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ECO Fund
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ECO Fund: Environment Community Otago Funding
Funding round open from
1 - 31 March 2025
The ECO Fund supports community-led projects that protect, enhance or promote Otago's environment. We have a general fund for community-led environmental projects and incentives funding that targets specific environmental issues.
For 2025, the total contestable environmental grant money is $1,059,500. This is made up of:
|
Funding category |
Objectives |
Budget |
|
Large scale biodiversity projects |
|
$450,000 |
|
General (on-ground and education) |
|
$309,500 |
|
Biodiversity enhancement on protected private land |
|
$100,000 |
|
Sustained rabbit management |
|
$100,000 |
|
Critical source area management on private land |
|
$ 50,000 |
|
Weed removal and revegetation |
|
$ 50,000 |
The ECO Fund supports both work on the ground and projects with an education or awareness-raising focus. Whether your project is large or small, we welcome your application.
Applications for 2025 open on 1 March
1 March 2025: ECO Fund round opens
31 March 2025: ECO Fund round closes
April – May 2025: Applications are reviewed
June 2025: Applicants are notified of our decision
Funding categories
Before applying to the ECO Fund, check which funding category to apply for.
Eligibility
Check that you are eligible for an ECO Fund grant.
Assessment criteria
Find out how your ECO Fund application will be assessed.
Funding terms & conditions
Understand the ECO Fund terms and conditions before you apply.
Non-ORC funding sources
See what other funding may be available for Otago environmental or community projects.
Funding for consents
Often community and catchment groups are involved in environmental enhancement projects such as wetland restorations, fencing of water ways, riparian planting or creating walkways. Parts of these projects may require resource consents from us.
Get in touch on 0800 474 082 or email ecofund@orc.govt.nz if you wish to discuss your project and whether it is eligible with staff.
