Deadline: 01-May-2026
The Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant, offered by Horizons Regional Council, funds community-led projects that restore and protect indigenous biodiversity while fostering stronger connections between people and nature. Grants support initiatives that enhance ecosystems, promote Māori knowledge, and encourage public engagement in environmental stewardship.
About the Grant Program
The Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant empowers communities to actively participate in biodiversity restoration and protection. The program emphasizes creating healthy ecosystems, culturally informed environmental practices, and strong community-nature connections.
Program Objectives
- Strengthen the relationship between people and nature
- Protect and restore indigenous biodiversity
- Promote regeneration and continuation of Māori knowledge
- Foster public learning and engagement with the natural environment
- Support community-driven initiatives that prioritize ecological wellbeing
Key Focus Areas
- Restoration projects for degraded habitats or ecosystems
- Biodiversity protection including species conservation and habitat enhancement
- Kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of natural resources
- Cultural knowledge integration, particularly Māori perspectives
- Community education and engagement around biodiversity and environmental care
Funding Details
- Grant duration: 1–3 years, depending on project scope
- Funding awarded through a competitive process
- Projects may receive support for activities such as restoration, education, community engagement, and biodiversity monitoring
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Community organizations
- Māori groups such as hapū, iwi, and marae
- Educational institutions
- Landowner groups and businesses
- Individuals leading community-focused, non-profit projects
Applicants must: - Ensure community engagement in project activities
- Obtain permission from landowners for projects on private land
Ineligible applicants: - Political parties
- Central government agencies
- Organizations already receiving statutory funding from Horizons Regional Council
- Applicants with conflicts of interest involving council members
How to Apply
- Prepare proposal: Include project objectives, activities, community involvement, and expected outcomes
- Landowner permissions: Provide documented approval if the project is on private land
- Submit application: Follow Horizons Regional Council application guidelines
- Selection: Projects are assessed on biodiversity impact, community engagement, cultural integration, and feasibility
- Implementation: Deliver activities that restore biodiversity, strengthen cultural knowledge, and engage the community
Key Considerations
- Projects must be non-profit and community-driven
- Strong emphasis on Māori knowledge and cultural practices
- Proposals should demonstrate measurable ecological and community impact
- Transparency regarding council involvement and conflicts of interest is required
Tips for a Strong Application
- Highlight community participation and collaboration
- Integrate cultural knowledge and practices in biodiversity activities
- Provide a clear plan for environmental impact and outcomes
- Ensure sustainability and long-term benefits for ecosystems and communities
- Include monitoring and reporting methods to track project success
FAQs
1. Who is eligible to apply? Community organizations, Māori groups, educational institutions, landowner groups, businesses, and individuals leading community-driven projects.
2. Can projects be on private land? Yes, with documented landowner permission.
3. Are political parties eligible? No, political parties and central government agencies are ineligible.
4. What is the funding duration? One to three years, depending on project scope.
5. Can statutory-funded organizations apply? No, organizations already receiving Horizons Regional Council statutory funding are ineligible.
6. Are individuals eligible? Yes, if the project is community-focused, non-profit, and culturally aligned.
7. What types of projects are supported? Restoration, biodiversity protection, kaitiakitanga initiatives, and community education programs.
Why It Matters
This grant enables communities to actively protect indigenous biodiversity, strengthen cultural and environmental connections, and foster sustainable engagement with the natural world. By supporting restoration and education efforts, the program promotes resilient ecosystems and empowered communities.
Conclusion
The Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant provides essential funding for community-led initiatives that restore ecosystems, safeguard indigenous species, and integrate Māori knowledge. By supporting inclusive, culturally informed, and sustainable projects, the program strengthens both environmental stewardship and community engagement across the Horizons Regional Council region.
For more information, visit Horizons Regional Council.