What you can apply for

• EIF is focused on supporting Aucklanders to be more active and engaged with the natural, cultural and physical environment. You can apply for any items you think are needed to make your project successful.
• Some projects and items for which you may wish to apply have special conditions. This includes planting and plants, fencing and fencing supplies. Please check special conditions for more information.
• The maximum funding you can apply for is $15,000, the average grant is usually around $2,500.

EIF does not fund:

• Fencing, planting or pest (plant and animal) control required as part of resource consent conditions or mitigation requirements. This includes wetland or forest fragment planting and fencing required as part of subdivision consent/entitlement applications.
• Projects that are part of a current or future subdivision consent application.
• Work that requires a building or resource consent, archaeological authority or other statutory consent or permit, unless these have been issued at the time of the application and evidence to this effect is provided.
• Projects that may lead to a conflict of interest for council as a consent authority.
• Projects resulting in personal or commercial profit.
• Projects on Auckland Regional Council land.
• Purchases made before funding is granted.
• Projects already completed.
• Projects whose sole purpose is beautification.
• Projects (or sites) that involve an activity that is illegal or not in accordance with ARC rules, policies or best practice.
• Projects that are the core business of council or other agencies.
• Volunteer labour.

General funding requirements

• The EIF grant is paid as a reimbursement once copies of receipts have been presented to the EIF Co-ordinator.
• If the location of the project is on land which falls under the responsibility of another body, such as the Department of Conservation or local council, that body must also contribute towards, and demonstrate their support for, the project.
• Written permission is needed from any landowner(s) whose land is part of the project. Schools and early childhood centres do not need to submit landowner permission.
• You or your organisation must contribute at least 50% to the project and be able to clearly show this. You may include volunteer time as part of your contribution. This can be calculated at $15 per hour for labour and $25 per hour for professional assistance.