Fortescue Innovation Grants Program
The Fortescue Innovation Grants aim to inspire Pilbara based community members to innovate and embrace green and sustainable initiatives, events and programming. Grants of up to A$25,000 (GST exclusive) are available for eligible applications, supporting community initiatives within the council boundaries of the Town of Port Hedland, City of Karratha, Shire of Ashburton and Shire of East Pilbara.
Who is eligible for a community grant?
Not-for-profit, sporting and recreation, and community organisations which are incorporated (or auspiced via another incorporated body) are eligible for funding consideration. Individuals, sole traders and companies are not eligible to apply for a community grant. Organisations can submit one application per round and acknowledge that Fortescue may not necessarily fund the whole (or any) of the requested grant, even if they meet the funding criteria.
We encourage grant applications that focus on:
- Environment and sustainable innovations to minimise climate risk
- Education and development to build capacity for a sustainable future
- Access to and adoption of green technologies, sustainability and renewable energy through future-focused innovations and environmentally responsible measures
Examples of projects Fortescue will consider funding:
- STEM focused initiatives
- Solar lighting and digital signage
- Solar powered digital score boards
- Sustainable living events, workshops, and programs
- Community Gardens
- Water conservation or hydroponics
- Racks for scooters and bikes
- Planting native trees and vegetation
- Upcycling initiatives
- Repurposing initiatives
Fortescue will not consider funding:
- Operational costs (insurance, rent, wages and salaries)
- Team uniforms and/or travel for sporting clubs and organisations
- Religious activities or political organisations or purposes
- Academic studies or individual pursuits
- Travel outside the Pilbara region or overseas travel for any purpose
- Activities that are high risk or involve gambling
- Individual ownership (e.g. equipment must remain the property of the sporting club)
- Retrospective activities or events (activities or events that have already occurred)
Key dates for submitting your application
The Fortescue Innovation Grant round opens and accepts applications from 1st to 30th September. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date of the grant round and all applicants will be notified of the outcome via email within 30 days of the end of the acceptance period.
Grant funding determination
Applications are considered by the Fortescue Community Support Committee. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via email within 30 days of the end of the application acceptance period. It is important to note that as there are limited funds, not all applications, even if they meet the criteria, can be funded.
Acquittal
Once the community project or event has been delivered, the grant recipient must provide Fortescue with a completed acquittal form to confirm the organisation has complied with the terms of the grant funding agreement. Fortescue may request Photographic Consent Forms and supporting documentation for the use of supplied images. No further applications for funding will be considered until an acquittal has been provided and reviewed by the Fortescue Community team.
2026 Grant recipients
Eight Pilbara initiatives have shared in A$164,430.24 through Fortescue's 2026 Innovation Grants Program, supporting projects focused on environmental sustainability, renewable energy, education, community infrastructure and local innovation.
Organisation | Project overview | Grant awarded |
Dampier Junior Soccer Club | The project will introduce a solar-powered robotic line-marking machine to improve the efficiency and sustainability of sporting field maintenance in Dampier. The equipment will be shared with local sporting clubs, schools and community organisations, reducing volunteer workloads, improving field maintenance and supporting community sport. | A$20,000 |
Mingullatharndo Association Inc. | The project will assess and upgrade the community's existing solar and power infrastructure to improve energy reliability and efficiency. The upgrades will increase renewable energy use, reduce reliance on diesel generators and support a more reliable and sustainable power supply for residents of the remote Mingullatharndo community. | A$24,984 |
Karlayura Rodeo Inc. | The project will install a solar-powered light tower at the Roebourne Rodeo grounds to improve lighting and safety during evening activities. The initiative will trial renewable lighting technology, reduce reliance on conventional power sources and support future plans to establish a solar-lit night rodeo. | A$19,446.24 |
| SolarBuddy | The SolarBuddy STEM in the Pilbara program will equip local teachers to deliver hands-on renewableenergy and sustainability education to approximately 250 primary school students. The program will build students' understanding of clean energy and environmental responsibility while strengthening access to practical STEM learning opportunities in remote Pilbara communities. | A$15,000 |
Pilbara Inland Chamber of Commerce and Industry | The Pilbara Youth Enterprise Program Pilot will support young people in Tom Price and Paraburdoo to develop business and entrepreneurial skills through workshops, mentoring and access to start-up funding. The program will help participants develop business ideas, build confidence and explore opportunities for local enterprise and economic diversification. | A$15,000 |
| Nintirri Centre Inc. | The project will support the development of an outdoor road safety learning space for children aged up to five years. Funding will provide landscaping, educational signage, road signs and bicycle parking, creating an engaging environment where young children can develop road safety awareness and practical skills through play. | A$25,000 |
Newman Neighbourhood Centre Inc. | The project will transform an existing Toy Library shed into a safer, more accessible and functional community space. The upgraded facility will accommodate the established Tonnes of Toys Toy Library and the new East Pilbara Disability Equipment Library, improving access to educational resources, play equipment and disability support equipment for local families. | A$20,000 |
Care For Hedland Environmental Association Inc. | The Flatback Turtle Program will trial innovative sand cooling and wetting techniques at Cemetery Beach to help protect turtle nests from rising temperatures. Funding will also support equipment and fit-out for the Turtle Interpretative Centre in Port Hedland, providing an interactive space for environmental education, volunteer training and community involvement in marine conservation. | A$25,000 |