Grants span Conservation, Sustainability and Innovation categories, backing initiatives from habitat restoration to community energy resilience

Plico has announced the recipients of the first 2026 round of its Plico Future Fund of more than $60,000, with seven community organisations across Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria receiving grants to deliver local sustainability, conservation and resilience projects. The grants will see historical wildlife records preserved, native ecosystems restored, clean energy infrastructure installed, and a new community resilience program launched in Sydney, with recipients spanning grassroots groups, universities and conservation networks across three states.

Community organisations in Western Australia and New South Wales are now being encouraged to apply for the next round of funding, with the Plico Future Fund supporting community groups, schools, charities, sports clubs, grassroots organisations and beyond in delivering projects that strengthen sustainability, community resilience and environmental stewardship. The first round of grants were awarded across the Fund’s Conservation and Sustainability categories, as well as a the Innovation ‘Bright Idea’ grant; with the Innovation category now fully allocated for 2026. Round two applications will be considered under the Conservation and Sustainability Grant categories.

Established by Australian clean energy company Plico, the Plico Future Fund reinvests the benefits of the company’s community energy model directly back into local communities. To date, more than $160,000 in community grants has been distributed through the initiative, as well as an additional $15,000 in hardship support provided to Plico members facing financial or personal hardship.

Round 1 2026 grant recipients include:

• WA Seabird Conservation Network Inc. (WA): Digitisation of historical seabird colony records
• Murdoch University (WA): Educational booklet and decodable readers on blue-banded bees, Noongar seasons and language
• WA Wildlife (Native ARC Inc) (WA): Outdoor EV charging station at WA Wildlife Hospital
• Nangana Landcare Network (VIC): Beyond Yellingbo-Cardinia Creek – Helmeted Honeyeater Conservation
• The Wetlands Centre (WA): Solar and battery backup for Conservation Nursery irrigation
• Feed One Feed All (VIC): Food rescue and community meals initiative
• Regen Sydney (NSW): Ku-ring-gai Community Resilience Pilot

Jamie Ball, Chair of the Plico Community Council, congratulated the successful applicants and reflected on the Fund’s founding purpose, “Plico was born from the community, so giving back to those that support us is central to everything we do. The Plico Future Fund allows our members to see the benefits of clean energy flow directly back into local projects, from environmental education and conservation initiatives to community facilities and grassroots programs.”

“These seven projects show the breadth of what community-led sustainability looks like across Australia, from habitat restoration and citizen science to food security and neighbourhood resilience. We’re proud to support community groups that are creating practical solutions for a more sustainable and resilient future. The Plico Future Fund helps turn great local ideas into reality,” adds Ball.

Applications for the next round of Plico Future Fund grants are now open, closing 30 September 2026. Community groups, schools, charities and grassroots organisations interested in applying can find guidelines and application forms at www.plicoenergy.com.au/community-impact.

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