ORC’s Manager Environmental Implementation Libby Calwell says the 2026 fund will open for applications on 16 March next year with a total $919,800 available: similar to last year.

“Now that two of the six funding categories have been updated, we’re hoping environmental groups and other organisations interested in making applications will begin to familiarise themselves with the categories,” she says.

“The changes were bought in to streamline the overall process; clarify the funds available and the eligibility and assessment criteria for projects. The updates will create new opportunities for groups and their projects,” she says.

The ECO Fund changes were agreed at a full Council meeting, in Dunedin last week. [25 Sept]

Mrs Caldwell says the two categories which have been updated are the new Hill country erosion management (which replaces Critical source area management on private land) and the Scaling up for biodiversity fund, (which replaces Large-scale biodiversity projects).

Hill country erosion management — total applications up to $51,100 (up to $15,000 per project)

Scaling up for biodiversity — total applications up to $306,600 (Between $50,000-$150,000 per project).

The four existing ECO Fund categories which will be carried forward unchanged to the 2026 funding round are:

General — total applications up to $306,600 (up to $50,000 per project)

Sustained rabbit management incentives — total applications up to $102,200 (up to $50,000 per project)

Biodiversity enhancement on protected private land — total applications up to $102,200 (up to $15,000 per project)

Weed removal and revegetation — total applications up to $51,100 (up to $15,000 per project)

With 2026 ECO Fund applications opening from 16 March, it is scheduled for Council to make a final decision on the Assessment Panel’s recommendations by June.

Mrs Caldwell says there is also a new requirement for 2026, where it will be necessary for applicants to supply one quote for costs, in a services range of $500 – $2000 excluding GST, and to supply two quotes for service costs over $2000, excluding GST.

Background on ECO Fund process

The ECO Fund was established by ORC in July 2018 to support work that protects, enhances and promotes Otago’s environment and enable community-led environmental activities. An annual review process occurs, to set up the funding categories for each year which align with Council’s strategic directions.

Since 2018, to date the ECO fund has supported 194 projects (from 420 applications) totalling just over $3.64 million (out of $10.45 million requested) over 11 application rounds. Each round has averaged 38 applications and has been oversubscribed by 300% on average.

The new, separate, up to $2m Large-scale Environmental (LSE) Fund

Following the adoption by Council on 25 June, a new Large-scale Environmental Fund will be inaugurated later this financial year, in early 2026. The new Council is scheduled to deliberate further details, including the minimum size of a “large scale” project, at a meeting later this calendar year.

To register interest in the 2026 ECO Fund: Contact ECO Fund | Otago Regional Council