Waitaha Action to Impact Fund
The Waitaha Action to Impact Fund (WAI Fund) fund supports community-led projects across Waitaha Canterbury that empower people to take action, build capacity, and deliver tangible outcomes. Find out what the fund supports, check the eligibility criteria, and apply online.
What funding is available and who can apply
Available funding for projects
You can apply for a minimum of $5,000 per year, with a maximum of $30,000 per application per year. You may apply for up to two years of funding. We may not be able to fund the full amount that you have applied for.
Who can apply
This fund is open to community groups, rūnanga, trusts, and other non-profit organisations that want to make a positive difference in their local environment.
Applicants must be a legal entity. If your group is not a legal entity, you may be able to partner with a community organisation that has legal status. Email communitygrants@ecan.govt.nz for more information.
Joint projects are welcome. The lead organisation must be a legal entity and will be responsible for managing the funding, tracking spending, handling health and safety, and completing accountability reporting.
Note: This fund is not open to individuals, businesses, educational institutions, or government agencies.
What we fund
Projects that:
- Align with our strategic priorities and relate to our areas of responsibility as a regional council
- Connect people to nature and encourage community participation
- Deliver on-the-ground results such as planting, habitat restoration, or pest control
- Build local capacity and capability for ongoing environmental action
Examples
- A community group restoring a local wetland
- A marae-led initiative improving local waterways
- A non-profit organisation seeking funding to employ staff members
Before you apply for funding
There are some key criteria you need to meet to be eligible for funding:
- Your community organisation must be a legal entity, such as an incorporated society or charitable trust.
- Your project must align with our Strategic Direction/Te Aronga Rautaki 2023-2026, and one or more of our enduring priorities:
- Decisive action for healthy fresh water, land, coastal ecosystems and air quality
- Fostering relationships to underpin regional leadership for our communities
- Sustainable and healthy living and working environments
- Helping communities respond to and adapt to climate change
- Your project is seeking funding between $5,000 and $30,000.
- You must supply a minimum of 30% of the project budget; this may come from funding or equivalent in-kind contributions, such as volunteer hours.
Successful applicants: View last year's and past years' successful applicants.
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If you would like to be added to our mailing list to hear more about our community funds, including when they open, fill out the form below to subscribe.