Deadline: 31-Oct-2025
The Waste Minimisation Innovation Fund (WMIF) is now accepting applications to support projects that reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
This year, proposals must focus on diverting key waste streams including organics, plastics, packaging, biosolids, and textiles, with priority areas updated annually to align with the Ministry for the Environment’s national Waste Minimisation Fund.
The WMIF has an annual pool of $500,000 available, divided across three funding categories. Small projects can apply for grants between $1,000 and $5,000, medium projects between $5,001 and $25,000, and large projects for amounts above $25,000. Any unallocated funds will roll over into the following year’s round, ensuring continued support for innovative waste minimisation efforts.
The fund is open to a wide range of applicants in the Auckland region, including community groups, businesses, mana whenua, mataawaka, schools, tertiary organisations, early childhood centres, and other community-based organisations. All projects must promote or achieve waste minimisation by reducing waste, reusing materials, recycling, or recovering materials or energy for further use.
Eligible initiatives include new projects or significant expansions of existing ones that create measurable impact in waste reduction. Educational projects focused specifically on waste minimisation activities are also eligible. However, the fund does not cover waste disposal, clean-up activities, or the treatment of waste for disposal, nor does it provide ongoing financial support for existing operations.
Projects can be funded for up to one year, after which they should have achieved their objectives and, where feasible, become self-sustaining. Funding may be used for operational or capital costs essential to project delivery. The WMIF will cover up to 50% of project costs, requiring applicants to secure additional support from their own resources, other funders, or in-kind contributions such as volunteer hours or donated items.
Through this grant program, the WMIF continues its mission to foster innovation and community-driven solutions that tackle Auckland’s waste challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future.
For more information, visit Auckland Council.
