Ministry for the Environment
Community Environment Fund
Open Contestable Funding Round 8
April 2016
Application Form
Part 1 of 2: Project Proposal and Governance
Application numb er
CEF-
Applicant name
Project name
Total cost of project
(exclusive of GST)
$0.00
Amount requested from CEF
(exclusive of GST)
$0.00
Estimated in-kind value
(exclusive of GST)
$0.00
Important information

To improve your chance of success, please refer to the Community Environment Fund Supporting
Information for Applicants reference document available at
www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/funding/community-environment-fund-supporting-informationapplicants-open-contestable before completing this form.

There are two parts to the application form – both must be completed:

Part 1 : Project proposal and governance (in Word) [this document]

Part 2 : Project financial spreadsheet (in Excel)
Incomplete applications will not be assessed.

You can move between boxes in this form by using the mouse, pressing the  and  keys on your
keyboard, or using the Tab key. Use text only; do not enter images, tables or graphs into the
form. Extra lines in the Word tables can be created as required by clicking outside the line to the
right and pressing the Enter key, or by using the Insert Rows tool in the table layout toolbar.

Please complete all questions and the checklist. If a question does not apply to your project,
please use ‘N/A’ or ‘none’ instead of leaving the reply blank.

Please follow the word limits for those parts that have them. To check the number of words,
highlight the text and use Word Count on the Review toolbar.

Email your completed application forms and all required supporting documents to
CEFapplication@mfe.govt.nz (with ‘CEF application’ and your organisation name in the subject
line). Please note that we will only accept one email per application – your application and all
supporting documents must be submitted in one email. There is a checklist for your use on the
last page of this application form.

Once you have emailed your application, if you have not received a reply within one working day
please call us to let us know. Rarely emails can be blocked without notification to either party
and we do not want to miss your application.

Applications need to be received by the Ministry between 9 am Monday 18 April 2016 and 12
noon Monday 2 May 2016. Applications sent early will not be assessed before 18 April 2016.

We are unable to accept applications which are early, late, or incomplete.
An application will not be considered if:

it is received before the opening date, after the closing date, or received after the closing time
on the closing date

the designated application form is not used or has been altered in any way

the application form is not electronically signed

the required supporting documentation has not been attached

the total cost box in Part 2 of the Application (Project Financial Spreadsheet) shows red not
green. The box will turn green when A (organisation’s cash contributions) +B (external funding)
+C (funding being applied for from the Fund) equals the total cost.

Please note that Community Environment Fund grant instalments can only be paid after funding
is approved, a deed of funding has been signed by both contracting parties, and agreed
milestones for that payment are achieved. Funds are not available in advance, or for activity
which occurs before the deed is signed.

For any further information email cef@mfe.govt.nz or phone 0800 499 700.
Community Environment Fund: Application Form Part 1 – open contestable funding round April 2016
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Criteria
Applications to the Community Environment Fund must meet the Community Environment Fund
eligibility criteria to be accepted.
Meeting the Community Environment Fund eligibility criteria allows an application to be assessed for
funding. It does not guarantee that your project will be funded. Applications that meet the eligibility
criteria are then assessed by a review panel using the Community Environment Fund assessment
criteria and the Government’s ‘value for money’ criteria for funding.
Eligibility checklist
Doe s you r p r o jec t m e et th e Community Environment Fund
el i g ib i l it y c r it er i a ?
1
This project will contribute to one or more of the following:

strengthening partnerships

raising environmental awareness

encouraging participation in environmental initiatives in the community
2
This project is for a discrete timeframe of up to three years.
3
The applicant is a legal entity.
After this time, the project objectives will have been achieved and, where appropriate, the initiative
will have become self-funding
For example, incorporated society, charitable trust, limited partnership, Māori trust board, limited
liability company, cooperative company, or individual person
4
This application is seeking between $10,000 and $300,000 (excluding GST) from the
Community Environment Fund.
5
A response has been provided to all questions in both Part 1 and Part 2 of the
application.
Not all eligible applications can be successful. The Community Environment Fund is usually heavily
over-subscribed (more funding is requested than is available).
To improve your chances of funding, we recommend that when filling out the application form you
specifically address how your project meets the assessment and ‘value for money’ criteria listed on
the next two pages.
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Assessment criteria for the Community Environment Fund
Preference will be given to:



Applicants that demonstrate:

their ability to deliver the project

the likelihood of success of the project and how the project will achieve its goals

how the effectiveness of the project will be monitored, evaluated and reported

if the funding is for the establishment phase of a longer-term project, how the project
will continue after funding ends and become self-sustaining.
Applicants that demonstrate that their project will support more than one of the following
objectives:

raise awareness and involvement in resolving environmental issues

involve the community in practically-focussed action to improve environmental quality

support and strengthen collaboration between environmental groups,
business/farmers/industry, iwi and local authorities on finding community solutions to
environmental challenges

provide improved community-based advice, educational opportunities, and public
information about environmental legislation and policy

provide wider economic, social or cultural benefits.
Projects that focus on supporting community initiatives that contribute to:

reduced greenhouse gas emissions

improved freshwater management

improved coastal management

improved air quality

protecting biodiversity

some waste management initiatives.
However, for projects where alternative, more suitable Ministry for the Environment funding
streams are available (such as the Waste Minimisation Fund and the Contaminated Sites
Remediation Fund), applicants should apply to these funding sources before applying to the
Community Environment Fund.

Projects that have shared funding. The level of funding from other sources will be taken
into account.

Projects that offer strategic value in achieving the purpose of the Community Environment
Fund. Strategic value means the likely ability of projects to act as catalysts that enhance
and extend the uptake of good environmental practice.

Projects that collectively give the largest net benefit over time.
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‘Value for money’ criteria
In addition to the criteria specific to the Community Environment Fund, additional criteria will be
used to maximise public value from the allocation of government funds. Preference will be given to
projects that:
1.
Focus on tangible outcomes (eg, results that can be observed and measured)
2.
Will collaborate with, rather than duplicate and/or displace, existing activities
3.
Demonstrate value for money from estimated project cash costs
4.
Propose reasonable costs to effectively deliver resources and services
5.
Will generate ongoing benefit after the end of the project period
6.
Demonstrate strong governance and involvement of key stakeholders
7.
Will deliver clear and timely financial and outcomes reporting
8.
Support government strategic priorities.1
Is this the right fun d for your project?
Is the main focus of this project on minimising solid waste?
(If so, the project will be more suitable for the Waste Minimisation Fund
www.mfe.govt.nz/more/funding/waste-minimisation-fund).
Is the main focus of this project on remediating a contaminated site or sites and is the applicant a
regional council?
(If so, the project will be more suitable for the Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund
www.mfe.govt.nz/more/funding/contaminated-sites-remediation-fund).
Is the main focus of this project on practical protection or enhancement of native biodiversity,
historic resources, or conservation-based recreation?
(If so, the project may be more suitable for the Department of Conservation Community Fund
www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/funding/doc-community-fund).
Is the main focus of this project on developing more sustainable farming practise and the
involvement of farming communities?
(If so, the project may be more suitable for the Sustainable Farming Fund http://mpi.govt.nz/sff).
Is this a one-off project to foster conservation, preservation and promotion of New Zealand’s
natural, physical and cultural heritage, including through community events, activities or capital
projects?
(If so, the project may be more suitable for the Lottery World War One Commemorations, Environment and
Heritage Fund http://www.communitymatters.govt.nz/Funding-and-grants---Lottery-grants---LotteryEnvironment-and-Heritage).
1
You will find Ministry for the Environment priorities in A Generation From Now – Our Long-Term Goals
www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/about-us/generation-now-our-long-term-goals.
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Official Information and Privacy
Official Information Act 1982
Important: Information presented to the Minister for the Environment or the Ministry for the
Environment is subject to disclosure under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). Certain information
may be withheld in accordance with the grounds for withholding information under the OIA. Further
information on the OIA is available at www.ombudsmen.parliament.nz.
Information held by the Minister and Ministry may have to be released under the OIA in response to a
request from a member of the public (or any other body) for that information. If you wish to provide
sensitive information to the Minister or Ministry which you do not want released, it is recommended
you consult with the Ministry as to whether the information is necessary for the application, and
whether there may be grounds in the OIA for withholding the information. For instance, if release of the
information would disclose a trade secret, or be likely to unreasonably prejudice the commercial
position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the information, then there may be
grounds to withhold the information (subject to any countervailing public interest in disclosing the
information). The Ministry will endeavour to contact you to discuss an OIA request relating to your
application if one is received, and what the implications of releasing your information are.
The grounds for withholding must always be balanced against consideration of public interest that may
justify release. Although the Ministry does not give any guarantees as to whether information can be
withheld under the OIA, it may be helpful to discuss OIA issues with the Ministry in advance, if
information provided with an application is sensitive.
Privacy Act 1993
Important: The Ministry for the Environment (Environment House, 23 Kate Sheppard Place, Thorndon,
Wellington) may collect, use, hold or disclose personal information for the purpose of assessing
eligibility and suitability for Community Environment Fund funding. Individuals have the right in
accordance with the Privacy Act 1993 to request access to and correction of their personal information.
While the provision of personal information is not mandatory, failure to provide requested information
could lead to a delay in considering the application or a decline of the same.
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SECTION A: Project Information
1.
Application summary
Project name
Applicant name
Group, organisation or individual
applying for funding
Project description
Provide a brief description of your
project (maximum 250 words)
Show a clear link to your project
objectives (question 5)
Project location
Area or region. If your project is
multi-regional, specify all regions
Proposed duration of funding
One, two, or three years
2.
Contact details for this application
Provide a primary contact and a secondary contact for this application. The Ministry may contact these people to ask for
information about this application.
Primary contact
person
Secondary contact
person
Phone(s)
Phone(s)
Email address
Email address
Physical address
Physical address
Postal address
(if different)
Postal address
(if different)
3.
Applicant details
Enter details of the individual or organisation that is applying for funds and would be responsible for the project.
Project manager details are requested in question 10.
Applicant name
Full legal name
Applicant type
Please tick the
appropriate box/s
Community
group
Iwi/hapū
Business
Local council
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School
Individual
Incorporated
society
Charitable
trust
Limited liability
or cooperative
company
Other
registered
business
Other please specify
Description of the
applicant
Provide a brief
description of the
organisation or person
applying for funding.
Include its main
activities and relevant
environmental and
project management
experience
(maximum 80 words)
Legal entity status
You will be required to
submit proof of legal
entity status if your
application is invited
to Stage II. For more
detail see page 7 of
the Supporting
Information for
Applicants reference
document
Limited
partnership
Māori trust
board
Other please specify :
Date of
incorporation or
establishment
Register details/
Registration
number
GST number
If GST registered. For
more detail see page 7
of the Supporting
Information for
Applicants reference
document
Physical address of
the applicant
Postal address
(if different)
Telephone
Landline
Mobile phone
Website address
Email address
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For regional or district council applicants only
Please explain why
your project:

is not funded
out of your
council’s
baseline funding

does not fall
under your
council’s core
responsibilities
4. Project opportunities and benefits
What is the
environmental
opportunity or
problem that you
plan to address with
the project?
(maximum 400
words)
Include information
on:
 the size or extent of
the opportunity or
problem
 whether the
problem is local,
national or global
 the impact the
problem has on the
environment, the
community, and/or
people’s lives
 the likely future
consequences of not
addressing the
problem now
What is the solution
or action you are
proposing?
(maximum 400
words)
Demonstrate how your
project will address
the problem or
opportunity you have
outlined
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4. Project opportunities and benefits
Are you aware of
any other projects
of this type in your
region or in New
Zealand?
What connection
does your project
have with them?
Include information on
how you plan to
collaborate with
and/or learn from
them
What are the
environmental
benefits of your
project and how will
you measure your
progress towards
them?
Provide a brief
summary here, and
details of objectives
and measures in
questions 5 and 7
Please include
information on how
benefits are likely to
continue after the
funded project period
(one to three years)
What are the
additional benefits
(for example,
economic, social or
cultural) of your
project and how will
you measure your
progress towards
them?
Include information on
how benefits are likely
to continue after a
three year funded
project
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4. Project opportunities and benefits
Strategic value:
Will the project act
as a catalyst to
enhance and extend
the uptake of good
environmental
practice?
If so, how, and by
whom?
Continuation:
If the requested
funding is for an
establishment
phase, describe how
the project will
become selfsustaining
Consents:
Specify any
consents required
to manage or
deliver your project,
whether you have
applied for them,
and when you
expect to receive
the decision
This may for example
include resource
management,
building, or planning
consents, and
permissions to transfer
species.
For catchment restoration and biodiversity (native species or
ecosystems) projects only
Target area:
Describe the
location, size, and
biodiversity value
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Catchment
integration:
Describe how your
project will
integrate with the
wider catchment (ki
uta ki tai –
mountains to sea)
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5.
Project objectives
The information provided in this table is a critical factor in assessing your application and central to creating deed of funding deliverables if your project is invited to Stage II.
Please ensure that:

between three and six objectives are described for your project

all objectives are clearly defined and achievable within the duration of the Community Environment Fund funding

you have a clear plan to meet the objectives

successful completion of tasks and activities (question 6) will lead to achievement of the project objectives

each objective has at least one key performance indicator (KPI)

you have a clear plan for measuring, evaluating and reporting whether your project objectives have been met.
For examples, see page 10 of the Supporting Information for Applicants reference document.
Objective
Describe the tangible results your
project is trying to achieve
Key performance indicators
(KPIs)
KPIs are concise statements about
key benefits of the project and how
they will be achieved
Source of measure
How will you measure your progress
against the KPIs? What evidence will
show that the objective has been
achieved?
Expected outcome
Baseline information
What is the expected benefit
from this objective being met?
How does this contribute to
the purpose of your project?
Describe the current
situation, using the data you
have available
Objectives and KPIs must be SMART (Specific, Measurable,
Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound)
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6.
Project key tasks and activities
List the main tasks and activities that are involved in your project in chronological order, adding more lines as required. The achievement of these will be a primary measure for evaluating
the project’s success. Please ensure that tasks are logical and realistic, and clearly relate to the objectives (question 5).
For examples see page 12 of the Supporting Information for Applicants reference document.
Project tasks/activities – Year 1
Project tasks/activities – Year 2 (if applicable)
Community Environment Fund: Application Form Part 1 – open contestable funding round April 2016
Project tasks/activities – Year 3 (if applicable)
14
7.
Community collaboration – active partner involvement
One of the purposes of the Community Environment Fund is to strengthen partnerships. Projects that can demonstrate active involvement from partners are preferred. Assessment of
applications for funding will also consider whether the necessary partner organisations are involved to ensure success of the project.
Partners generally share the decision-making about a project, and must contribute resources to the project in terms of expertise, equipment, time, or resource. In addition they may also
provide funding (co-funders). There may be a formal agreement (eg, contract) between the parties, who work together for a common goal and share the risks and benefits.
Please provide the name and details of involvement of the organisations/individuals and councils providing support to your project.
YOU MUST PROVIDE A LETTER from each listed active partner as part of your application which DETAILS THEIR ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT WITH THIS PROJECT.
These active partner involvement letters must be on their organisation’s letterhead and relate directly to the project and the nature of their proposed participation
in the project, including any financial or in-kind support. General letters of support without indication of participation will not be considered.
Community organisations and individuals
Name of organisation or individual
Type of organisation
Details of active involvement or collaboration
If they are also providing funding support, also include in Part 2 – Project Financial Spreadsheet
Letter
provided
yes/ no
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Community collaboration – active partner involvement (question 7 continued)
Regional councils, district councils, and government agencies
Provide the name and details of involvement of district and/or regional council(s) or government agencies (if any) that are involved in your project.
Name of council or agency
Contact person
Details of active involvement or collaboration
If they are also providing funding support, also include in Part 2 – Project Financial Spreadsheet
Letter
provided
yes/ no
8.
Other key stakeholders
Please list any other organisations or key people that your project will collaborate with, in addition to active partners listed above and the co-funders listed in Part 2 – Project Financial
Spreadsheet of the Application.
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9.
Risk management
A risk is something that may affect the completion and success of your project. Risk identification and management will be considered in assessment for funding.
Please describe risks related to your project, and how you will manage or reduce them. For examples, see page 12–13 of the Supporting Information for Applicants reference document.
Potential risk
Identify the potential risks to your project
Level of
risk
Low,
medium
or high
Impact on project
Describe the impact the risk would have on the
project
Community Environment Fund: Application Form Part 1 – open contestable funding round April 2016
Consequence
on project
Minor,
moderate or
severe
Strategy to reduce risk
Describe the steps you will take to minimise
and manage the risk
17
10. Project manager details
The project manager is the person responsible for managing major project tasks and activities. If they have been
nominated before the project begins, they are also likely to be a key point of contact with the Ministry both during project
planning and over the life of the project.
Project manager
responsibilities
Skills and experience
required for the
project manager
position
Estimated amount of
time the project
manager will spend
on the project each
week
Please complete the table below if you have already confirmed a project manager
Name
Physical address
Postal address
Email address
Telephone
Has their availability
been confirmed?
Day time
Yes
After hours
No
If yes, please attach a CV of the confirmed project manager
11. Project governance and financial management
Please provide details of the governance and financial management structures for the applicant organisation.
For examples see page 14 of Supping Information for Applicants.
Do you have a board of directors / board of trustees?

(Yes/No)
If yes, how many people are on the board?
Do you have a CEO / managing director?
(Yes/No)
Is there an accountant / financial controller in your management team?
(Yes/No)
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
If no, do you use an external accountant?
What is the annual income for
your organisation from all
sources?
(tick one)
(Yes/No)
Less than $100,000 per year
Between $100,000 and $500,000 per year
More than $500,000 per year
Not applicable (no consistent income)
Project management

List the people who will be
on the project’s
management group, and
their affiliation (if any)

Are all project partners
represented?

How will the management
group be involved during
the project?

How will the management
group be accountable for
decisions and results?

How will any slippage on
project progress be
monitored and managed?
Managing funds

How will the purchase of
goods and services be
managed?

How will payments be
approved?

How will you monitor for
any budget overspend and
address it?
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SECTION B: Additional Information
12. Publicly-funded projects
Please complete the table below for each project you have received funding for in the past 5 years either from the
Ministry for the Environment or from other agencies or organisations.
Name of fund and
organisation
Amount
received
Summary of projects completed
(maximum 50 words per project)
$
$
$
$
$
$
13. Health and safety
Health and safety is of high importance. You must demonstrate how health and safety is managed throughout your
project. For more information see page 15 of the Supporting Information for Applicants reference document.
Do you or your organisation have a
health and safety policy?
Have you or your organisation been
issued with any notices, warnings,
orders or convictions under the Health
and Safety in Employment Act?
Is there currently a health and safety
plan for the project?
Who will be responsible for health and
safety for the project?
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14. Conflicts of interest
Please describe any known conflicts of interest (actual or potential) and steps you will take to manage them.
Before completing this section see pages 15-16 of the Supporting Information for Applicants reference document.
15. Is there anything else we need to consider about your application?
This space is for you to provide any additional information you or your organisation considers important, but has not
been covered in previous questions in this application form. (Maximum 400 words)
Please complete questions 15 – 19 in the Community Environment Fund Application Form Part 2: Project
Financial Spreadsheet (separate file in Excel).
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Declaration
This declaration must be completed by an individual applicant or the person with the applicant organisation’s signing
authority
Important: If you have any questions please contact the Community Environment Fund team at cef@mfe.govt.nz or
phone 0800 499 700.
As an individual applicant or a duly authorised representative of the applicant organisation as per Section 1
of this Community Environment Fund form:

I declare that I have read the Community Environment Fund Supporting Information for Applicants
reference document.

I declare that to the best of my knowledge, the information contained in response to all questions in
Parts A and B of this application form, or supplied by us in support of our application, is complete, true
and correct.

I declare that I have the authority to sign this application form and to provide this information.

I declare that the application is not being made by a legal entity that is in receivership or liquidation, or
by an undischarged bankrupt.

I declare that I have read and understood the eligibility criteria.

I declare that I have provided information relating to any actual or potential conflicts of interest (in
question 14) and that I will promptly inform the Ministry for the Environment of any such conflicts if they
arise subsequent to the submission of this application.

I understand that some activities and purchases cannot be funded from the Community Environment
Fund and that certain parts of my project may not be funded due to these.

I understand that information presented to the Minister for the Environment and Ministry for the
Environment is subject to disclosure under the Official Information Act 1982, court orders and in
response to Parliamentary questions.

I understand my rights in accordance with the Privacy Act 1993.

I agree that the Ministry for the Environment may collect information about me (if an individual
applicant) or our organisation from other parties, and may liaise with local and national organisations
aboutthis application.

I agree that the Ministry for the Environment can undertake, for the purpose of assessing eligibility and
suitability for Community Environment Fund funding, a background check on the applicant(s), including
but not limited to credit checks, criminal record checks, and reference checks.

I understand that if I receive an invitation to proceed to Stage II of the funding process this is not a
confirmation of funding, and that the final decision is subject to a successful completion of Stage II.
Name
Position
Signature
By typing your name in the space
provided you are electronically
signing this application form.
Test test test
test
Community Environment Fund: Application
Form Part 1 – open contestable funding round April 2016
Test
Test
22
Checklist
Use the following checklist to confirm you have provided all the required information in your application.
Do not include any attachments that the Ministry has not specifically requested. These will not be
provided to the review panel.
All questions in Part 1 (questions 1 to 15) have been answered (using ‘N/A’ or ‘none’ if required).
All questions in Part 2 (questions 16 to 19) have been answered (using a zero if required).
The declaration has been electronically signed and dated.
The totals box in question 18 of the Project Financial Spreadsheet has turned green, indicating that
project funding matches the project budget.
Your single email application to CEFapplication@mfe.govt.nz has all necessary documents attached:

your completed Community Environment Fund Application Form Part 1: Project Proposal and
Governance

your completed Community Environment Fund Application Form Part 2: Project Financial
Spreadsheet

an active partner participation letter for each project partner listed in question 7

a CV for the project manager if they have been confirmed.
Y our feedback
Did you find this
application form easy to
understand and complete?
How can we make this form
easier to use?
Do you have any general
comments about the
funding process for the
Community Environment
Fund?
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