Backing more bright ideas than ever before
Community organisations across Aotearoa are solving some of our biggest challenges every day. They're feeding whānau, supporting vulnerable communities, protecting the environment and improving wellbeing. Applications for our Community Decarbonisation Fund open on the 14th of September.
Is this fund right for your organisation?
The Community Decarbonisation Fund is designed to support organisations that are creating positive change in their communities and have a project that can help reduce emissions.
We're looking for projects that deliver both meaningful community impact and measurable emissions reduction. The strongest applications clearly demonstrate how funding will help an organisation do more for its community, whether that's expanding services, reducing operating costs, improving resilience, or creating long-term benefits that extend well beyond the life of the project.
We're particularly interested in projects that:
- Enable organisations to deliver more for their communities
- Create long-term community or environmental benefits
- Reduce ongoing operating costs so more funding can be directed back into community outcomes
- Increase organisational resilience
- Deliver measurable emissions reductions
- Demonstrate clear community need and impact
Projects might include electric vehicles, solar installations, electrification upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, or other innovative approaches to reducing emissions.
To be eligible, projects must:
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Be an electrification project (converting something to the use of electricity – such as an EV or converting a diesel boiler to electricity) or create new renewable generation (such as solar panels), or a result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and
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Be a project that either wouldn’t have happened or will happen sooner because of this funding; and
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Be a community-based project with a total value of less than $200,000; and
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Contribute directly to communities across Aotearoa
The fund is open to any community groups that fit this criteria. Currently schools, councils or government entities are not eligible.
Key dates for 2026
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Applications open
14th September – 12th October 2026
Community groups can apply for funding from the Community Decarbonisation Fund.
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Applications assessed
5th November 2026
The panel will meet to review your application.
Panel members will include representatives from across Meridian, as well as some of our Certified Renewable Energy customers. -
Outcomes notified
13th November 2026
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application on or after this date.
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Funding released
1st December 2026
If your application is successful and we have received your signed contract, we will release funding from this date.
Backing bright ideas in communities across Aotearoa
Since launching the fund, we've supported community organisations delivering impact in many different ways. From food rescue charities reducing waste and feeding communities, to environmental groups protecting native species, to organisations improving access to essential services, these projects show what's possible when community impact and decarbonisation come together.
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Good Neighbour
Good Neighbour Aotearoa supports communities across the Bay of Plenty through food redistribution, firewood delivery, community meals and whānau programmes such as Rangatahi Ora. The funding is helping install solar and battery storage at their community hub, reducing power costs and strengthening the long-term sustainability of these services.
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Just Zilch
Just Zilch is New Zealand’s longest-running free store, rescuing surplus food in Palmerston North and redistributing it to people in need across Manawatū–Whanganui. The funding is helping install solar at its Featherston Street site, reducing power costs and supporting the fridges, chillers and day-to-day operations that keep this food rescue work going.
Set your community group up for success
Applications are open from the 14th of September, but now is a great time to start thinking about whether your project could be a fit. You'll have until the 12th of October to submit your application.
We've created a dedicated application guidance hub to help you understand the eligibility requirements, learn from previous successful applicants, and prepare for the upcoming funding round.
Register your interest today
Frequently asked questions
How is the Community Decarbonisation Fund funded?
The Community Decarbonisation Fund is primarily funded through Meridian's Certified Renewable Energy product, with 100% of net proceeds reinvested into decarbonisation initiatives. This includes both the Community Decarbonisation Fund and the Business Decarbonisation Fund for eligible Certified Renewable Energy customers.
This year, Meridian is also contributing $1 million to the Community Decarbonisation Fund, meaning a total of up to $3 million is available to support projects that benefit communities across Aotearoa.
This year, Meridian is also contributing $1 million to the Community Decarbonisation Fund, meaning a total of up to $3 million is available to support projects that benefit communities across Aotearoa.
What kinds of organisations have received funding in the past?
Previous recipients include food rescue charities, environmental organisations, community service providers and other not-for-profit organisations delivering positive outcomes in their communities.
Check out our 2025 Impact and Transparency Report to learn more about the projects and organisations that received funding in 2025.How much funding has been distributed through the fund so far?
Since the Community Decarbonisation Fund first opened in 2022, we have distributed $4.73 million to 77 community groups across Aotearoa.
Who sits on the assessment panel?
The assessment panel changes each year to bring a range of perspectives to the decision-making process. In 2026, the panel will include two Meridian representatives, Bravetrace, and four Certified Renewable Energy customers who will assess applications and select the projects to receive funding.
Can I speak to someone before applying if I'm unsure whether my project is a fit?
If you're unsure whether your project meets the criteria, get in touch with our team by emailing decarbfund@meridianenergy.co.nz and we'll help point you in the right direction.
Can I start preparing my application before applications open?
Absolutely. Our application guidance hub includes eligibility information, application guidance and insights from previous recipients to help you prepare ahead of applications opening.