Special Purpose Programs
The Sustainability Special Purpose Funding Round aims to support schools in working toward their sustainability goals by funding projects that enhance energy efficiency, reduce the school's carbon emissions, and/or improve water management within existing school facilities.
The program specifically targets initiatives that address Energy & Carbon and Total Water Cycle management with the overall intent to reduce reliance on external energy and water sources.
The program aims to create a positive and lasting impact on the environment and students' educational experiences by supporting schools in their sustainability journeys.
Funding sources
The Sustainability Special Purpose Funding Round is funded through the Commonwealth’s Capital Grants Program (CGP).
Key contact
For any inquiries or assistance regarding the Sustainability Special Purpose Funding Round, please contact the program’s dedicated Project Officer, Kristy-Lee Cristea.
Kristy-Lee Cristea
Project Officer
Email: kcristea@bga.qld.edu.au
Phone: 07 3839 2142
Eligibility
Funding eligibility is based on a school:
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Being in receipt of Australian Government recurrent funds for education on the site where the proposed project would be delivered.
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Having entered into a QIS BGA Participation Agreement.
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Through its application being able to demonstrate:
- That it owns the land or has a lease for the land or the building that is at least 20 years from the date of the application.
- That the school has adequate insurance cover.
- That it has proposed an eligible sustainability project focused on energy and carbon or total water cycle management.
Application and assessment timeline
Applications for the initial round have now closed. Recipient School Agreements are anticipated to be finalised by September 2025.
The second round will open on 1st July 2025 and will be accessible to schools via their online Client Portal in the Enquire grant management system. Applications will close on Friday 29th August 2025, with Recipient School Agreements anticipated for late-November 2025.
There is currently no certainty that any future sustainability Special Purpose round will be offered, and schools with an eligible project are encouraged to apply now.
Key concepts and fundamentals
Program funding is available to schools with a capacity to contribute (CTC) less than 111, as outlined in the following table.
| Sustainability project type | Minimum project cost (ex GST) | Level of funding | |
| CTC < 97 | CTC 97-110 | ||
| Energy and carbon | $50,000 | 75% of project cost, capped to $300,000 per school | 50% of project cost, capped to $200,000 per school |
| Total water cycle | $50,000 | ||
| Combined energy and water | $50,000 |
In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, Schools will need to follow the prescribed ‘pathway to an eligible project’ to ensure all required documentation is developed to support their application.
The Pathway involves four key phases: conducting a Sustainability Audit to identify improvement opportunities, developing a detailed solution (project scope) using the Sustainability Model Code, obtaining competitive market quotations, and finally completing and submitting an application.
Following these phases, schools can develop eligible projects that align with the objectives of the Sustainability Special Purpose Funding Round. This structured approach ensures well-designed projects deliver quality, value-for-money outcomes with tangible sustainability benefits.
Read what other schools have said about applying in Round 1:
"The special purpose round provided our school with an opportunity to apply for capital funding for a solar panel project that aligned with our sustainability strategy objectives. We found the application process to be relatively straightforward and appreciated the support and guidance from the BGA office during that application process."
Highlands Christian College, Toowoomba
"The application process for the sustainability round was clear and easy to follow. It encourages us to reflect on our sustainability goals across both schools. The team at BGA were incredibly supportive, guiding us through each step and helping us navigate our specific questions. While the timeline was tight, it worked in our favour by keeping us focused and moving forward. We will absolutely consider applying again if another round becomes available."
Ohana College (Special Assistance), Meadowbrook
Key documents
The following supporting documents and resources have been developed to assist schools in considering or preparing to submit an application in this round:
Grant administration
Recipient school agreement
An agreement will be forwarded to the Approved Authority by QIS BGA through the GMS Client Portal immediately after the advice of Ministerial approval.
Schools will have 12 months to undertake the work from the date of executing a Recipient School Agreement.
Funding claims
Sustainability Grants will be paid upon receipt of a series of Claim Forms via the GMS Client Portal at the following milestones:
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- Payment of 90% of grant amount at 25% completion (in terms of value)
- Payment of 10% of grant at practical completion
Accountability
Once the claim is made, schools will complete documentation provided by the BGA via the GMS Client Portal, where the schools external accountant confirms that grant monies were spent only on the approved project.
Recognition
For further information on recognition requirements for Commonwealth or State funding, click here.