Grants are funds allocated to carry out a specified action. A devolved grant is when one body gives funds to another smaller body to run its own grants scheme. Applicants may state the cost of their project when applying or the grant may be a fixed sum.
Subsidies are payments made to reduce the cost of environmentally beneficial goods or services. For example, an regional NRM group may subsidise the cost of fencing a private property to exclude feral animals.
A negotiated outcome approach can be useful for achieving landscape outcomes. A variety of incentive mechanisms are used, matching each landholder to the incentive that suits their needs. An indigenous land use agreement is an example of a negotiated outcome.
Suasive instruments are aimed at changing people's environmental perceptions and priorities. They include education, training, providing information, and social recognition. The FarmBis program
is an example of a suasive instrument.
Regional NRM groups can work with other groups, such as local, state and federal governments , who have the legal authority to implement the incentives listed below.
Conservation covenants are legally binding agreements between a statutory authority and a landholder who agrees to improve their NRM practices. A covenant can last for a specified length of time or can be attached to the title of the land, binding future land managers.