The key objectives behind the Sustainability Fund are to:

• meet the challenge of climate change through every means available;
• help the community understand and prepare for the ongoing impacts of climate change;
• benefit from a transition to an innovative, low-emission economy; and
• be guardians of our natural environment and taonga.

The $380,000 funding pool is open to anyone – from grassroots community organisations and schools to social enterprises and businesses.

Last year the fund supported native planting in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor and a local startup which assists businesses in accessing discounted bike and scooter schemes to help more people use alternative modes of transport.

An action learning programme that works with schools to become kaitiaki and take action to improve the longfin tuna/eel, a curtain bank which helps make 450 households per year warmer using recycled curtains and a wide range of community food growing projects also received funding.

Applications to the Sustainability Fund close on 30 August 2024. Funding decisions will be made in November 2024.

For more information or to apply visit the Sustainability Fund.