Call for Applications: Climate and Sustainability Fund (New Zealand)

Deadline: 28-Sep-2026

The Climate and Sustainability Fund supports community-led projects that reduce carbon emissions and advance climate action within Wellington City. The 2026/27 funding round offers $250,000 in total funding for initiatives that contribute to Wellington’s carbon reduction goals under Te Atakura – First to Zero. The fund prioritises projects that can demonstrate measurable emissions reductions, deliver substantial or scalable impact, achieve immediate results within 12 months, strengthen community participation in climate action, improve equity and encourage collaboration with Mana Whenua or Māori communities.

About the Climate and Sustainability Fund

The Climate and Sustainability Fund is designed to empower communities to take practical action on climate change within Wellington City. The fund supports community-led initiatives that contribute to carbon emissions reduction and help Wellington progress toward its 2030 and 2050 carbon reduction targets. The programme aligns with the goals of Te Atakura – First to Zero, Wellington’s broader approach to reducing emissions and transitioning toward a more sustainable future. How Much Funding Is Available? The 2026/27 funding round has $250,000 in total funding available. The fund is intended to support projects that can demonstrate meaningful climate outcomes rather than activities with limited or unclear emissions impacts. Applicants should therefore clearly explain how their proposed project will contribute to carbon reduction or broader climate action within Wellington City. What Projects Are Prioritised? Priority is given to projects that demonstrate strong and measurable climate outcomes.

Particular consideration is given to initiatives that

- Deliver measurable and substantial carbon emissions reductions. - Can achieve impact at scale. - Have potential to be replicated elsewhere. - Demonstrate clear and immediate outcomes. - Can deliver results within 12 months. - Increase awareness and participation in climate action. - Improve equity across communities. - Involve Mana Whenua or Māori communities. - Encourage collaboration. - Attract co-funding or other contributions. Projects should demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed activities and Wellington City’s climate objectives. Measurable Carbon Reduction A major priority of the fund is supporting projects that can demonstrate actual emissions reductions.

Applicants should explain:

- What emissions the project aims to reduce. - How the project will reduce those emissions. - Who or what will be affected. - How results will be measured. - What outcomes are expected within the 12-month delivery period. Projects with substantial and measurable emissions reductions are likely to be more closely aligned with the fund’s priorities than projects where climate benefits are difficult to demonstrate. Scaling and Replication The fund also encourages projects that can achieve impact beyond a small, isolated activity. Projects may be particularly relevant when they: - Can operate at scale. - Can be replicated in other communities. - Develop approaches that other organisations can adopt. - Generate knowledge that can support wider climate action. Applicants should explain whether their approach could be expanded or replicated and what lessons could be shared with others. Climate Awareness and Community Participation The fund is not limited to direct emissions reduction activities. It also supports initiatives that increase awareness and participation in climate action. Projects can help communities better understand climate issues and encourage people to participate in practical responses. Projects that strengthen community involvement while also contributing to climate goals can therefore align with the fund’s broader objectives. Equity and Inclusion Improving equity across communities is another important consideration. Applicants should consider whether their project: - Reaches communities that may experience barriers to climate action. - Improves equitable access to climate solutions. - Involves communities in project design or delivery. - Provides benefits to groups that may otherwise have fewer opportunities to participate. The fund particularly values initiatives that connect climate action with community equity. Mana Whenua and Māori Community Involvement Projects involving Mana Whenua or Māori communities are encouraged. Applicants should demonstrate meaningful involvement rather than simply identifying Māori communities as beneficiaries. Where relevant, projects can explain how collaboration, participation, knowledge or leadership from Mana Whenua or Māori communities contributes to the project’s climate outcomes. Collaboration and Co-Funding The fund encourages collaboration between community organisations and other relevant partners. Co-funding is also encouraged. Applicants should identify any partnerships or financial contributions that can strengthen the project and demonstrate wider community or organisational commitment. Collaboration can also help projects achieve greater scale and create opportunities for knowledge sharing. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants must meet several organisational requirements.

Applicants must:

- Be a legal entity. - Be based within the Wellington City Council boundary or deliver their activities within the boundary. - Have a proven track record of delivering similar projects. - Be able to complete the proposed activity within 12 months of funding approval. - Be willing to share knowledge and learning with Wellington City Council. The requirement for previous experience means applicants should be able to demonstrate their capacity to successfully deliver projects of a similar nature. Project Duration Funded projects must be completed within 12 months of funding approval. Applicants should therefore develop a realistic project plan that identifies: - Key activities. - Expected outcomes. - Delivery milestones. - Measurement of