Have you got a clever idea for cutting waste? Auckland Council is offering grants of up to $50,000 as part of the annual Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund / Te pūtea Whakamōkito Para me te Auahatanga.
The fund, which supports Auckland Council’s goal of sending zero waste to landfill by 2040, will be open to applications from 01 — 31 August. Community groups, businesses, iwi, Māori organisations, early childhood centres, schools, tertiary organisations, and other community-based organisations operating in the Auckland region are eligible to apply.
Now in its ninth year, WMIF has so far allocated around $5 million to over 450 projects that support or achieve waste minimisation activities in Tāmaki Makaurau. Past grants have been used for everything from setting up worm bins in schools to turning unwanted fish parts into kai and fertiliser. Construction waste solutions have also gotten a boost from the WMIF fund.
Auckland Council’s General Manager Waste solutions, Parul Sood, says it's been fantastic to see so many innovative waste-free solutions brought to life through the fund.
“Every year, we are impressed and inspired by the creativity and commitment displayed by our applicants. Each of these projects makes a real difference to the communities they serve and brings us closer to our goal of sending zero waste to landfill by 2040.”
Half a million dollars is available in this funding round for grants between $1000 and $50,000.
Applications targeting our priority waste streams of textiles, construction/demolition and organic industries are particularly encouraged, although projects of all categories will be considered. There is also a target to deliver at least 15% of the fund to projects which deliver for Māori, by Māori.
“We hope to see applications from diverse communities, and in particular for projects that empower mana whenua in their role as kaitiaki and equip mataawaka organisations and businesses with waste minimisation capability,” says Ms Sood.
The full list of previous recipients is available at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/wastefund
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for WMIF funding, you will be able to apply online here from August 1. Find more information about the Waste Minimisation Innovation Fund (including a list of previous recipients and an application guide), email aucklandwastefund@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, or call 09 301 0101 to find out more.
