Auckland Council’s first ever dedicated climate-focused grants programme opens next week, with $400,000 up for grabs for community-based climate projects.
From Monday 26 September, Auckland Council will be accepting applications from organisations and community groups in the Auckland region for the newly created Auckland Climate Grant programme.
The fund targets community projects that prioritise the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, builds community resilience to climate impacts or supports Māori-led responses to climate change. It is funded through council’s 10-year Budget climate investment fund.
“I’m very pleased the council is responding to the increased attention to the effects of climate change. We’ve all seen the devasting impacts it can have on communities and we’ll continue to invest where we can to help groups respond to the challenge", says Environment and Climate Change Committee Chair, Councillor Richard Hills.
“We’re proud to work hand in hand with local communities who want to improve our resilience, protect our infrastructure, and help keep us safe, so any measures we can offer to support them, is important.”
This year, $400,000 is available with two funding categories to apply for:
- response grants of between $1000 - $15,000
- strategic grants of between $15,000 - $50,000.
Projects targeting transport, food, energy, along with Māori-led initiatives will be prioritised in the 2022/2023 financial year.
“Over recent years we have seen increased interest in and demand for community-led climate action. There are so many good ideas out there from both established groups already involved with climate action and new groups getting involved for the first time.
“We’re excited to be able to support new projects through the Auckland Climate Grant programme,” says Environmental Services General Manager Rachel Kelleher.
Information on the eligibility criteria and exclusions are provided in the Auckland Climate Grant guidelines available on the Auckland Council website.
Applications close 31 October with grant allocation decisions made by December 2022.
