06 Mar 2018 The Free Press, Kilmore, VIC (General News) TWO community groups in the district will share in finding to protect the future of local biodiversity. Funding is coming Irani the 2018 Community and \blunleer Action Grants under the Biodiversity On-ground Action Initiative. South West Goulbum Landcare of Broad ford will receive $-19,120 for its fur and fins project that will see the group extending landscape pathways with community collaboration. Kilmore Fire Brigade will receive *26,7O0 to progress its Monument I M pine removal M program. Grants up to H50,(KK) are available to help communities continue work theyre already doing to protect and expand habitats lor native plants and animals on public and private land. Expressions of interest are also being sought from groups interested in developing their crowdfunding, social media and marketing skills through free workshops in the form of Crowdfunding Grants. Grants up to $200G will be made available to successful applicants to develop crowdnmding campaigns that raise funds for threatened spectesand btodiverslly projects in Victoria. Member lor Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes said that there is significant work being done by local Landcare, environmental, and community groups. We saw with more than 20 projects approved under last years funding round. I expect there to be significant interest again in this latest lunding round and encourage local farming, Landcare, environmental* and community groups to apply, Ms Symes said_ Meanwhile, the federal government has opened the National Landcare Program, offering community groups a share in $f> million in funding. Local landcare groups can access up to $50,000 lor projects which contribute to environmental priorities. One-off grants between $5000 and 150,000 are available. Applications close on March 19. For further information, please visit: business .gov.auLicensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.