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Department of Conservation

Government Agency

Department of Conservation supports New Zealand organisations through 2 funding programmes listed on Funding Radar.

Funding range
$5,000 – $150,000
Application windows
2 rolling, 0 dated
Regions covered
Nationwide

Funding focus

Current opportunities

Ngā Whenua Rāhui Fund

Department of Conservation

Open / rolling
Māori
Nationwide

Provides funding to protect indigenous ecosystems on Māori-owned land while preserving te ao Māori cultural values and tino rangatiratanga.

Marae or iwi organisation · Community group

Amount not published

Closes Open / rolling

DOC Community Fund

Department of Conservation

Open / rolling
Environment
Nationwide

Direct contestable funding to support community-led conservation projects that restore and protect native biodiversity across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Charity · Community group · School or kura

Up to $150,000 per project

Closes Open / rolling

Application tips

  • Align your project directly with local DOC regional conservation priorities and demonstrate clear, measurable biodiversity outcomes.
  • Contact the Ngā Whenua Rāhui secretariat early to discuss land tenure and legal covenants before submitting a full proposal.
  • Ensure your application highlights both ecological significance and the spiritual or cultural connection of whānau and hapū to the land.
  • Show evidence of strong community involvement and long-term sustainability beyond the immediate funding period.