Environmental Funding | Palmerston North, Manawatū, Horowhenua, Tararua

We have expanded our funding area! The Environmental Grants Fund supports grassroots environmental projects across the Manawatū River catchment. This includes communities in Palmerston North, Manawatū, Horowhenua, and Tararua.

The Environmental Initiatives Fund is made possible through the support of Palmerston North City Council and Eastern and Central Community Trust. ENM administers the Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF).

The Purpose of the Fund

This provides grants for community projects that lead to better outcomes for our environment within the Manawatū River catchment We support initiatives that:

Enhance community wellbeing by improving food resilience, food security and food sovereignty.
Protect and enhance biodiversity, and freshwater quality. Initiatives that enhance the mauri of the Manawatū River catchment.
Contribute to a circular economy through minimising waste and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.
Take climate action to mitigate climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Project Location

The project must be within the Manawatū River catchment and surrounding areas from the river’s source to the sea. This includes Palmerston North, Manawatū, and most of Horowhenua and Tararua. Using this map, put your project address into the search to demonstrate how your project fits within the Manawatū catchment (shown as "parent catchment" on the map).

Our Funds

Before you submit an application, it is advisable to read the grant guidelines. These outline the priorities and elibility for funding, as well as the criteria against which applications will be assessed.

Small Grants - Open Now

Environmental Initiatives Fund Guidelines Small Grants
Applications for small grants (up to $1000) can be made by individuals and organisations at any time.
The application form is concise AND QUICK.

Large Grants - Open 1st Jan to 15th March

Environmental Initiatives Fund Guidelines Large Grants
Applications for large grants ($1000 - $15,000) can be made by organisations

Guidelines and FAQs

APPLY HERE

Clicking "Apply Here" will open a new tab to the funding portal hosted by PNCC. You’ll need to sign in or create an account to submit your application. You can preview the form, fill in and submit.

Click here if you need some guidence on how to use the portal

Successful Applications and Stories

Cloverlea School's Sensory Garden - Large Grant

Cloverlea School has successfully transformed an under-utilised area into a vibrant sensory garden, creating a space that promotes learning, wellbeing, and connection to nature. The project was implemented in line with the school’s original vision and involved every class from planning through to planting and ongoing care.

Empowering Youth for Climate Action - Small Grant

We were proud to support the Palmerston North Interfaith Group in delivering their Climate Clarity event — a dynamic, full-day programme designed to educate, inspire, and empower youth to take meaningful action on climate change.

Grants Awarded as Part of Our 2025 Funding

ENM’s 2024 Environmental Initiatives Fund.

Diverse, creative initiatives the flavour of local funding awarded by ENM’s Environmental Initiatives Fund.

Full List Here

For more support

To find out more about the fund, discuss whether your project idea fits the criteria of the fund, or ask us how to go about applying, please contact Kerry Jaques on 06 355 0126, email admin@enm.org.nz, or drop into the ENM office at 145 Cuba St. PN.