Supporting Kangaroo Island Trails to Secure Grant Funding

Alex Brown Project Co. was engaged by Kangaroo Island Trails in August 2025 to provide tourism grant writing mentoring, strategic project positioning and professional proofing and editing services for their application to the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Experience Nature Tourism Fund (ENTF) Round 4.

The project centred on the development of Kangaroo Island Trails: New 5-day guided eco tour of Kangaroo Island (ex Adelaide), designed to deliver a high-quality, bookable nature-based tourism experience that showcases iconic landscapes and conservation destinations including Baudin Conservation Park, Flinders Chase National Park, and Kelly Hill.

A key component of the application was the procurement of a 2019 Toyota Commuter GL 12-seater bus, supporting operational readiness, improved visitor access across the island, and the capacity to deliver guided touring in a safe, efficient and visitor-focused way.

In a highly competitive funding round that supported 17 successful applicants, the application achieved a successful result, securing $41,300 toward a total project value of $51,672. The outcome reflects the strength of the project’s strategic alignment to the ENTF program objectives and the growing demand for immersive, nature-based tourism experiences in South Australia.

Testimonial:

“Alex helped us polish and refine our grant application. She provided clear notes for our team to better understand different perspectives on the questions and aligning it properly with the criteria of the grant. Her notes helped give our application the extra boost it needed by connecting it all together, which turned out to be a success! We would definitely use Alex again in the future”.

Kylie-Jane Tull, Founder & CEO, Kangaroo Island Trails

Need help with grant writing, strategic positioning, or refining an application to improve your chances of success? Find out more about my tourism development consultancy services and make an enquiry today.

Business sustainability grants

There’s no doubt that responsible travel is on the rise as consumers are looking to reduce their impact on the planet. Sustainable and eco-friendly travel is being sought after and it’s becoming expected that businesses are implementing a variety of green practices that take action on environmental, social, economic and ethical sustainability.

An opportunity is available to support South Australian businesses to undertake sustainability assessments, business case development and implement assessment recommendations.

Up to $15,000 per applicant is available from the Asset-Implement-Monitor (AIM) Grants

comprised of:

• up to $10,000 for an assessment – co-contribution 2:1 (GISA:Applicant)

• up to $5000 (1:1) to implement assessment recommendations that meet eligibility criteria

Find out more about the program and if you’re eligible here. The grant program will close on 20 March 2023.

Rammed earth walls at Ecopia Retreat, Kangaroo Island.

Image: @jennsomewhere

A grant could help you make an assessment of your business and identify some simple actions to improve your sustainability for instance:

·       Environmental improvements: water, energy, waste

·       Carbon offset programs

·       Providing bicycles, walking maps and information on public transport

·       Providing seasonal, local and plant-based products on your menus

·       Relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

·       Building community pride by actively promoting local crafts, artists and businesses

·       Providing clear walking trails in sensitive natural areas

·       Offering paperless tickets, vouchers or confirmations

·       Tourism Accreditation, Ecotourism Certification programs, or Sustainability Awards

·       Incorporating a sustainable procurement policy

If you’re looking for further help to start your sustainability journey  Eco Tourism Australia have launched the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard that is designed for all sectors of the tourism industry. The scorecard allows businesses to measure and assess their business following four pillars of sustainability.

Taking the time to explore improved sustainability can give you a new marketing tool that will allow you to promote to your customers your ongoing commitment to green / responsible travel.

Enquire with Alex Brown, Director to discuss your business planning or for grant writing.