What if a marae could strengthen its emergency preparedness before the next major weather event?

What if a neighbourhood came together to plan for flooding or extreme heat?

What if a community project helped restore a wetland, improve local food resilience, or create a hub that supports people during times of disruption?

What if a young person gained the skills and knowledge needed to help shape a more sustainable future?

These are the types of ideas the Community Climate Action and Youth Development Fund is designed to support.

Delivered by Whakatāne District Council in partnership with Trust Horizon, the fund is now open for applications and provides financial assistance for community-led climate action projects and climate-focused education and development opportunities for young people.

Grants of up to $20,000 are available through the Community Climate Action Fund, with approximately $100,000 available this round, while eligible rangatahi can apply for up to $5000 through the Climate Youth Development Fund.

Frank Begley, manager community partnerships, said the fund was designed to help turn good ideas into action.

“We know there are people throughout the district with ideas they've been talking about for years. Sometimes all that's missing is the funding and support needed to get started.

“We’re encouraging people to think broadly about what climate action and resilience can look like.

Whether it’s establishing a repair and reuse initiative, creating a community resilience hub, improving access to low-emissions transport, supporting environmental restoration, or helping young people develop climate leadership skills, we’re interested in hearing about projects that can make a lasting difference.”

The Climate Youth Development Fund is also open to young people aged 14 to 24 who want to pursue climate-related education, study, training or leadership opportunities.

Support is available for courses, workshops, research projects and other learning experiences that help build knowledge, skills and confidence while contributing to a more sustainable future.

“We're looking for practical ideas, ambitious ideas and creative ideas,” Begley said.

“If you've spotted a challenge in your community and have an idea about how to address it, this could be the opportunity to bring that idea to life.”

The fund supports both climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives, including projects that reduce environmental impacts, improve resilience to future climate-related risks, and educate and engage communities on climate action.

Kate Arnold, strategic projects manager, said the fund reflected the council’s commitment to leading the community’s climate response.

“The climate is changing, and it's already affecting our weather, our natural environment, our infrastructure, our food production.

“No single solution fixes that, but lots of small actions add up.

“The council has a role in leading this work, but responding to climate change is something we all have a part in, individually and collectively. This fund is one way we can back the ideas coming from our communities, marae, schools and organisations who are already thinking about what needs to happen.”

Applications close on October 4.

A final funding drop-in session will be held on Wednesday, September 23 for anyone wanting to discuss an idea, ask questions or get support with their application.

For more information, or if you can't make a drop-in session, contact [email protected] or call 07 306 0500.

Drop-in sessions

■ When: Wednesday, September 23

■ Where: Edgecumbe Public Library, 38 College Road, Edgecumbe from 10am-12pm and Customer Services, Whakatāne Council Building, 14 Commerce Street, 2.30pm-4.30pm