The NSW Wildlife Council is the peak representative organisation for wildlife groups and individual rehabilitators licensed by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service).
The objective of the Grants Program is to increase the capacity for individual wildlife rehabilitators, and groups in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the management committee, to purchase materials to build animal enclosures or equipment needed to rehabilitate native Australian wildlife within the state of NSW.
In opening the 2025-2026 NSW Wildlife Council Grants program, Acting Chair, Sonja Elwood, encourages member groups to apply for funding for equipment and enclosure projects that might be difficult to afford.
She said,
“Our volunteers’ workloads seem to be increasing exponentially, and fundraising for important equipment is harder and harder in the current cost of living crisis”.
Ms. Elwood added,
“The government is not contributing to the costs groups face in their everyday expenses caring for wildlife in rehabilitation so we are doubly pleased to be able to support our members through the Grants Program. We are hopeful this situation will change when Environment Minister the Hon. Penny Sharpe announces actions from the Government’s wildlife rehabilitation strategy review later this year”.
Grant applications must be submitted to the Grants Committee of the NSW Wildlife Council between 1 July and 31 July 2025.
Grant applications must be in writing on the approved NWC Wildlife Rehabilitation Grant Application Form.
Applications for grants will be evaluated based on 3 criteria: Need; Excellence and Value for Money. The grant decision will be made in a manner determined by the NSW Wildlife Council Management Committee.
Answers to common questions are:
- Grant applications open on 1 July and close on 31 July
- Groups only may apply this year, not individuals
- Total grant budget $50,000 for 2025-2026
- Grants are for Wildlife Caring Equipment and Enclosures only
- 2 grants limit per group can be awarded
- 1 grant limit for Independent General Licensees