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ECO Fund
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ECO Fund: Environment Community Otago Funding
ECO Fund is now open!
Current funding round will close 31 March 2025, please ensure you have applications fully completed and submitted by this date.
We have a new platform to make applying easier, but you will need to register (even if you've applied before).
The ECO Fund supports our Otago community with their projects that protect, enhance or promote Otago's environment. We have different funding categories that target 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.
Contact ECO Fund
Do you need more information about ECO fund, or have a question about how your project might get funding? We're here to help. Get in touch.
ECO Fund final report
Submit your final report for your completed ECO Fund project.
ECO Fund webinar
Learn how you could use an ECO Fund grant to help support local environmental projects.
ECO Fund applications for 2025 close 31 March 2025
NOTE: past applicants will need to register as this is a new platform.
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.
Terms & conditions
Understand the ECO Fund terms and conditions before you apply.
Tips for writing a good application
Find useful tips to help you write a good ECO Fund application.
Helpful resources for your ECO Fund application
Please go through this page to find useful links and documents that may help you complete a successful ECO Fund application.
ECO Fund application example
Review an example of a completed ECO fund application form to help you complete yours.
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, along with any help on an ECO Fund application.
