- Community-led ideas wanted and no climate degree required
- Back practical solutions for projects that cut emissions
- $380,000 available for climate projects
Got an idea that could help your community, tackle climate challenges, and cut emissions? Auckland Council wants to hear about it.
Applications for reducing our climate impact open on 12 October 2026, as part of the next round of the Te Ara Urutau Climate and Emergency Ready Fund.
This funding round makes $380,000 available to support community-led projects focused on reducing Auckland’s climate impact.
The fund is part of Te Ara Urutau, Auckland Council's flagship community resilience fund, which supports projects that help communities respond to climate change and prepare for future challenges.
Chair of Auckland Council's Community Committee Julie Fairey says communities are often where the best ideas begin.
"Whether it's helping people get around differently, using a lower carbon footprint, connecting communities to adapt to climate impacts, supporting communities to prepare for emergencies, or finding new ways to cut emissions, Aucklanders know best how to support one another.
“Te Ara Urutau is about giving those ideas a helping hand. Don't assume your project is too small. Some of the biggest changes start with a handful of people deciding to do things differently."
Last year, the fund supported over 70 projects across Tāmaki Makaurau, from emergency preparedness initiatives and climate adaptation planning through to emissions reduction projects led by local organisations and community groups.
Auckland Council’s Senior Community Resilience Investment Specialist, Joy Saunders, says the fund is open to all groups with a climate-related solution.
"People know their neighbourhoods best. We want to back practical, creative ideas that make a real difference and inspire others to get involved."
And here's the good news: you don't need to be a climate scientist to apply.
If you're part of a community group, charity, social enterprise, iwi organisation, school, or other not-for-profit organisation with a great idea and the drive to make it happen, apply for funding today.
From idea to impact: Ride and Rail Auckland
One project previously supported through Auckland Council climate funding was Ride and Rail Auckland, delivered by Counties Manukau Sport and Bike Pukekohe. The climate-responsive active transport pilot helped 153 south Auckland residents aged 60 and over learn how to combine cycling and rail travel through eight weeks of guided e-bike rides using Auckland's train network and cycleways. The programme was designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing private car trips, while also improving transport resilience, health and wellbeing.
The results demonstrate the power of community-led solutions. Participants reported replacing everyday car journeys with bike-and-train trips for shopping, errands, medical appointments and visiting friends and family. Many said they planned to continue using bikes and trains independently after the programme finished, while new social connections and riding groups were formed along the way.
The project shows how a simple idea, backed by council funding, can deliver lasting environmental and community benefits.
Two funding rounds
The first funding round, Reducing our Climate Impact, opens on 12 October and closes on 16 November 2026. Funding decisions will be announced in March 2027.
A second funding round, focused on Community-led Adaptation and Emergency Preparedness, will open in January 2027 with $1.4 million available.
So, if you've ever thought, "someone should do something about that", this could be your chance to be that someone.
Applications and funding guidelines will be available here.
Key dates
Applications open: 12 October 2026
Applications close: 16 November 2026
Available funding: $380,000
Funding decisions announced: March 2027