31 JULY 2018

ORC launches new community grants program for environmental projects

The Otago Regional Council has today launched a new community grants program -- the ECO Fund. The fund, which replaces the former Environmental Enhancement fund, will support work that protects and enhances Otago’s environment. Projects that are in close alignment with ORC goals and priorities and/or bring a community of people together, will be prioritised.

The ECO Fund will have three funding rounds per year, with the first funding round opening 1 September and closing on 20 September. Subsequent rounds will be in January and May. A total of $250,000 is available annually, split across the three rounds. Applications from projects large or small are encouraged.

“In talking to community groups, the feedback we got consistently was that several funds were available to fund capital expenditure but very few were in existence to fund positions or pieces of work such as strategies or catchment plans,” said Cr Deaker, Chair of the Regional Council’s Communication Committee. “We are certainly very excited to offer this point of difference.”

Further information, including how to apply for the ECO Fund, can be found at www.orc.govt.nz/ecofund.

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