Funding for climate action ideas
Anyone with a project or idea that promotes climate action that will benefit the Kāpiti Coast district is invited to apply for a grant to help bring their idea to fruition.
Kāpiti Coast District Council’s strategy, operations, and finance committee has allocated $200,000 over two years towards the grants.
The first year, totalling $100,000, is now open for applications.
Committee chairwoman Sophie Handford urged anyone with a good idea to apply for a grant.
“We’re wide open to ideas for climate action that will leave a lasting legacy for the benefit of Kāpiti, no matter where the initiatives or ideas come from. They could be home grown, national, or even international projects that could be established here for the benefit of our district.”
Council envisaged the grants could support a range of initiatives such as, but not limited to, projects in education, transport, business, technology, agriculture, conservation and restoration, she said.
“We want to help empower community projects and action that will help us reduce emissions, build a culture of climate change action, and improve community resilience.
“No action is too small — cumulatively, we can have a big impact. This is about developing a mindset of climate action and creating resilient communities.”
Council wanted to make the application process as smooth and uncomplicated as possible, she said.
“If large amounts of funding are sought, council of course needs to see a detailed and rigorous business case.
“We understand this involves a lot of work.
“That’s why we’re offering applicants seeking $30,000 or more the opportunity to test their idea with us first to see whether it’s worth putting the mahi into a full application.”
Applicants are encouraged to discuss their project ideas with council staff by emailing Climate. Sustainability@ kapiticoast.govt.nz Applications opened on Monday, May 22, and close at 11.59pm Sunday July 9. ull information and criteria are on the council website at www.kapiticoast.govt. nz/ClimateActionGran ts.