Overview
The Victorian Government’s Icon Species Funding Program focuses on protecting threatened species through collaborative planning, increased engagement and alignment of natural resources, scientific, educational and community sectors.
Through this program and our Faunal Emblems Program, we are providing funds for targeted actions designed to protect and conserve Victoria’s threatened species. Over $10.6 million has been provided by DEECA to support intensive management actions for 22 icon species being delivered in collaboration with species’ recovery teams. In 2022-23, $1 million of funding was awarded across the state to support the ongoing protection of icon species.
Funding
In 2023-25, a total of $1.85 million is available for icon species projects across Victoria.
Suitably qualified organisations can apply for projects up to $100,000 for direct management interventions for threatened species such as captive breeding and release programs; genetic management interventions, including translocations; seed banking; or research to fill critical knowledge gaps.
Who can apply?
The following organisations can apply for funding:
- Government environment portfolio partners with suitable capacity to deliver threatened species conservation projects, including, but not limited to; Zoos Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria, Parks Victoria, Trust for Nature and Phillip Island Nature Parks.
- DEECA Regions and the Arthur Rylah Institute
- Catchment Management Authorities and Melbourne Water
- Academic and scientific research institutions
- Local Government Agencies
- Non-Government Organisations
- Not-for-Profit or Philanthropic organisations
- Traditional Owner Organisations
All applicants must have;
- a demonstrated capacity and track record in the effective delivery of conservation programs to conserve threatened species;
- insurance coverage for its operational and business risks public liability insurance ($10 million minimum) and personal accident insurance cover to safeguard any volunteers and participants involved in the funded activities;
- systems, processes and procedures in place to identify and manage risk that complies with all relevant laws and regulations including the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017; and
- systems, processes and procedures to ensure good governance, and a high standard of quality assurance for project delivery.
How to Apply
Complete the application form by 5pm on Tuesday 30th April 2024 and attach all mandatory documentation.
Further information
If you have questions about the Icon Species funding program, please email enviro.grants@deeca.vic.gov.au.
For technical support with Grants Online, email grantsinfo@deeca.vic.gov.au or call the DEECA Customer Contact Centre on 136 186 and quote your application number.
Guidelines and other documents
Icon Species 2023-25 Guidelines (PDF, 910.0 KB)
Icon Species 2023-25 Guidelines (accessible) (DOCX, 2.7 MB)
Budget and Activities Spreadsheet (Excel, 58.7 KB)
Note - please use the current version of Microsoft Excel when completing the Budget and Activities spreadsheet.
Want to know more?
See below for more information about some of these species and the work DEECA and our partners are doing to support their protection and recovery.
Page last updated: 17/04/24