Local Grants Fund and Sponsorship Program

Funding to support local priorities.

Sponsorship Program

The WRL Sponsorship Program provides $1 million over four years, with $250,000 available upfront, regardless of whether the WRL project proceeds. The remaining funding becomes available if the project is approved.

Sponsorships are available for events, activities and partnerships that build visibility and connection and where organisations are comfortable featuring the WRL brand and co-delivering agreed promotional opportunities.

Funding tiers include:

$5,000 – Foundation package, such as WRL branding on your channels
$20,000 – Momentum package, such as WRL branding on your channels and featured on materials or collateral within your event or program
Legacy tier – $15,000 per year for three years (available if the project proceeds)

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are allocated.

Read the guidelines Apply for a sponsorship

$4 million Local Grants Fund

Applications for the WRL Local Grants Fund closed on 30 June 2026, following strong interest from communities along the proposed route.

As part of WRL’s commitment to early investment, the $4 million fund will support locally led projects that strengthen communities and deliver meaningful benefits during the project’s development phase.

The Local Grants Fund will support projects across the seven Local Government Areas along the proposed WRL route.

The fund is intentionally flexible and accessible, supporting a wide range of community groups including grassroots organisations and volunteer-led groups, to deliver projects shaped by local priorities.

Successful recipients will be announced in the coming months.

Download the Local Grants Fund flyer

What the Local Grants Fund supports

The Local Grants Fund supports projects that enhance local environments, strengthen community capacity and help prepare for a cleaner energy future.

The Local Grants Fund supports projects across five categories

Community infrastructure

Upgrades and improvements to public places to help build connected, resilient, healthy and inclusive communities.
For example: new playgrounds, resurfaced sports grounds, community gardens, parks, drinking fountains or picnic grounds in parks or creating places for people to gather.

Environment

Nature conservation activities that support biodiversity and enhance habitats and water resources.
For example: tree planting, creating wildlife habitat or improving local wetlands and bushland.

New energy initiatives

Support for community facilities that improve energy affordability, resilience and education.
For example: solar and battery systems, electric vehicle (EV) charging, energy resilience education programs or a community space adding backup power to support locals during an emergency.

Community connection and participation

Initiatives that bring people together, improve inclusion and support participation.
For example: participation, inclusion and accessibility programs, materials for creative or cultural programs, or simple essentials like marquees and BBQs for community events or to support fundraising activities.

Emergency services

Support to encourage and train volunteers and help purchase equipment to assist with service delivery.
For example: training, essential gear or equipment that helps volunteers respond to fires, floods, storms or droughts and the people, animals or infrastructure impacted by them.

Applications for the Local Grants Fund were open from 31 March to 30 June 2026

Grants up to $50,000 were available for smaller-scale initiatives, while grants up to $300,000 were available for larger-scale legacy projects.

Applying for or receiving funding does not indicate support for the WRL project and does not affect anyone’s right to oppose it.

Read the guidelines

Independent Local Grants Review Panel

Grant applications are being assessed with the support of the Independent Local Grants Review Panel, made up of community representatives from across the project area. The Panel provides local insight and makes recommendations so that funding decisions reflect community priorities.

Read the guidelines

Grant writing workshops and application support

The Local Grants Fund grant writing workshop series has now concluded.

Free workshops were delivered by an independent facilitator in the LGAs along the proposed route. These sessions supported community groups and organisations interested in applying to the Local Grants Fund, providing practical guidance on eligibility, funding priorities and how to develop strong, competitive applications.

While applications have now closed, the WRL team remains available to support community groups with sponsorship queries and applications.

For further information, or to stay informed about the Local Grants Fund outcomes, please sign up for project eUpdates, contact the team at grants@westernrenewableslink.com.au or call 1800 WRL WRL (975 975).

Community Brigades Support Initiative

The Community Brigades Support Initiative, offering grants of up to $8,000 to eligible CFA brigades within 10 kilometres of the proposed WRL route, closed on 30 June 2026.

The initiative supports equipment and amenity upgrades that strengthen volunteer efforts and enhance emergency response capabilities.

Developed to align with CFA grants and fundraising policies, the initiative provides a funding pathway for brigades to enhance their facilities and resources. Applying for or receiving a grant does not indicate support or endorsement of the Western Renewables Link by the CFA, individual brigades or volunteers.

Read the guidelines

Stay informed

All updates about the Local Grants Fund, including news about the progress of applications through the assessment process, will be shared through our project eUpdates.

If you have any questions, please contact our Local Grants team at grants@westernrenewableslink.com.au or call 1800 WRL WRL (975 975).