We’re here to help community groups, rūnanga, and organisations take action for Waitaha Canterbury's environment. You can apply for contestable funding through our key funds or access other forms of support, such as event assistance, technical advice, or staff expertise.

  Community funding applications are now closed for this year
Thank you to everyone who applied. Successful applicants will be contacted shortly. We look forward to reopening funding rounds next year.

Waitaha Action to Impact Fund (WAI Fund)

Best for projects that build environmental awareness, empower volunteers, or create visible community action. This might include projects that involve education, engagement, or community-led projects that cross multiple themes.

This fund could help community groups, rūnanga, and non-profit organisations deliver projects across Waitaha Canterbury that engage people in action on the ground, build capacity, and deliver tangible outcomes.

View funding details →

Christchurch and Banks Peninsula Biodiversity Fund

Best for projects focused on protecting or restoring indigenous biodiversity habitats. 

This fund could support community groups, rūnanga, and non-profit organisations to deliver biodiversity outcomes such as pest control, habitat restoration, and ecological resilience within Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

View funding details →

CWMS Action Plan Fund

Best for projects that protect freshwater, restore habitats, or strengthen local water stewardship.

This fund could support you in taking practical action on water issues. It could help community groups, rūnanga, schools, landowners and non-profit organisations deliver real outcomes, engage the community, and build lasting local capability.

View funding details →

Other funding types

Even if your project doesn’t fit neatly into one of the funds, there are still ways we may assist:  

  • Community event assistance: If you’re planning a hui, workshop, field day, volunteer event, or conference, you can apply for financial support, in-kind support (equipment, venue, transport), or technical advice. Apply for funding. 
  • Additional funding and support options: If your project falls outside the criteria of our contestable funds, we can explore if it aligns with one of our priority programmes (e.g. native habitat restoration, mahinga kai, riparian planting). You may also request funding via our Annual Plan or Long-Term Plan processes.  
  • Facilitator or staff support:  For Canterbury Water Management Strategy-related projects, our facilitators will assist with connections, advice, and guidance.