Schools can apply for up to $2,000 in funding for a single project.

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.

To be considered for funding, projects must meet the following criteria.

1. Your school/centre is currently part of the Enviroschools Programme in the Horizons Region.

2. Your project must contribute to 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

3. The project should be underpinned by the Enviroschools Guiding Principles. theme areas, or both.

• Empowered Learners
• Learning for Sustainability
• Te Ao Māori
• Respect for Diversity
• Sustainable Communities

• Me in My Environment
• Living Landscapes
• Water of Life
• Zero Waste
• Ecological Building
• Energy

4. 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 12 December 2025.

5. You have discussed your project with your Enviroschools Facilitator, and school/centre management

6. Your project proposal should include indicative costs for any materials, resources etc. 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.

7. Ensure appropriate permissions to carry out the project have been sought from schools/landowners prior to submitting the application.

8. Please note that if you are successful in your application, you'll 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.

• Be clear and concise about your action project and what you are hoping it will achieve.
• Discuss how your action project came about, and what the initial investigations you have done which have prompted that particular action project.
• Include how you will wrap some learning round your project with tamariki.
• Include a project plan, a breakdown of how costs will be spent, and a realistic timeframe.
• Detail how you will measure success or evaluation.
• Ask your Facilitator to help when required.