Ms Corbyn said that the 2010 grants round is open to schools, community groups, non-profit associations, business and industry associations, and Aboriginal and state and local government organisations.

"The NSW government is offering $4.65 million in grants for initiatives that will help to make a real difference to our environment," Ms Corbyn said.

"Whether they are restoring degraded environments, implementing innovative ways to manage waste or providing community education, these projects can make a significant difference.

"Individual grants are available for between $2,500 and $100,000 depending on the program."

Eligible applicants can apply in any of the following four programs:

• Environmental Education
• Eco Schools
• Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation, or
• Protecting our Places, which is open to Aboriginal organisations

"In past rounds the Trust has enabled a huge number of important projects to get off the ground," Ms Corbyn said.

"For example last year's grants included education funding which will enable the development of climate change adaptation planning resources for local government; restoration funding for works in the Southern Tablelands and Protecting our Place funding for the restoration of ancient Aboriginal marriage circle and scar trees at Billinudgel.

"These are all valuable projects with long term environmental benefits that were made possible through the grant assistance of the Environmental Trust.

"I encourage anybody who has a similar worthwhile initiative to apply for a grant in this 2010 round."

Since 2000 the Environmental Trust has funded around 1,800 grants valued at over $122 million through its strategic contestable grants programs.

Closing dates for applications are staggered between April 23 and June 4, depending on the program.

The Environmental Trust will run a series of statewide workshops between April and May on the Protecting our Places Program to help Aboriginal organisations develop their ideas and applications. Visit www.environmentaltrust.nsw.gov.au for workshop dates and locations.

Detailed information, application forms and workshop information for the 2010 Environmental Grants Programs are available at: www.environmentaltrust.nsw.gov.au or by calling the Environmental Trust on (02) 8837 6093.

For further information contact Emma Petersen