Habitat loss is one of the greatest threats to bees, with urban expansion, bushfires and floods steadily reducing the flowering plants and nesting sites they need for food and shelter.

Now in its fourth year, the Trees for Bees 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 with support from Flow® and Rabobank’s Rabo Community Fund, and launches on Monday, 25 May as part of this year’s World Bee Day celebrations.

Since launching in 2023, the initiative has awarded 66 grants across Australia, supporting the planting of about 9,500 pollinator-friendly trees and shrubs and engaging more than 12,600 community members in local action for pollinators.

Wheen Bee Foundation CEO Fiona Chambers said growing interest in the program reflects a strong desire in communities to take practical action for pollinators.

“Every year we see more and more communities interested in working together to plant trees, restore habitat and create something that has lasting impact,” Ms Chambers said

“The tree planting helps create habitat, while the program also builds awareness in communities, among people young and old, about the practical steps people can take to support Australia’s bees and other pollinators.

“Over the past three years we’ve seen kindergartens, schools, environmental groups, RSLs, Landcare groups, non-for-profits and many other community organisations receive grants, plant trees and help spread awareness about bees.”

Flow® CEO Cedar Anderson said they’re pleased to join the program and support community-led action for pollinators.

“Protecting pollinators by restoring biodiverse habitat is one of the most crucial things people can do today,” Mr Anderson said.

“These grants show what’s possible when communities take action together. We’re excited to support this program through our Billions of Blossoms initiative and watch it grow.”

This year, the Trees for Bees Community Tree Grants program has expanded to offer 40 grants to community organisations, not-for-profits, school groups, Landcare groups, sporting and gardening clubs and sustainability groups.

Rabobank Australia CEO Caroline Oosterbaan said the expanded program will see more communities band together to take practical action for pollinators.

“Through the Rabo Community Fund, we’re proud to support initiatives that bring people together to deliver lasting benefits for communities and the environment,” Ms Oosterbaan said.

“By helping communities plant pollinator-friendly trees and shrubs, we’re supporting local practical action that can make a real difference for bees and other pollinators. And as an agribusiness banking specialist, Rabobank is keenly aware of the vital role bees and pollinators play in environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity.”

Applications will be assessed based on their benefit to pollinators, scale of impact and community engagement.

Applications are now open and close on Monday, 20 July 2026 at 5pm AEST.

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