Deadline: 01-May-2026
The Community Climate Response Fund provides financial support to community-led projects in the Manawatū-Whanganui region that enhance resilience to climate change and promote a low-carbon future. Eligible not-for-profits, schools, marae, iwi, hapū, and endorsed individuals can apply for initiatives addressing resilience in areas such as water, energy, nature, food, and planning.
About the Community Climate Response Fund
The Community Climate Response Fund empowers communities to take meaningful action against climate change. It supports initiatives that build environmental and community resilience, facilitate the transition to a carbon-neutral economy, and strengthen local networks and partnerships. Projects should align with transformational change strategies and practical climate solutions within the Manawatū-Whanganui region.
Key Impact Areas
- Planning for resilience: Community-based strategies for long-term adaptation
- Water resilience: Protecting and managing water resources
- Energy resilience: Supporting renewable energy and low-carbon initiatives
- Nature-based resilience: Restoring ecosystems and biodiversity
- Food resilience: Promoting sustainable food systems and local agriculture
Objectives of the Fund
- Enhance community and environmental resilience to climate impacts
- Support transition to a sustainable, carbon-neutral regional economy by 2050
- Increase awareness and understanding of climate challenges
- Encourage community participation and action-based projects
- Foster partnerships, local connections, and collaboration
Funding Details
- Financial year: 2026–27
- Total funding pool: $52,250
- Project duration: Generally 12 months; multi-year projects may be considered
- No fixed cap per project, but proposals requesting large portions of the fund may be less competitive
- Eligible costs include resources, equipment, salaries, technical expertise, research, trials, and community engagement activities
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Not-for-profit organizations such as community groups, schools, early childhood centres
- Iwi or hapū organizations legally registered in New Zealand
- Individuals partnered with a formally endorsing not-for-profit
All projects must be non-profit in nature. Projects on private land require appropriate permissions.
Inclusion of Mātauranga Māori
The fund recognizes the importance of Mātauranga Māori and encourages applicants to incorporate Māori knowledge and perspectives in both the application and project implementation.
How to Apply
- Develop project proposal: Include objectives, expected outcomes, activities, budget, and timeline
- Obtain endorsement: If an individual applicant, partner with a registered not-for-profit organization
- Submit application: Follow the fund’s official submission process
- Selection process: Proposals are evaluated based on alignment with impact areas, feasibility, innovation, community engagement, and potential for long-term resilience
Key Principles
- Fairness and transparency: Clear expectations for all applicants and recipients
- Community impact: Projects should benefit wider communities
- Collaboration: Encourages partnership and shared learning
- Sustainability: Long-term benefits for community and environment
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate alignment with one or more key impact areas
- Show community involvement and collaboration in project design and implementation
- Include practical, measurable outcomes and indicators of success
- Integrate Mātauranga Māori principles where appropriate
- Ensure the project is non-profit and feasible within 12 months or specified timeframe
FAQs
1. Who is eligible to apply? Not-for-profit organizations, schools, early childhood centres, iwi/hapū, and endorsed individuals in New Zealand.
2. What types of projects are supported? Climate resilience, sustainability, low-carbon initiatives, community engagement, and environmental research or trials.
3. How much funding is available? Total pool of $52,250; no fixed cap per project.
4. What is the project duration? Generally 12 months; multi-year projects may be considered.
5. Can projects take place on private land? Yes, with appropriate permissions.
6. Are Māori knowledge systems considered? Yes, Mātauranga Māori should be incorporated where applicable.
7. What costs are eligible? Resources, equipment, salaries, technical expertise, community engagement, research, and trials.
Why It Matters
The fund strengthens local climate action by empowering communities, schools, and indigenous organizations to lead initiatives that address climate change challenges. It fosters resilience, sustainability, and carbon neutrality while respecting and integrating Māori knowledge.
Conclusion
The Community Climate Response Fund 2026–27 offers an opportunity for communities in the Manawatū-Whanganui region to implement impactful, non-profit climate projects. By supporting diverse initiatives in water, energy, nature, food, and planning resilience, the fund promotes a collaborative and sustainable approach to building a carbon-neutral future.
For more information, visit Horizons Regional Council.
