Sustainability Fund in New Zealand

Deadline: 28-Mar-22

The Christchurch City Council has announced Sustainability Fund to encourage community, school, social enterprise or business projects that help meet their climate change objectives and targets.

• They will meet the challenge of climate change through every means available.
• They understand and are prepared for the ongoing impacts of climate change.
• They all benefit from a just transition to an innovative, low emission economy.
• They are guardians of the  natural environment and taonga.

• Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (excluding methane) for Christchurch by 2045, and a 50% reduction by 2030.
• At least a 50% reduction by 2045 of methane emissions in Christchurch, and a 25% reduction by 2030.
• For Christchurch City Council activities to be carbon neutral by 2030.
• Christchurch’s main sources of greenhouse gas emissions are from transport (55%), energy used in buildings and infrastructure (18%), farming (15%), solid waste and sewage treatment (8%) and industrial gases (4%). 

• The Council has allocated a total of $400,000 for this Fund in 2020/21 financial year.
• Generally, the fund will provide no more than 60% of the project costs with the remainder to come from other sources. These can include in-kind contributions, such as time or resources supplied to the project by others.
• Funded projects should be ready to start within four months and be completed within twelve months. Multi-year applications can be considered provided the business case is compelling and the project plan has clear milestones and points for progress payments.
• Funds can be requested for operational aspects (e.g. staff time) and for materials or equipment needed to successfully deliver the project benefits. Applications seeking to purchase equipment will need to have quotes and proof of purchase.
• Organisations that are GST registered should be aware that this grant is an unconditional gift and does not attract GST. All amounts are effectively exclusive of GST, GST will not be paid.

• Help their community adopt more sustainable behaviours and practices.
• Support the rapid transition to an innovative, low emission economy.
• Increase the uptake of zero-emission mobility such as walking and cycling.
• Reduce consumption, eliminate waste or support a circular economy.
• Encourage the efficient use of resources such as energy, water, waste and materials.
• Increase the uptake of renewable energy.
• Support a regenerative food system and farming practices.
• Enhance ecosystem resilience and nature-based, green infrastructure solutions.
• Remove greenhouse gases directly from the atmospheres, such as forest or wetland restoration and soil carbon improvements.
• Help them to better understand, prepare for, or respond to the environmental, social, cultural or economic impacts of climate change.

• Community organisations, schools, social enterprises and businesses can apply to this fund.
• Applicants must be a legal entity registered in New Zealand, such as an incorporated society, charitable trust or limited liability company.
• Preference will be given to Christchurch-based organisations or partnerships involving Christchurch organisations.
• Individuals seeking funds will need to partner with a legal entity and include in the application a letter from the host entity endorsing the proposed project and partnership arrangement.
• Generally, applications led by government organisations will not be considered. However, partnerships involving government organisations are acceptable.
• Only one application per project will be accepted in each Council financial year (July to June). Organisations may put forward more than one project in a year.
• Applicants should have made reasonable efforts to secure funding from other sources before applying to this fund.

For more information, visit https://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/community-funding/sustainability-fund