Sustainable Management Fund

2008/09 Funding round now is now closed

The 2009/2010 funding round will open in late 2008.

Key dates for the 2008/09 funding round

Date	Event	Who
October 2007	Funding round opens (applications invited)	Applicant
22 January 2008 at 12pm	Funding round closes (deadline for applications)	Applicant
February 2008	Application assessment period	Ministry
March 2008	Notification of funding decision (letters posted)	Ministry
April – May 2008	Project plan (Agreement) developed	Ministry/Applicant
1 July 2008	Commencement of successful projects	Applicant

These dates are indicative only and may be subject to change.

For an overview of the Sustainable Management Fund process for the 2008/2009 funding round, including key dates and timelines see the Sustainable Management Fund brochure.

Purpose of the SMF

The purpose of the SMF is to support community groups, iwi, businesses and local government in taking practical actions that produce long-term environmental benefits.  The objectives of the Fund are to make a positive difference to the environment by funding projects that:

• support the Ministry’s priorities;
• encourage pro-active partnerships; and
• promote community action.

Funding is available for up to three years.  You may apply for a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $200,000 per financial year, for projects that start on 1 July.

Who can apply

We welcome proposals from community groups, iwi, businesses and local government who are legally registered New Zealand entities and have the basic capability and capacity mechanisms to deliver a successful project including:

• technical and project management skills and experience
• strong partnerships
• access to necessary resources (i.e. office space, internet access, email, telephone).

Capability Criteria

Practical proposals that encourage and strengthen pro-active partnerships between different groups and promote community action will be viewed favourably by the steering committee.

Applications from community groups (with limited experience in delivering projects) that can demonstrate strong support from ‘umbrella’ organisations will also be viewed favourably by the steering committee.

Tips for writing a good application

When applying for funding, a well presented application, which strongly aligns with the funding criteria and is written in a way that is clear and concise, will stand the best chance of success. Tips for writing a good application to the SMF fund provides information to ensure you get the best out of your application.

Resources to help you plan your project

If you are a new community or voluntary group with little or no experience in applying for funding we recommend you research the following on-line resources which are available to help you plan your project.

Community Resource Kit www.community.net.nz Phone: 04 916 3300	The Department of Internal Affairs and Family and Community Services have developed the Community Resource Kit to help small or emerging community and voluntary groups, especially those just setting up for undergoing change.  This comprehensive kit includes information on 12 topics from planning to governance, through to financial management employment and information technology.
Funding Information Service www.fis.org.nz Phone: 04 471 8900	The Funding Information Service is New Zealand’s leader in funding information for voluntary organisations, iwi and community groups.
Keeping it Legal E Ai Ki Te Ture www.keepingitlegal.net.nz Phone: 04 385 0981	The NZ Federation of Voluntary Organisations and the Office for the Community & Voluntary Sector have developed this free resource to help community groups understand and meet their legal obligations.
Grants Online www.cdgo.govt.nz Phone: 0800 824 824	Grants Online enables visitors to complete online applications to Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGS) and/or Lottery Grants Board.  The site offers helpful prompts to ensure information is easily understood and applications are quickly and efficiently completed.
Cultural Funding Guide www.NZLive.com	Developed by Creative NZ, National Services Te Paerangi (Te Papa) and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage with the Funding Information Service the Cultural Funding Guide aims to help cultural groups match projects with potential funders.

Contact Us

Projects and Partnerships
Ministry for the Environment
Environment House
23 Kate Sheppard Place
PO Box 10-362
Wellington 6143

Tel (04) 439 7400
Email funds@mfe.govt.nz

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