WA Bird Flu Wildlife Resilience Grants

Purpose and Program Overview

The Bird Flu Wildlife Resilience Grants (Bird Flu WRG) are a $2 million initiative funded by the Western Australian Government to strengthen the state’s preparedness for H5 avian influenza (bird flu). The program is delivered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

The grants support licensed wildlife rehabilitators and eligible not-for-profit organisations to undertake practical, community-led projects that reduce biosecurity risks, strengthen wildlife rehabilitation capacity, and help protect vulnerable native species. Funding is split across two streams: a Small Grants stream for immediate, on-the-ground preparedness activities, and a Large Grants stream for longer-term, strategic initiatives that build the resilience of native wildlife populations.

As bird flu becomes established in wildlife populations across Australia, wildlife rehabilitators and conservation organisations play a critical role in early detection, reporting, surveillance and animal care. This program is intended to support that frontline capacity and reduce the broader impacts of bird flu across Western Australia.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: $1,500 to $10,000 (Small Grants); up to $200,000 (Large Grants)
• Total program funding pool: $2 million
• Small Grants — applications open: 10 August 2026
• Small Grants — applications close: 10 December 2026, or once all funds are allocated (whichever occurs first)
• Large Grants — applications open: 18 August 2026
• Large Grants — applications close: 12:00 pm (AWST), 29 September 2026
• Eligible applicant types: Licensed wildlife rehabilitators (Small Grants); incorporated not-for-profit organisations with an ABN (Large Grants)
• Co-contribution required: Not specified as mandatory in program guidelines
• Location/state applicability: Western Australia only; projects in Australian external territories (for example, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands) are not eligible

Priority Sectors

The program is not framed around commercial industry sectors. It is targeted specifically at:

• Wildlife rehabilitation and rescue organisations
• Conservation and natural resource management (NRM) groups
• Aboriginal community organisations, including Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate
• Recognised Biosecurity Groups

Note: This program is not open to for-profit businesses. Eligible applicants must be licensed wildlife rehabilitators (Small Grants) or incorporated not-for-profit organisations (Large Grants) with a demonstrated role in wildlife care, resilience or habitat protection.

Funding Scope

Small Grants stream

• Individuals: up to $1,500 (excluding GST)
• Organisations with 2–10 people: up to $5,000 (excluding GST)
• Organisations with 11 or more people: up to $10,000 (excluding GST)
• Applications assessed and funded in order of receipt until funds are exhausted or the closing date is reached

Large Grants stream

• Maximum funding request: $200,000 per project
• Approved projects/activities may be carried out over a 12-month period, commencing from the date the funding agreement is signed.

Eligibility Criteria

Small Grants

• Applicant must hold a current DBCA fauna possessing (other purposes) licence for wildlife rehabilitation.
• Applicant must hold appropriate insurance covering the proposed project activities.
• Project must be based within Western Australia.
• Funding cannot be used for activities that are already funded or resourced through other means.

Large Grants

• Applicant must be an incorporated not-for-profit organisation holding an ABN.
• Applicant must be able to evidence current participation in, or contribution to, wildlife care, resilience, and habitat protection and recovery.
• Project must be based within Western Australia.

The following are not eligible to apply for Large Grants:

• For-profit organisations, businesses, partnerships or companies, including sole traders and primary producers
• Individuals
• Organisations without a branch or base of operation in Western Australia
• Education institutions (government or privately funded, at any level)
• Unincorporated associations
• Western Australian or Australian Government agencies

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Both streams support a broad range of preparedness and resilience activities, including:

• Purchase or hire of equipment (cages, quarantine tables, storage for consumables)
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and first aid supplies
• Consumables for the care of sick, injured or abandoned wildlife
• Access to veterinary services
• Transport costs associated with animal collection
• Development and publication of reference materials, treatment guidelines and biosecurity protocols
• Design and delivery of training, including speaker fees, printing, catering and venue hire
• Biosecurity and quarantine materials, such as tarpaulins and temporary or permanent fencing
• Development and testing of biosecurity response procedures

Large Grants additionally support:

• Permanent structures, such as aviaries and overhead enclosures
• Habitat restoration and protection activities
• Administration and operational costs, including insurance and financial audit
• Wages for staff delivering approved project activities

Assessment Process

The Bird Flu WRG program uses two distinct assessment approaches:

• Small Grants are assessed on an entitlement basis in order of receipt, and funding continues until the allocated pool is exhausted or the closing date is reached.
• Large Grants are assessed on a competitive basis. While detailed scoring criteria are set out in the official large grants guidelines, applications should demonstrate strategic alignment with program objectives, a strong track record in wildlife management, and clear, measurable project outcomes.

Recent Program Updates

• The program guidelines were last updated on 18 August 2026, when the Large Grants stream officially opened for applications.
• The Large Grants stream is the second stream released under the broader $2 million Bird Flu Wildlife Resilience Grants package, following the earlier opening of the Small Grants stream on 10 August 2026.
• A virtual information session has been made available to help interested applicants understand the grant requirements and application process.
• Both streams are currently listed as Open.

Application Tips

• Confirm all eligibility requirements before starting an application, including licensing (Small Grants) or incorporation and ABN status (Large Grants).
• Gather supporting documents early, such as licences, insurance certificates, incorporation details, and evidence of prior wildlife management activity.
• Align proposed activities clearly with the program’s objective of reducing bird flu impacts and strengthening native species resilience.
• For Large Grants, clearly demonstrate organisational capability, project feasibility, and expected outcomes within the 12-month delivery window.
• Apply only through the official SmartyGrants portal, as applications submitted in other formats will not be accepted.
• Note that Small Grants are assessed in order of receipt, so early submission may improve the likelihood of funding before the pool is exhausted.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist like Pattens Group for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact us today and get connected with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the official website of the Bird Flu Wildlife Resilience Grants and other associated Australian government websites.