Up to $20,000 is available for incorporated community groups, schools and sporting associations, as part of the 2009/10 round of grants from Melbourne Water and the Port Phillip and Westernport CMA

Community groups committed to improving Melbourne's natural assets are invited to apply for a share in about $800,000 in grants.

Funding ranging from $300 to $20,000 is available for incorporated community groups, schools and sporting associations, as part of the 2009/10 round of grants from Melbourne Water and the Port Phillip and Westernport CMA.

The grants are intended to contribute to projects that will help improve the health of land, biodiversity and water resources in the Port Phillip and Westernport region.

Melbourne Water's General Manager of Waterways, Chris Chesterfield, said many community groups, particularly volunteer-based organisations, work very hard with limited resources and we are pleased to be able to help them protect natural assets for the benefit of all Victorians.

There are three types of grants available:

-  Group support grants - up to $300 for general administrative assistance to community groups involved in natural resource management;

-  Group promotion and development grants - up to $500 to increase participation, raise public awareness, undertake training and/or educate the community about local natural resource management programs; and

-  Project grants - up to $20,000 for on-the-ground projects that address natural resource management issues.

Applications for the 2009/10 grants close 6 November 2009. Application details: Community Grants website or 131 722 (Melbourne Water) or (03) 8781 7900 (PPWCMA).