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.

  Successful community funding projects announced across Canterbury
Successful applicants for the Waitaha Action to Impact Fund (WAI Fund), Christchurch and Banks Peninsula Biodiversity Fund, and CWMS Action Plan Fund have now been published. Explore the community-led environmental, biodiversity and freshwater projects receiving support across Waitaha Canterbury.

Waitaha Action to Impact Fund (WAI Fund)

The WAI Fund supports community-led environmental projects that build awareness, empower volunteers, and create positive action across Waitaha Canterbury.

Applications are now closed. View the successful projects and see how communities across Canterbury are making a difference.

View funded projects

Christchurch and Banks Peninsula Biodiversity Fund

This Christchurch and Banks Peninsula Biodiversity Fund supports community-led projects that protect and restore indigenous biodiversity across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

Applications are now closed. View the successful projects and see how funding is supporting habitat restoration, pest control, and ecological resilience across the region.

View funded projects

CWMS Action Plan Fund

The CWMS Action Plan Fund supports practical projects that protect freshwater, restore habitats, and strengthen local water stewardship across Canterbury.

Applications are now closed. View the successful projects and see how communities are delivering environmental outcomes and local action across the region.

View funded projects

How to apply

  1. Check whether your project matches the objectives and eligibility criteria for one of our funds.
  2. Gather your key documents, project plan, budget, location details, and any permissions.
  3. Complete the relevant application form by the published deadline.

If you’d like help navigating the options or to discuss whether your project is suitable, please get in touch with us:

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.