Environmental Initiatives Fund grants available now

Community groups aimed at conserving and enhancing Auckland's important natural environs and cultural heritage are invited to apply for funding.

Applications for Auckland Council's Environmental Initiatives Fund open on 15 August 2011.

Individuals, community groups, schools, early childhood centres, Mana Whenua, Maori groups, businesses and trusts within the Auckland region working on not-for-profit projects with an environmental or heritage focus are eligible to apply.

Environment and Sustainability Forum chair Wayne Walker says the fund supports a wide range of programmes focused on improving the lives of Aucklanders through enhancing, preserving and protecting their natural surroundings and valuable cultural heritage.

"Whether its church restoration projects, pest eradication programmes or stream plantings, we encourage everyone working on a worthwhile and meaningful project to apply."

Previous successful projects include the restoration of an historic Clydesdale horse watering-hole in Franklin, pest control to protect native species on Great Barrier Island, and restoration of an important wetland ecosystem in Rodney.

While the average grant is around $2500, the fund allows for grants of up to $15,000. Applications should be for work due to start after December 2011. Projects should be not-for-profit and applicants are required to contribute half of the project costs.

"Auckland Council relies on community initiatives to help protect and restore the natural environment and our cultural heritage. These grants are designed to give worthwhile projects the funding to get them off the ground," says Parks, Recreation and Heritage Forum chair Sandra Coney.

"The Council can also provide back-up with expert advice. I encourage communities throughout the region to think about projects that can do with this kind of help."

Applications close 26 September 2011, and funding allocation decisions are expected to be made in December.

For further information and to apply online or download an application form go to http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/funding.

ENDS

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