Habitat loss is one of the greatest threats to bees, with increasing urbanisation, bushfires and floods reducing critical areas where they forage and breed.

Now in its third round, the Community Tree Grants program provides grants of up to $500 to schools, clubs and community groups to plant pollinator-friendly trees and shrubs in their local area.

The program is run by the Wheen Bee Foundation in partnership with Carman’s and is launched each year as part of the celebrations for World Bee Day on Tuesday, 20 May 2025.

Since 2023, the program has awarded 46 grants across Australia, supporting the planting of about 4,300 pollinator-friendly trees and shrubs with nearly 7,500 community members involved.

Wheen Bee Foundation CEO Fiona Chambers said it’s inspiring to see communities across Australia come together to plant for pollinators.

“Pollinators play an essential role in our food systems, with one in three mouthfuls of the food we eat depending on bees for pollination,” Ms Chambers said.

“The Trees for Bees Community Tree Grant program is about creating lasting habitats for pollinators and strengthening local communities. “The program is a simple yet powerful way for communities to come together and make a real difference.”

Carman’s Founder Carolyn Creswell said they are thrilled to be working with Wheen Bee Foundation again on such an important program for bee populations and local communities.

“What I love most about this program is seeing the impact it has on both a community level by bringing people together for the planting days, and on a bigger level supporting the pollination of crops for Aussie farmers,” Ms Creswell said.

This year, 20 grants are available, with applications open to community organisations, not-for-profits, school groups, Landcare groups, sporting and gardening clubs and sustainability groups.

Applicants will be judged on their proposed project’s benefits to pollinators, the area covered and community impact.

Applications are now open and close on 18 July 2025 at 5pm AEST.

Find out more and apply here wheenbeefoundation.org.au/communitytreegrants