Apply for Climate Change Grants Programme (New Zealand)

Funding Information

• A total of $25,000 is available to support successful projects.
• Projects that have received or will receive funding from other sources are eligible for grant
• funds (i.e., co-funding applications), provided the funding covers different activities within the same project.
• Funding can be requested for operational aspects (e.g., staff time) and for materials or equipment needed to successfully deliver the project benefits. Applications seeking to purchase equipment will need to have quotes.
• The total Grant available for a single project is $25,000 including GST if any, and costs must be listed inclusive of GST.

Eligible Activities

• Council welcomes innovative proposals that directly or indirectly reduce emissions within the Nelson region.
• Applicants will need to calculate their emissions baseline to ensure outcomes can be measured and emissions reduction demonstrated.
  • For direct emission reductions: Applicants will need to demonstrate an emissions reduction pathway after 6 months from project commencement, and an absolute or intensity reduction in emissions after 12 months.
  • For indirect emission reductions: Applicants will need to estimate the expected emissions reduction where possible.
• Nelson City Council wishes to prioritise the reduction of emissions in the region’s highest emitting sectors – transport and energy – but will consider applications with emission reduction from other sectors. Some examples of projects which they might support include, but are not limited to, increased use of EVs, active transport for businesses or their customers, energy savings, switching to renewable energy sources, and peer to peer support amongst businesses to reduce emissions. They are interested to hear your ideas.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications will be considered from any businesses operating within the Nelson City Council boundaries.

Ineligibility Criteria

• The following projects/applications are not eligible to apply for this Grant:
  • Carbon sequestration projects.
  • Projects exclusively targeting waste minimisation or projects that have received a Waste Minimisation grant provided by the Nelson City Council.
  • Applications from Council Controlled Organisations and Council Controlled Trading Organisations.
  • Applications from community groups and organisations that already receive grant or contract funding from Council cannot apply for additional funding for an outcome that is substantially similar to one they are already funded for by Council.
  • A new funding application where the conditions of a previous grant have not been met or, for 2023/2024 grants, where progress towards the grant conditions cannot be clearly demonstrated.
  • Projects which are the primary responsibility of the local government.
  • Projects which do not have an impact in the Nelson district.
  • Projects which do not result in a reduction of emissions, either by implementing new initiatives or a significant expansion in the scope of existing activities.
  • Expenditure or commitments made before the grant has been approved.
  • Any activity which has not been approved as part of the grant conditions
  • Using the grant as a fundraising source or for debt repayment.
  • Ongoing support of ‘business as usual’ activities or funding for projects or initiatives that applicants are legally obligated to undertake.
  • Projects that are solely for scoping or research.
  • Activities that mainly benefit private or commercial interests without public good outcomes.
  • Costs that are related to debt servicing, re-financing, stock or capital market investment, gambling or prize money.
  • Legal expenses, fines, court costs, mediation costs, IRD penalties or retrospective tax payments.
  • Purchase of land, buildings, ICE vehicles and related maintenance, repair, overhead costs, or road user charges.
  • Activities that promote religious or political agendas.
  • Medical or healthcare costs, including treatment and insurance fees.
  • Air travel, accommodation, hotel/motel expenses or conference fees and costs.

For more information, visit Nelson City Council.