Supporting Bee Habitats Across Australia
Rabobank and the Wheen Bee Foundation have announced the launch of the Trees for Bees Community Tree Grants programme. This initiative offers $500 grants to support the planting of bee-friendly trees in Australia. Applications for the programme open on 25th May.
The initiative aims to boost bee habitats by funding community projects that plant trees in school grounds, community lands, and urban corridors. Grants are available to not-for-profits, schools, Landcare groups, and other community organisations.
Skye Ward, Rabobank’s community engagement manager, remarked that “the Trees for Bees Community Tree Grants align perfectly with the fund’s community ethos” and are crucial given that one in three mouthfuls of food is pollinated by bees.
Rabobank, a specialist food and agribusiness bank, collaborates with the Wheen Bee Foundation to provide these grants. The support extends to planting bee-friendly trees in extended gardens and sporting club precincts.
Enhancing Bee Education
In addition to tree grants, Rabobank will support the Wheen Bee Foundation’s Centre for Bee Education by funding 20 Learning Kits. These kits provide resources for educators and students, promoting a deeper understanding of pollinators’ roles in ecosystems.
Fiona Chambers, CEO of the Wheen Bee Foundation, highlighted the programme’s importance, stating, “It creates real, lasting habitat for bees while fostering community engagement and awareness.”
The Rabo Community Fund, since its launch in 2021, has invested over $4 million in projects to help tackle key agribusiness and community challenges. This includes health checks in remote areas, agri-educational resources for schools, and workshops for farmers.
Wheen Bee Foundation CEO Fiona Chambers noted the popularity of the grants, with hundreds of applications from communities keen to take action for bees. She expressed excitement about supporting more projects this year.
Grant applications will close on 20th July 2026. Interested groups can apply via the Wheen Bee Foundation website. For further details on Rabobank’s community initiatives, please visit their official webpage.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 12:00 pm
