Community Climate Action Fund
The Community Climate Action Fund is an initiative, in partnership with Trust Horizon, to support our community to take real action on climate change.
Applications should directly address climate change mitigation or adaption:
Climate change mitigation: Taking tangible steps to reduce our impact on the climate. This includes projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and/or increase sustainable practices.
Climate change adaptation: Enhancing our resilience to climate change and minimizing the harm climate change can cause. This includes adapting and improving our local environment and infrastructure to withstand climate-related extreme weather and natural disasters, planning for future climate change impacts, and increasing local production of everyday needs like food.
We will also consider initiatives that educate and engage our community on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
For more information on what we’re focused on funding, and the application process, read the guidelines for this fund:
Community Climate Action Fund Guidelines
How and when to apply:
Applications are open from Monday, 13 April to Sunday, 3 May 2026
Applicants can request up to $20,000. There is approximately $80,00 available.
Application requirements:
We fund projects and programmes that benefit the Whakatāne District and its communities. The Community Climate Action Fund can’t support:
- Salaries for the staff of non-profit organisations
- Large infrastructure projects, including the installation of solar panels
- Initiatives that move emissions out of the Whakatāne District.
- Applications more suited to funding by other funding organisations
- Funding for projects and expenses that have already taken place.
In your application, you will be asked to include:
- A clear plan, and show there is capability to complete the project in the times frame stated in the application form.
- Planning for any ongoing costs or maintenance related to the project to ensure sustainability
- Evidence of collaboration or co-funding, if either is required for the project to go forward
- Show outcomes for the project will be measured and reported, and consider if there are any unintended consequences of the project.
If you have any questions, or you need advice and support, email ccfund@whakatane.govt.nz or call 07 306 0500 or see our Climate Fund FAQs.
Climate Youth Development Fund
The Climate Youth Development Fund is an initiative, in partnership with Trust Horizon, to support young people to develop skills and knowledge in climate-related areas. Applicants can receive up to $5,000 for educational and study opportunities related to climate change.
For more information on what we’re focused on funding, and the application process, read the guidelines for this fund:
Climate Youth Development Fund Guidelines
How and when to apply:
Applications are open from Monday, 13 April to Sunday, 3 May 2026
Applicants can request up to $5,000.
Application requirements:
- Applicants must be 14 - 24 years old
- Applicants must be based in or have grown up in the Whakatāne District
- Applicants must show they are capable of finishing the education/study they apply for.
We are unable to provide funding for applications more suited to funding by other funding organisations, or for education and study that has already been completed
If you have any questions, or you need advice and support, email ccfund@whakatane.govt.nz or call 07 306 0500 or see our Climate Fund FAQs.