Myosotis colensoi, Castle Hill forget-me-not
Image: Jane Gosden | DOC

How to apply to the DOC Community Fund – Pūtea Tautiaki Hapori

Introduction

Find out about the eligibility and assessment criteria, and how to submit your application to the fund.

$9.2 million is available for community groups, iwi and private landowners across New Zealand for projects that protect and restore our threatened species and ecosystems.

The fund is open for applications until 5 pm Thursday 28 November 2024.

How to apply

Before you start your application, read the guide for applicants. It contains important information on eligibility and how your project will be assessed.

To apply, you will need to submit an application through our online portal, Enquire.

If you already have an Enquire account, you can use that. If you and your organisation do not have an account, you will need to create an account. You will first need a RealMe login. We recommend that you register early to view the application form.

Apply now

Application guidance

Guide for applicants (PDF, 1,571K)

Creating an Enquire account (PDF, 1,589K)

Guides to managing your account and submitting your application.

Contact doccf@doc.govt.nz or call 0800 86 20 20 if you're having issues.

Eligibility criteria

Projects must meet all eligibility criteria listed below to apply.

  • Your project is focused on protecting and restoring threatened species and / or ecosystems.
  • The project is community-led, for example, led by whānau, hapū, iwi, community conservation groups, not-for-profit organisations or umbrella groups.
  • Government departments and local authorities cannot apply.
  • You are seeking funding for up to 3 years.
  • You are applying for a minimum of $150,000, excluding GST. For example, $50,000 per year.

Assessment criteria

Applications will be assessed on:

  • benefits for biodiversity
  • support of local hapū and iwi
  • sustaining biodiversity benefits beyond the grant
  • readiness, capability and capacity to complete the project.

Projects are more likely to be funded if they:

  • collaborate and connect with others and engage the local community
  • enable whānau, hapū and iwi to exercise their role as rangatira and kaitiaki.

Next steps

The assessment will be done in two stages:

  1. Shortlisting
  2. Shortlisted applications will be assessed in more detail

Timeline

  • 28 November 2024 - Funding applications close.
  • December 2024 - All applicants will be notified whether they have made it through the first stage of assessment. Note that being shortlisted does not mean you will receive funding.
  • March 2025 - The remaining applicants will be notified of final funding decisions.
  • May 2025 - It is expected that projects will be able to start, following negotiation of a Deed of Grant and all necessary permissions being in place.

Contact

For funding queries email doccf@doc.govt.nz or phone 0800 86 20 20.

Email doccf@doc.govt.nz with the subject 'subscribe' to subscribe to updates.

For project delivery queries contact your local DOC office.

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