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Staff in our Whitianga and Paeroa offices will be working but the offices closed for public enquiries from 4.30pm on Thursday, 17 April until 8am on Monday, 28 April. If you require urgent assistance during this time, please phone 0800 800 401.

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The Small Scale Community Initiatives Fund (SSCIF) is part of the Natural Heritage Partnership Programme. The objectives of the Natural Heritage Partnership Programme are:

  • Increasing positive biodiversity outcomes across the region.
  • Supporting the community to develop and lead their own biodiversity projects.
  • Inspiring and educating people in the region to either be involved or supportive of biodiversity work and to understand and place value on it.

Open/close dates

Fund opens 9 May 2025

Fund closes 30 May 2025

The fund is currently closed.

To receive an email alert about the fund opening and closing, subscribe to our mailing list by emailing sscif@waikatoregion.govt.nz with the subject 'subscribe'.

For information about the Natural Heritage Partnership Programme (NHPP), subscribe to the Biodiversity Partnerships bi-annual newsletter.

View a read-only version of the application.

What types of projects may be funded?

  • The SSCIF provides funding to small community groups or individuals undertaking predator control and/or pest plant control.
  • This fund is primarily aimed at the purchase of materials to support these activities.

How much is available?

Around $140,000 per year. 

How much can you apply for?

Up to $5,000.

Information for applicants - please read first

Projects funded

Read some of the projects that received SSCIF funding over the past 5 years