Grants available to support community initiatives

Horizons Regional Council is calling for applications to its community grants programme with $20,000 available to support environmental initiatives.

The programme helps encourage and support local community groups, schools, early childcare centres and iwi/hapū, with not-for-profit projects designed to enhance the Region’s natural environment.

Horizons chair Bruce Gordon says applications will be assessed on environmental benefits, feasibility, community involvement and long-term benefits.

“In the past we have granted funding to a range of projects such as sand dune restoration, native tree planting, wetland preservation, and trapping to protect endangered species,” says Mr Gordon.

“More often than not we help groups that simply need a little funding to get their projects underway. It’s really satisfying to provide this support and we also supply expert advice where possible.”

Mr Gordon says applications that provide opportunities for the public to learn more about the environment and encourage greater use of the region’s facilities and amenities will be considered favourably.

“We receive frequent proposals for beautification planting, vegetable gardens and edible forests. While these are great ideas, they don’t focus on engagement with the natural environmental aspect of the programme, so we ask that applicants have a decent read of the grant guidelines.”

Last year Horizons funded 12 projects which ranged from a variety of activities across the region and received between $200 - $3,050 each.

“We gave out several grants to early childhood centres and schools to improve their natural areas in a bid to enable students and children to better engage and learn about our environment.

“We also gave grants for projects which aim to see our remaining wetlands being cared for and enhanced by their communities.”

The closing date for applications is 5pm Friday 18 May. For further information please visit www.horizons.govt.nz or phone Horizons on 0508 800 800.

ENDS

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