Purpose of The Fund
The Environmental Initiatives Fund supports community projects that improve environmental outcomes within the Manawatū River catchment. The Fund is made possible through the support of Palmerston North City Council and Eastern & Central Community Trust.
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In Your Application
EIF funding priorities with examples
The EIF funding priorities align with ENM's four Pou. Examples of initiatives that align with each priority are:
1. Enhance community wellbeing by improving food resilience, food security and food sovereignty:
• Set up and development of community gardens
• Gardening and cooking programmes in schools
• Community composting initiatives
• Food and resource sharing initiatives
2. Protect and enhance biodiversity, and freshwater quality. Initiatives that enhance the mauri of the Manawatū River catchment:
• Restoring native habitats through planting and wetland regeneration
• Controlling pests and invasive species to protect native wildlife
• Improving waterway health by reducing pollution and monitoring water quality
• Supporting native species through monitoring and conservation efforts
3. Contribute to a circular economy through minimising waste and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources:
• Sharing, reusing, or repairing products to extend their life
• Recycling or upcycling materials into new, useful items
• Community composting or other ways to return organic waste to the earth
4. Take climate action to reduce climate change impacts and build resilience for the future:
• Harnessing new technologies
• Reducing energy use and utilising renewable energy
• Helping the community use more efficient means of transport (e.g. cycling and using the bus)
• Providing secure facility locations and infrastructure (e.g. water tanks)
What should I include in my application?
We’re here to understand your project and help it succeed. The more detail you share, the better we can support you. Tell us what you’re aiming to achieve, why it matters, and what it will take to make it happen.
How do I show environmental benefits?
Your project should clearly show how it will directly help the environment. Examples of direct impact:
• Building food resilience through a community garden initiative
• Reducing waste (circular economy) by expanding a recycling programme
• Supporting biodiversity through planting natives in a reserve
• Reducing climate emissions by installing solar panels to power a community garden shed
Show us how your project is connected to the Manawatū Catchment environment (this includes Palmerston North, Manawatū, and most of Horowhenua and Tararua).
What project planning details should I include?
You’ll need to submit sufficient information about your project for us to understand how you’re going to deliver it. It should include:
• What you’re trying to achieve
• How you’ll do it
• A timeline
• A budget (You don’t have to include quotes or cost estimates, but it’s helpful if you do.)
The level of detail required varies depending on the size of the grant.
How important is collaboration?
We’d like to see that you’ve researched the need for your project. Have you identified other groups you could collaborate with to strengthen your impact?
If you’re already working with others, please provide evidence—such as letters of support or partnership agreements—to show they’ve agreed to be involved.
Can I include staffing costs?
Only for Large Grants. Any staffing costs must be specifically related to delivering the project. Applications for Small Grants cannot include staffing costs.
How do I demonstrate capability and capacity?
Show us how you plan to measure your project's success—you’ll need to record and report your results to ENM.
If you’ve run environmental projects before, include examples to show what you achieved. This helps demonstrate your track record and ability to deliver.
What types of things are not funded?
• Profit-making activities
• Retrospective expenses
Who can I contact for more support?
Kerry Jaques
Environment Network Manawatū
145 Cuba Street, Palmerston North
Phone: 06 355 0126
Email: admin@enm.org.nz
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start my application?
Please read the guidelines first.
When can I apply?
Small Grants (up to $1,000): Usually open all year round, depending on available funds.
Large Grants ($1,000 - $15,000): Open from February to mid-March each year.
Who can apply?
Individuals
Organisations – You don’t need to be a legal entity to apply, but it helps.
Businesses – Can apply but the project must be non-profit and focused on environmental impact.
Priority goes to not-for-profit groups.
What if I am applying for a Large Grant and our organisation does not have a bank account?
If you're applying for a Large Grant and your organisation doesn’t have a bank account, you can apply under an umbrella organisation. Just make sure to include their full contact and bank details in your application.
How often can I apply?
You can apply once per funding round—so, once a year (1 July – 30 June).
Consecutive year applications – You’re welcome to apply in consecutive years. Just make sure you’ve either completed your first project or are well on track to deliver it.
Can I get funding for something I’ve already paid for?
Unfortunately, no. The Fund doesn’t cover costs that have already been incurred. Make sure to apply before you start spending. Check out the Guidelines for more details.
What system does ENM use for applications?
Applications are managed through the PNCC SmartyGrants system. When you start your application, you’ll be taken there automatically.
Before you click “Start a Submission,” take a moment to read the instructions on the page. There’s a Help Guide and FAQs to walk you through the process.
Need extra help? ENM can arrange training on how to use SmartyGrants if needed.
Do I have to fill in every field on the form?
Only the fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory. Most fields also include helpful hints to guide you.
Do I need to provide financial statements?
Only if you’re applying for a Large Grant. You’ll need to include your most recent Annual End of Year Accounts or an Income and Expenditure Statement (also known as a Profit and Loss statement). These can be audited or unaudited.
Bank statements or cash books don’t count as financial statements.
What info do I need to include in my application?
Please read the Guidelines for Large and Small Grants for more information.
Do I have to provide other supporting information?
No, this field isn’t mandatory.
But if you’ve got something helpful to share—like photos, letters of support, or extra details—you’re welcome to include it!
When will I hear if my application is successful or not?
Small Grants: You’ll usually hear back within a month.
Large Grants: By the end of May.
You’ll be notified either way.
You might not receive the full amount you request.
Do I need to report back once my project is done?
Yes, you do. You’ll need to submit a short report within one month of finishing your initiative. It’s all done through the PNCC SmartyGrants system, and you’ll get a reminder when it’s due.
What do I need to include in my report?
It’s pretty straightforward. You’ll be asked to include:
• A write-up about what happened
• Some photos or videos of your project
• Any other supporting information about your project
What if I can’t finish my project on time?
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