Open call funding

Communications requirements

All successful applicants are required to incorporate communication activities into their projects to raise community awareness of the project, its activities and achievements.

Successful applicants with projects of $80  000 and under should plan communication activities that are proportionate to the size of the project.

Successful applicants with projects over $80  000 must develop a communication plan as part of their monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement (MERI) plan. The plan should outline activities and products to promote the project and communicate its activities and outcomes.

Examples of activities that may be included in communication plans are:

• promotional activities that engage the community and raise awareness about the project, its activities and achievements
• engagement with local media to promote the project—through media releases or interviews with local radio, TV or newspapers
• newsletters
• brochures
• signage
• events such as local field days
• content on websites including digital photography recording key activities and achievements of the project
• social media activities.

Communication activities should be costed as part of the MERI budget for the project.

A MERI plan template, including a communications activity plan template, is available.

• Project MERI plan template

Applicants are required to acknowledge the Australian Government's contribution through Caring for our Country in all project materials and activities.

Guidelines on the requirements for Recognition of Caring for our Country are available.

• Recognition of Caring for our Country guidelines