Auckland Council has a number of grants available to support community initiatives. Here’s a list of a few, which are open for applications now:
Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund
The next round of the fund will be open August 1 to 31 and will accept grant applications requesting between $1000 and $50,000. The fund is for anyone who has an idea for a project, activity or event that supports waste minimisation. Funding workshops are available on request should any organisations or communities want in-depth information on the application and assessment process. Support and guidance on submitting an application is also available on request.
Regional Environment and Natural Heritage
Applications will be accepted from July 4 to August 21, with funding for grants of between $5000 and $40,000 available for eligible projects. The programme is focused on the protection, restoration or enhancement of Auckland’s regionally significant natural heritage areas. Individuals, mana whenua, iwi, organisations and community groups are all eligible to apply. Grants can be for conservation projects that contribute towards the effective management of a regional priority indigenous ecosystem or species, management of plant and animal pests identified in the Regional Pest Management plan, Healthy Waters projects that contribute towards protection, improvement and/or the restoration of waterways, and projects or activities that empower mana whenua or mataawaka kaitiakitanga of Auckland’s natural environment. Funding decisions will be made in December for projects to start in January.
Creative Community Scheme (delivered in partnership with Creative NZ)
These grants support communities to deliver art projects, including music, dance, film-making, weaving, singing, poetry and theatre, to their communities. This can be on beaches, in parks, community halls, theatres, streets and galleries. There are two funding rounds each year, with the next round closing on September 4. Grants range from $500 upwards.
For further information about eligibility and how to apply, visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz (enter ‘grants’ in the search bar)
