The DOC Community Fund – Pūtea Tautiaki Hapori is now open for the 2022 / 2023 funding round

The eligibility for the DOC Community Fund 2023 has changed quite a bit from previous years and we hope the information below will help you through the process of assessing if your threatened species or ecosystem project is eligible for DOC Community Fund funding, and then how to apply. The Biodiversity Hawke's Bay team are here to help if you need assistance navigating your way through the steps below, otherwise any more detailed questions will need to be directed through to the DOC Community Fund team at doccf@doc.govt.nz 

Key information
This round there is $9.2million available across the country, and this has been split into two streams

1. $7.2 million available for threatened species and ecosystem projects
2. $2 million available for cultural heritage projects

Funding is for a minimum of $30,000
Funding round opens - 9 November 2022
Funding round closes - 31 January 2023
Outcomes advised - April 2023

Applying for funding for a threatened species

If you would like to apply for funding for a threatened species, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Read the DOC application guide - threatened species and ecosystems
2. Check if the species you would like funding for is listed as threatened (either Nationally Critical, Endangered or Vulnerable) by checking this List of Threatened Species
3. Check that your location is classed as a Priority Management Site for the particular species by emailing the DOC Funds team on: doccf@doc.govt.nz and asking one of the team.
4. If your project meets the two criteria above under steps 2 and 3, then you are encouraged to go ahead and apply for funding by completing the application form here - DOC Community Fund application form

Applying for funding for protecting and enhancing a threatened ecosystem

If you would like to apply for funding for protecting and enhancing a threatened ecosystem, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Read the DOC application guide - threatened species and ecosystems
2. Check if the ecosystem you would like funding for is included in ONE of the following:

• Identified by DOC as one of the top 850 Ecosystem Management Units (EMU's) or a Marine Reserve by clicking here - Map of EMU's and marine reserve OR
• Located within a Ngā Awa catchment, supporting the freshwater ecosystem by clicking here - Ngā Awa River Restoration Programme OR
• Identified as a threatened Naturally Uncommon Ecosystem type by either checking page 7 of the Application Guide or clicking here - Naturally uncommon ecosystems 

If your project is included in one of the above three categories, then you are encouraged to go ahead and apply for funding by completing the application form here - DOC Community Fund application form

How to apply

1. Read through the DOC Application Guide
2. Work through the steps above for either a species or ecosystem to see if your proposed project is eligible for DOC Community Fund funding
3. Download and complete the application form
4. Email your completed application form to bioapp@doc.govt.nz
5. Applications are due by 31 January 2023

If you have any questions please either contact the Biodiversity HB team at community@biodiversityhb.nz or contact DOC on:

Email: doccf@doc.govt.nz
Phone: 0800 86 20 20