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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