Assess-Implement-Monitor (AIM) Grants

AIM grants provide a contribution towards the cost of expert advisory services to complete an assessment of environmental sustainability performance in areas outlined below (see What will we fund?), provide recommendations and a business case for investment in more sustainable and circular business practices.  

Funding is available for businesses and not-for-profits to:

• ASSESS materials circularity, waste management and resource efficiency, and/or scope 3 emissions and carbon reduction strategies
• IMPLEMENT recommendations made through an AIM-Grant-funded, independent and impartial assessment

Projects should enable participants to MONITOR progress and report outcomes, using the assessment as a basis for continuous improvement.

How much money is available?

Up to $20,000 per applicant comprised of:

• up to $15,000 for an assessment – co-contribution 2:1 (GISA:Applicant)
• up to $5000 (1:1) to implement assessment recommendations that meet eligibility criteria.

Charitable organisations, social enterprises and First Nations businesses may be eligible for a full subsidy on assessments costs (up to $15,000). Please contact staff to discuss.

Who can apply?

Businesses and not-for-profits that have been operating in South Australia for a minimum of 2 consecutive years.

First Nations businesses, social enterprises and charitable organisations are encouraged to apply.

What will we fund?

Assessments that establish or build upon baseline data, analyse, assess, and report on current practice, identify and prioritise opportunities for improvement and build the business case for investment in one or more of the following areas:

• Implementation of circular economy principles and practices/adoption of circular business models
• Materials efficiency and better practice waste management
• Better practice waste management coupled with energy, water, trade waste, and/or emissions management improvements
• Scope 3 emissions management and reduction – may be coupled with an assessment of scope 1 and 2 emissions, and/or development of net zero strategies
  • Must include assessment and improvement recommendations related to waste management and purchased good and services, with consideration of downstream use, processing and end-of-life treatment of goods/products, and opportunities to incorporate more circular business practices

Assessments must:

• consider improvements in waste management, materials efficiency and implementation of circular economy principles
• focus on holistic solutions, and activities that are in addition to meeting minimum regulatory compliance
• compare current practice to a range of alternative activities/technologies/solutions (not focus on a single solution, technology, or product)
• contribute to the development of a business case for investment in one or more of the areas listed above, summarised in a report that is shared with GISA and meets AIM grant standard reporting requirements (refer to the AIM grant guidelines for details)
• be new, not already commenced or completed at the time of application
• be delivered in partnership with a suitably qualified and capable, independent, and impartial service provider (a specialist advisory consultant, or equivalent).

Implementation of recommendations identified in an AIM-grant-funded assessment that:

• have a payback greater than 2 years
• reduce materials or resource intensity to produce goods and deliver services, reduce waste generated, and/or increase total waste diverted from landfill 
• reduce reliance on virgin materials.

Preference may be given to projects that:

• include provision of tools/templates for the applicant to use in an ongoing capacity, enabling them monitor and report performance over time
• clearly demonstrates applicability to other sites owned/operated by the applicant, or to other businesses/industry sectors
• clearly demonstrates the applicant’s commitment to implementing circular economy practices and/or environmental sustainability.

Projects must meet and contribute to the program aim, objectives and outcomes.

What WON’T we fund?

• Government entities
• Schools (preschool, primary and secondary) and organisations with a community-focus, such as community groups
• Organisations that provide and/or represent the interests of waste management service providers

Energy, water, and emissions assessments are not eligible for funding unless coupled with an assessment of materials/waste management or implementation of circular economy principles.

Implementation of energy-related improvements, including but not limited to solar and wind power systems and components, lighting replacement, repair, upgrade, power factor correction, and HVAC systems.

Projects that focus on:

• energy, water, and emissions assessments in isolation (these may be coupled with an assessment of materials/waste management or implementation of circular economy principles)
• assessing solutions prioritised lower on the waste management hierarchy than current practice, and projects that consider a single solution only
• achieving certification or meeting regulatory standards as the sole focus
• solutions for waste managed through kerbside council waste collection systems
• gaining development approval.

Funds are also not available for:

• costs associated with certification or compliance standards, subscriptions, lease or licencing fees
• vehicle purchase, hire, lease and/or repair
• applicant travel costs, wages, salaries and operating costs such as rent and utility bills.

When does it close?

Applications may be submitted at any time up until the closing date. 

Application forms are available for eligible applicants and projects, as determined through discussion with program staff. Please contact us to find out more. 

The grant guidelines contain a complete list of eligibility and criteria.

For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions.