Deadline: 30-Apr-2024
Applications are now open for the Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF) to support local, grass-roots projects that have a vision to improve or protect the natural or historical features of the rohe (region).
It exists to enable the mahi (work) of volunteer groups within the community that are passionate about making change now for the future, who want to bring their community or communities together, and who recognise their role in making a difference in their own ‘backyard’.
The He Matapuna Akoranga a Hawea Vercoe – Hawea Vercoe Memorial Fund grants are also funded through the EEF to help Kura Kaupapa Māori, Kohanga Reo and bi-lingual schools in the region with environmental projects.
Funding Information
- You can apply for up to $25,000 per financial year (July 1 to June 30) for your project.
They will fund:
- Projects that encourage and provide appropriate and free public access to the project site.
- Projects that provide a broader environmental gain on the project site.
- Projects/activities within Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s legal boundaries and areas of responsibility.
- Infrastructure where environmental enhancement outcomes of the project cannot be achieved without the provision of these. Infrastructure items that may be funded include interpretation signs, sand ladders, boardwalks, rails and steps, track, composting toilet, rainwater and grey water tanks, culverts, shade-houses and fencing. These will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will depend on other aspects of the project.
- Skilled worker/contractor where specialised approved experience/equipment, as listed in Appendix 1 is required to complete the project; and
- Transport costs up to 10% of the total approved funding. Funding requests above this level, will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will depend on other aspects of the project.
They will not fund:
- Projects receiving funding from other Bay of Plenty Regional Council programmes (however, aspects of the project not covered under other programme funding criteria are eligible to apply to the EEF).
- Projects more appropriately funded through other Bay of Plenty Regional Council programmes.
- Costs of gaining a resource consent.
- Projects that require resource consent, but have yet to receive one.
- Any works/activities that are required as conditions of a resource consent or as mitigation as part of a resource consent.
What can the funding be used for?
- Projects that provide broad environmental gains and encourage community access to the project site.
- Plants and other vegetation that’s best suited to the project site.
- Materials and equipment, such as gloves, raking tools, shovels, wheelbarrows etc.
- Infrastructure that can support good environmental outcomes (as part of the overall project). Examples include rainwater and grey tanks, shade houses and fencing, rails and steps, tracks and boardwalks.
- Up to 20% of your funding can be used for project management/administration support.
- Training for project team members to support the project’s success, for example Growsafe Certification.
- Support from skilled worker/contractors (subject to approval).
Eligibility Criteria
- Your project group and location are in the Bay of Plenty.
- Your project site has free public access.
- You are a community-based group (not a private individual, commercial entity, Government agency or district/city council).
- You’re committed to the long-term success of the project, including maintaining the project, and will do regular monitoring and reporting to let them know how it’s going.
- Your project is not receiving funding from any other Bay of Plenty Regional Council programmes for the same work (however, aspects of the project not covered under other programme funding criteria may be eligible to apply to the EEF).
Ineligible
- These groups/organisations are ineligible to apply for funding through the Environmental Enhancement Fund:
- Central Government departments and agencies or city and district councils. Examples of these include: Department of Conservation, Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Whakatāne District Council, Ōpōtiki District Council, Kawerau District Council, Rotorua District Council, SCION, Ministry of Social Development (applications from community groups with these agencies as partners or co-funders are encouraged. However, the project lead must clearly be the community group).
- Groups not based within the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s legal boundaries.
- Landcare, Coastcare, Estuary Care and other groups for projects that are funded or more appropriately funded through other Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana programmes.
- Private Individuals.
- Commercial Entities.
For more information, visit Bay of Plenty Regional Council.