Open Environmental Leaders Action Fund

What can you apply for?

This year we will award funding of up to $2,000 per school or centre.

Please refrain from submitting multiple project proposals to reach the maximum funding amount. Applications that encompass more than one focus may not receive funding.

We will NOT consider partial funding requests unless you have already secured funding from another source and can complete the project within the allocated timeframe. However, if you are working on an existing project that requires a little more funding to complete it, this would be considered.

What can't you apply for under this fund?

We are unable to provide funding for the following types or projects or aspects of a project.

• Any structures at the school/centre including fences, paths, mulch, pergolas etc.

• Furniture such as tables, chairs, or shade sails

• Beautification of any area of the school/centre

• Wet weather gear

• We are unable to pay for wages, contractors or koha

• We are unable to fund traps for pest control. However, if this is what you are interested in, please contact us at education@horizons.govt.nz to discuss further.

• We are unable to offer funding for transport. However, if you are looking for transport to visit one of our icon sites, please check out our Transport Fund on our Grants & Sponsorships page at www.horizons.govt.nz to apply.

Important Information:

To be considered for funding, projects must align with one or more of Horizons Regional Council's Strategic Priorities.

• He whakamana hapori, he hapori kori - Our region’s communities are vibrant and empowered

• He whanaungatanga whai mana - Our region’s relationship with iwi and hapū are respectful and mana-enhancing

• He pūnaha hauropi ora - Our region’s ecosystems are healthy

• He whatunga waka mauritau - Our region has effective transport networks

• He rohe piki te ōhanga, piki te taiao - Our region’s economy is thriving and environmentally sustainable

• He hapori manawaroa - Our region’s communities are resilient to the impact of natural hazards and climate change

Be realistic that your school/centre can complete the project with the skills, resources, funding, and time available to you. Funding must be spent by 11 December 2026.

Your project proposal should include indicative costs for any materials and resources that you will require to complete your project. You don't need to supply quotes as part of your application, but please ensure you have researched costings to be as accurate as possible, you will need to supply proof of purchase when submitting your invoice.

Ensure appropriate permissions to carry out the project have been sought from school/centre/landowner prior to submitting the application.

Please note that if you are successful in your application, you will be required to purchase the resources you require first and then claim these back from us. Receipts and supporting documentation will be required when claiming funding.