Apply today to ARC’s environment fund

24 April 2009

It’s a fund which has created new habitats for native birds, rejuvenated historic buildings, protected Dotterels and kept pests at bay.

The Auckland Regional Council’s Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF) makes grants to support community projects, with an environmental, heritage or cultural focus.

The fund is now open and applicants can, for the first time, submit applications on-line using the ARC’s website.

Since EIF was set-up in 1999, 1130 community projects have benefited by $2.6 million. Last year 174 applicants shared $532,219 worth of funding.

Some of the projects that received funding last year included a project to protect Dotterels, restoration of a historic hall, a school water conservation project, weed control and restoration projects.

The closing date for the 2009 funding round is 5pm Wednesday 1 July 2009. ARC staff are also running a series of EIF information workshops in May. For more details visit the ARC website www.arc.govt.nz/eif or call 09 366 2000.

This year the grant limit has been increased from $10,000 to $15,000.

ARC Environmental Management Committee Chair Dianne Glenn says the limit was extended so that applicants working on larger projects, such as fencing and restoration work, could have access to sufficient funds to complete their projects in one year.

As in previous years, the EIF fund is boosted by sponsorship from Honda New Zealand. Through its Honda Treefund, the company has made an annual contribution of about $130,000 for several years.

“It’s a fantastic partnership which over the years has funded hundreds of important community projects, many of which would have really struggled without the funding.”

ENDS

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