Funding available for conservation and development projects

Funding available for conservation and development projects

Chairman of the Pacific Development and Conservation (PADEVCON) Trust Peter Kiely is encouraging groups and individuals with an interest in sustainable development and conservation projects to consider applying for grant funding from the Trust.

PADEVCON distributes about $250,000 each year to communities, organisations and individuals in the South Pacific for a range of development and conservation projects.

“The funding round is now open and applications for the funding close on 31 March and we would strongly encourage anyone who is interested in sustainable development and conservation to find out more about the funding available,” says Mr Kiely.

The grants are administered by the Department of Internal Affairs’ Community Operations staff and they can assist you with the process, says Mr Kiely.

“If you are uncertain about whether your project is eligible for Trust funding, I would encourage you to make contact with the team.”

The Trust funds a range of development and conservation projects such as eco-tourism, ecological restoration, building restoration (where the building is of historical or cultural significance), community workshops, and archival projects.

Last year the Trust granted $250,000 to 19 projects. Projects that received funding included: $18,975 for Gisborne based Project Litefoot to measure the efficiency of resource consumption and the level of greeenhouse gas emissions in sports clubs; and $20,000 to the Unitec Institute of Technology to save and restore the Apia Courthouse to its original 1910 state.

To obtain an application form, or to learn more about the Trust, visit the Community Matters website: http://www.communitymatters.govt.nz/Funding-and-grants---Trust-and-fellowship-grants---Pacific-development-and-conservation-trust or phone 0800 824 824.