The closing date looms for grant expressions of interest under the Communities Environment Program. Up to $150,000 is being offered to each federal electorate for priorities such as wetlands protection, riverbanks and waterways, protecting native animals, reducing waste and litter, and greening local parks. Eligible organisations include community clubs like Rotary Clubs, Indigenous organisations, Landcare groups and schools.

The program is modelled on the Stronger Communities program and each electorate can receive funding for up to 20 projects, with grants ranging from $2500 to $20,000.

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Community groups are also invited to apply for the Solar Communities program which provides grants of up to $12,500 for small-scale solar energy generation and storage projects. Eligible organisations include welfare centres, men's sheds, community centres, women's associations, community football and netball clubs, scout and guide groups and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community groups.

Under the program eligible small businesses will be able to claim grants of up to $20,000, and high-energy using businesses up to $25,000. Grants could be used to fund the replacement of lighting, air conditioning and refrigeration systems to help reduce energy costs.

"What we need is the right balance of energy generation in this country, a mix of the old and new," Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said.

"These grants are also about building on the millions of dollars in funding already being rolled out for environmental projects around the electorate including research into soil carbon, resilient grazing; lantana and blackberry control measures and rehabilitation of native fish populations in the Border Rivers."

To apply contact Mr Joyce's electorate office on (02) 6761 3080 or email barnaby.joyce.mp@aph.gov.au to request an Expression of Interest (EOI) form. Hurry, as EOIs close 5pm Thursday, March 28.