There are many organisations that provide funding to individuals and community groups for conservation and environmental projects. Some are listed on this page.
Jobs for Nature funding
The Jobs for Nature work programme is also offering some funding opportunities to support biodiversity, freshwater and biosecurity.
Online search tool – Generosity New Zealand
Generosity New Zealand has online search tools that can connect people to funding opportunities.
Their tool, GivUS, offers access to more than 1,200 grants and schemes for communities, volunteer organisations, school groups, sports clubs and iwi.
You will need to register for this website. But you can access it for free at your local library computer or website.
Regional funding
Local and regional councils
Local and regional councils
Many local and regional councils have environmental funds available for landowners and/or community groups. Contact your local council for further information.
Community trusts
Community trusts
New Zealand has an expansive regional network of community trusts. One of the roles of these community trusts is to provide funding support to a range of community organisations and charities.
National funding
ANZ Staff Foundation
ANZ Staff Foundation
ANZ staff in New Zealand support organisations and projects that make a difference in their communities.
Auckland Zoo
Conservation fund
Zoo staff established this fund to support conservation efforts in the wild, in New Zealand and overseas.
Backcountry Trust
Backcountry Trust fund
Funding for the maintenance of existing huts and tracks that would not otherwise be undertaken by DOC.
Countdown
Growing for Good programme
Primary and intermediate schools (Years 1- 8) throughout New Zealand can apply for funding for environmental projects.
Department of Internal Affairs
Community Internship Programme
Funds hapū, iwi or community groups to employ skilled professionals to work as an intern with the community group for three to six months.
Community Organisation Grants Scheme
Provides grants to non-profit organisations delivering community-based social services that contribute to achieving locally determined outcomes.
Support for Volunteering Fund
Grants for community projects that support and promote volunteering in New Zealand. It also provides grants for the activities of regional volunteer centres and Volunteering New Zealand.
Fish and Game New Zealand
New Zealand Game Bird Habitat Trust
Funds the development and enhancement of habitats for the benefit of game birds and other wetland inhabitants.
Fonterra
Grassroots Fund
Supports group projects that will help bring local communities together and make it better, safer and more vibrant places to live.
Foundation North
Foundation North
Funds projects in Northland and Auckland that conserve, preserve and develop our region's natural and physical environment, and cultural heritage.
Guardians of the Sea Charitable Trust
Guardians of the Sea
Grants to promote, provide and ensure the sustainable use, accessibility and availability of New Zealand’s fisheries and marine environment.
Heritage New Zealand
National Heritage Preservation Incentive Fund
Provides financial incentives to encourage the conservation of privately owned heritage places recognised on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero.
IPENZ
IPENZ Rivers Group Public Project Grant
Offers up to $3,000 to support public sector groups in works related to river management and restoration.
Kiwibank and Predator Free NZ Trust
Predator Free communities fund
Supports the purchase of subsidised trapping equipment for communities involved in backyard trapping.
Lion Foundation
The Lion Foundation
Grants are given to a diverse range of charitable causes in the areas of health, education, sports and community (such as arts, culture, heritage and environment).
Lottery Grants Board
Lottery Environment and Heritage Grant
Funds are available for projects that will help protect, conserve or care for our natural, cultural and physical heritage, or allow us to better understand and access these resources.
Lottery Significant Projects Fund
Provides grants to purchase, create or improve community assets that have regional or national significance. It provides grants for these capital expenditure projects with a total cost of $3 million or more.
Mazda Foundation
Mazda Foundation
Provides assistance towards the maintenance and improvement of the natural environment.
Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment
Investment Funds
Multiple funds are available to support programmes which build high-performing science and innovation systems.
Tourism Infrastructure Fund
Provides up to $25 million annually to develop tourism-related infrastructure that supports regions facing pressure from tourism growth.
New Zealand Cycle Trail Enhancement and Extension Fund
Supports projects by eligible organisations that improve and extend Ngā Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail.
Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Cultural and Heritage Funding
Provides funds for culture and history, including oral and built heritage.
Ministry for Primary Industries
Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures
Funds innovative projects that will create more value from the food and fibre industries.
Hill Country Erosion Fund
Funding to help protect erosion-prone hill country. It provides leadership and targeted support to regional councils and unitary authorities.
Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Research Programme
Funding to help the agriculture and forestry sectors with challenges arising from climate change. Invests in targeted basic, applied and policy research.
Ministry for the Environment
Community Environment Fund
Provides funding so New Zealanders are empowered to take environmental action.
Plastics Innovation Fund
Supports projects that will minimise plastic waste and its harm on the environment.
Environmental Legal Assistance Fund
Funding for not-for-profit groups advocating for matters of environmental public interest. Enables applicants to participate more effectively in issues affecting or regulating the environment.
Ministry of Youth Development
Youth Fund
Supports youth-led projects that help young people contribute positively to their community through leadership, mentoring or volunteering opportunities.
NEXT Foundation
NEXT Foundation
NEXT administers an up to 10-year, $100 million programme for strategic philanthropy.
NZ Game Bird Habitat Trust
NZ Game Bird Habitat Trust
Funding to help create and enhance habitat for the benefit of game birds and other wildlife.
NZ Walking Access Commission
Enhancement Access Fund
Supports projects aimed at enhancing access to New Zealand's great outdoor
O-I New Zealand Environment Fund
Environment Fund
Funding to encourage schools to implement sustainability projects.
Pacific Development and Conservation Trust
Pacific Development and Conservation Trust
Each year, the Trust gives its income as grants for charitable activities and projects that fit with at least one of the Trust's objectives for the Pacific.
QEII National Trust
Stephenson Fund for Covenant Enhancement
The key aim of the fund is to support stewardship for QEII covenants by strengthening partnership with covenantors.
Royal Society
Royal Society
Multiple funds are available to support science and research work.
Sargood Bequest
Sargood Bequest
Grants to projects and activities in the children & youth, cultural, sports & outdoors, educational and environmental areas with a focus on access, participation and inspiration.
Save the Kiwi
Save the Kiwi
Funding for community-based kiwi conservation groups, universities and recognised research facilities.
Scotlands Te Kiteroa Charitable Grant
Rural women charitable funding
Grants are primarily directed towards individuals, groups and organisations in country areas and rural towns. Grants are made for projects and activitiesincluding conservation.
Sustainable Business Network
Million Metres Streams Project
For groups committed to improving the water quality and biodiversity of their local waterway. For projects undertaking riparian planting and restoration.
Te Uru Rākau
One Billion Trees Fund
Supports individuals and groups to plant trees or manage land sustainably. Te Uru Rākau works in partnership with landowners and organisations who want to achieve the goal of planting one billion trees by 2028.
Trail Fund NZ
Trail Fund
Funds for building new mountain bike trails or the maintenance or upgrading of existing trails.
Tindall Foundation
The Tindall Foundation
Recognising the strength of families and communities and supporting them and our natural environment to thrive - now and in the future.
Transpower Community Care Fund
Community Care Fund
Assists communities affected by our assets by investing in community-based projects that add real value and benefit to the wider community.
TREEmendous Education Programme
TREEmendous Education Programme
Teaches children about the importance of caring for the environment through the development of outdoor classrooms.
Trees that Count
Trees That Count
Groups who are registered with Trees That Count can apply for native trees from the Community Marketplace.
Trusts Coummunity Foundation
Trusts Community Foundation
The mission is to provide funding for community groups, charities and clubs with a focus on education, health, arts and culture and sports.
Weedbusters
Small Scale Initiatives Funding
Provides funds for Weedbusters groups to cover 'small scale' costs such as tools, herbicides, mulcher hire, greenwaste disposal and for promotional activities within communities to start new Weedbusters groups.
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) New Zealand
Community funds
Supports communities and schools to take conservation action.
9Wire
From funding to research assistance, facilitating connections, marketing expertise, or introductions to angel investors: 9Wire puts great innovations in front of the people and organisations who can help.
Environmental Education Action Fund
Provides support for schools and communities who, as part of their learning, are taking hands-on action to address an environmental issue.