise Carroll cites a worm farm as the highlight of the recent regenerative cropping field day she helped organise. Not your average domestic worm farm, but a massive purpose-built worm farm producing enough material to contribute to crop...

KIDS CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IN WA

BUSSELTON, WESTERN AUSTRALIA A tree planting day involving local youth has rehabilitated bushland within degraded areas of Barnard Park East in Busselton, Western Australia thanks to a small grant from Highways and Byways. The day involved planting out 780 native...

IT’S A SLOW BURN

Nelligen, NSW Nelligen rural firefighter Robynne Murphy now sees more than a fire hazard in the overgrown grass and dense bush around Bateman’s Bay. Through her involvement with the Bateman’s Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council, her growing understanding of cultural...

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