Waikato Community Conservation Fund
Purpose of fund
Murray Davies, Lake Koromatua Care
Group
Funding is available each year for non-profit community groups (existing or proposed) whose purpose is to be involved in a conservation project or activity on public or private land. Projects or activities could include the following:
- Protection, enhancement or restoration of native species, habitats, natural features or historic heritage;
- Improving recreational opportunities to increase public enjoyment of an area;
- Increased public understanding of, and involvement in, conservation through education, interpretation or public information;
- Facilitation or administration costs of establishing a group, governance or training of members to help achieve conservation outcomes.
Funding is restricted to projects that occur or will benefit conservation within the boundaries of Waikato Conservancy, with the total amount allocated at any one time to an applicant not exceeding $5000 (including GST).
Projects funded in the past include pest control, plant nurseries, management plans, consultation and risk assessment, interpretation panels, brochures, education kit, kiwi surveys and restoration of a pa site.
For a guide to appplication requirements and assessment criteria, refer to guidelines for applicants 2011 (PDF, 266K)
Applicant's contribution
To receive funding, an applicant is expected to be actively involved in the project and make a contribution. This could be in the form of materials, labour, advisory role, education or financial.
Assessment of applications
Applications will go through a multi-staged assessment, including an initial assessment by the Department and then consideration by a committee comprising representatives of the Department and the Waikato Conservation Board. The final decision will be made by the Waikato Conservator under the delegated authority of the Minister of Conservation.
In making the assessment, a range of criteria will be considered:
- The conservation outcomes or benefits that will accrue from the project or activity;
- How well the proposal aligns with the Department's strategic directions and conservation priorities in Waikato Conservancy;
- The impact the project will have in terms of generating interest and involvement amongst a non-traditional conservation audience;
- The gains from linkages between the proposed project and other work being carried out in the area;
- Stage of developement;
- The extent to which the project will be ongoing and become self supporting;
- The status of the land covered by the project;
- Skills and experience available to undertake the project;
- Alternative funding sources that may be more appropriate;
- Any previous contribution from the Waikato Community Conservation Fund and satisfactory performance on the part of the applicant in fulfilling the requirements of any previous funding;
- Applicant's contribution to the project;
- Other agency support.
2012 Funding Round
The next funding round is expected to be open for applications in August 2012.