Fortescue Innovation Grants 2026

The Fortescue Innovation Grants are designed to empower Pilbara-based organisations to deliver bold, practical, and community-led solutions that drive environmental and sustainability outcomes. From smart waste initiatives and circular economy events to community gardens and youth-led climate action, we’re supporting the ideas that will shape a greener, more sustainable Pilbara.

For the purpose of this application, the term project may refer to a program, event, activity, or other initiative with a defined objective and outcome.

Before continuing, please ensure you’ve reviewed the following resources:

 - Fortescue Innovation Grants Program

Important Information

· Only not-for-profit organisations, schools, and incorporated community groups are eligible to apply. Commercial businesses and government agencies (excluding schools) are not eligible.

· Projects must take place within one of the following Pilbara local government areas:

Town of Port Hedland, City of Karratha, Shire of Ashburton, or Shire of East Pilbara.

· The closing date of this round is the 30th of September 2026 at 5pm. No late applications will be accepted.

- Organisations can submit one application at a time per ABN and acknowledge that Fortescue may not necessarily fund the whole (or any) of the requested grant, even if they meet the funding criteria

Applicants can apply for grants of up to $25,000 (excluding GST). The funding must be used for direct project costs and align with the program’s focus on community-driven environmental innovation.

Funding Limits and Eligible Expenditure

Applicants may request up to $25,000 (excluding GST) through the Fortescue Innovation Grants Program.

Funding is available to support the delivery of innovative, community-led projects that contribute to environmental sustainability and positive social impact in the Pilbara.

Examples of eligible expenses include:

· Planning and delivery costs directly related to the proposed project, such as marketing and communications, venue or equipment hire, printing, materials, and signage.

· Travel and accommodation for project facilitators, speakers, or technical experts delivering sustainability-focused workshops or activities.

· Community engagement initiatives such as environmental education sessions, youth-led sustainability projects, circular economy events, clean-up campaigns, smart waste management pilots, and local climate action programs.

What Fortescue Innovation Grants Do Not Fund

· Retrospective costs (e.g. projects already delivered or expenses already incurred).

· Core operational costs such as ongoing wages and salaries unrelated to project delivery.

· Alcohol or associated licences.

· Deficit or debt repayment for an organisation.

· General administrative overheads exceeding 10% of total project costs.

· Routine, seasonal, or recurring club activities that do not demonstrate innovation or sustainability outcomes.

· Ceremonial or religious activities that are not inclusive of the broader community.

· Applicants with overdue Fortescue acquittals or outstanding obligations from previous Fortescue funding, excluding 2025

The application form will ask for details and documentation to support your request, which may include:

· Applicant and authorised contact details.

· ABN or incorporation number.

· Auspicing details (if applicable).

· Project overview including key activities, timeline, and location.

· Risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

· Alignment with the Fortescue Innovation Grants program objectives.

· Community benefit, support, and inclusion considerations.

· Budget (including the amount requested, total project cost, income sources, and detailed expense breakdown).

· Quotes or pricing evidence for any single item or service over $500.

· Bank details (including proof of account).

· Your approach to recognising Fortescue’s contribution if successful.

File Upload Guidelines:

Attachments must be no more than 25MB per file. Files under 5MB are strongly recommended for ease of upload.

Further Information

Visit the Fortescue Innovation Grants Program page for more information: fortescue.com/innovationgrants If you have any questions, contact us at community@fortescue.com.

Before completing this application form, you should have read the program guidelines: Fortescue Innovation Grants Program.

Incomplete applications and/or applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

If you do contact us throughout the application process, please quote the application number below.

Key Information & Dates

· Applications open 1 September 2026 and close 30 September 2026 at 5pm AWST

· Only incorporated/community organisations (or those with an auspice) are eligible—a single application per organisation per round. Local Government Authorities are not eligible to apply.

· Approved projects must provide a completed Acquittal Report, including photographic consent forms, before applying again.

Before proceeding, please confirm the following:

• you have read and understood the program guidelines 
• you are able to demonstrate alignment between your project and the aims of this program
• your organisation is a not-for-profit organisation includes educational institutions (such as schools and kindergartens) and incorporated community groups
• your organisation is incorporated, or is auspiced by an incorporated organisation for the purposes of this application
• your organisation is located in (and/or supplies services to) the Pilbara
• your organisation is able to demonstrate financial viability
• your organisation does not have outstanding acquittals from any Fortescue grant, including 2024 and earlier rounds. Organisations will need to finalise these before submitting an application.
• your organisation has the appropriate type and level of insurance for the activities that are the subject of this grant
• your organisation is not for commercial business and government agency (excluding schools).