Fortescue Innovation Grants Program

The Fortescue Innovation Grants aim to inspire Pilbara based community members to innovate and embrace green and sustainable initiatives, events and programming. Grants of up to A$25,000 (GST exclusive) are available for eligible applications, supporting community initiatives within the council boundaries of the Town of Port Hedland, City of Karratha, Shire of Ashburton and Shire of East Pilbara.
Applications are now closed
Who is eligible for a community grant?
Not-for-profit, sporting and recreation, and community organisations which are incorporated (or auspiced via another incorporated body) are eligible for funding consideration. Individuals, sole traders and companies are not eligible to apply for a community grant. Organisations can submit one application per round and acknowledge that Fortescue may not necessarily fund the whole (or any) of the requested grant, even if they meet the funding criteria.
We encourage grant applications that focus on:
- Environment and sustainable innovations to minimise climate risk
- Education and development to build capacity for a sustainable future
- Access to and adoption of green technologies, sustainability and renewable energy through future-focused innovations and environmentally responsible measures
Examples of projects Fortescue will consider funding:
- STEM focused initiatives
- Solar lighting and digital signage
- Solar powered digital score boards
- Sustainable living events, workshops, and programs
- Community Gardens
- Water conservation or hydroponics
- Racks for scooters and bikes
- Planting native trees and vegetation
- Upcycling initiatives
- Repurposing initiatives
Fortescue will not consider funding:
- Operational costs (insurance, rent, wages and salaries)
- Team uniforms and/or travel for sporting clubs and organisations
- Religious activities or political organisations or purposes
- Academic studies or individual pursuits
- Travel outside the Pilbara region or overseas travel for any purpose
- Activities that are high risk or involve gambling
- Individual ownership (e.g. equipment must remain the property of the sporting club)
- Retrospective activities or events (activities or events that have already occurred)
Key dates for submitting your application
The Fortescue Innovation Grant round opens and accepts applications from 1st to 30th September. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date of the grant round and all applicants will be notified of the outcome via email within 30 days of the end of the acceptance period.
Grant funding determination
Applications are considered by the Fortescue Community Support Committee. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via email within 30 days of the end of the application acceptance period. It is important to note that as there are limited funds, not all applications, even if they meet the criteria, can be funded.
Acquittal
Once the community project or event has been delivered, the grant recipient must provide Fortescue with a completed acquittal form to confirm the organisation has complied with the terms of the grant funding agreement. Fortescue may request Photographic Consent Forms and supporting documentation for the use of supplied images. No further applications for funding will be considered until an acquittal has been provided and reviewed by the Fortescue Community team.
2025 Grant recipients
Eight Pilbara initiatives have shared in A$152,000 of funding in our 2025 round of Innovation Grants.
Organisation |
Project overview |
Grant awarded |
| Wangka Maya
Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre |
Community garden featuring native and edible plants with interpretive signage in Aboriginal languages and English. The organisation will also install solar-powered lighting to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs and increase safety at night. |
$20,000 |
| Saving Animals
From Euthanasia Inc. |
SAFE Hedland, in collaboration with local partners, will deliver a series of monthly “Catio Building Workshops” to educate residents on creating safe outdoor spaces for cats. These workshops will provide hands-on instruction in design and construction techniques that keep cats secure while protecting native wildlife. |
$25,000 |
| Back on Track
Foundation |
The Pilbara STEM Spark Project will give children recovering from cancer and their siblings access to engaging, hands-on science and technology learning. Through mobile workshops, digital learning kits, and Indigenous co-designed activities blending traditional knowledge with STEM, the project aims to rebuild and spark curiosity in young learners. |
$20,000 |
| Mingullatharndo
Community Association |
Purchasing of a water-efficient trailer to help establish and maintain native plants, supporting the community’s five-year vision for a greener, revitalised Pilbara setting. The initiative will enhance local biodiversity, create a more attractive landscape, and strengthen environmental stewardship. |
$22,000 |
| Karratha
Community House |
Installation of an outdoor misting system and air curtains to improve comfort, hygiene, and sustainability for community users. The upgrades will help residents enjoy outdoor activities year-round despite the Pilbara’s heat and insect challenges, reducing reliance on chemicals while promoting wellbeing. |
$10,000 |
| Swan Districts
Football Club |
Upgrade their Roebourne Community Trailer, the upgrades will include solar power, water storage, and safer storage solutions to improve mobility, sustainability, and efficiency. These enhancements will ensure high-quality engagement opportunities for young people and support the long-term delivery of regional outreach programs. |
$10,000 |
| Tom Price
Primary School |
Restore their rainforest play and learning area, which was damaged during the 2024 storm, transforming it into a safe and engaging natural space for students. The rejuvenated area will include shaded gardens, native plantings, and a yarning circle that can be used for outdoor classes and cultural events. |
$25,000 |
| Puntukurnu
Aboriginal Medical Service |
Community garden in Jigalong using a combination of hydroponic and wicking cultivation suited to the region’s extreme desert climate. The project will provide essential infrastructure, equipment, and training to support year-round access to fresh, affordable produce. The initiative aims to strengthen food security, community wellbeing, and long-term self-sufficiency. |
$20,000 |