Thinking about funding four your economic development project? It’s not all about the PGF
THINKING ABOUT FUNDING FOR YOUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT? IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE PGF
They say “nothing is certain except for death and taxes”. We could probably add “the need to secure funding to support economic development” to this old saying. It’s a tough and absolutely critical part of bringing projects to life and the demand for funding will almost always outstrip the availability of scarce resources. This means early preparatory work is really critical in helping you to effectively position your project or organisation to meet funder criteria and increase your chances of funding success.
The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) is currently the big player in town. It’s big number ($3 billion over 3 years) and the political scrutiny that comes with such large funds have captured the headlines. But the PGF may not be the best source of funding depending on your project or investment needs. For example, where projects need more feasibility or business case work completed before being ‘investment-ready’. This quick blog outlines some of the other economic development-related funds (some of which are grant-based rather than the loan-based approach for commercial profit-driven projects under the PGF) that our clients might want to think about as they consider seeking potential support from central government for key economic development-related projects. If you want to have a chat about any of these options (and there are others which we can explore) then we’d love to hear from you.
Tourism Investment Fund
The Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF) provides up to $25 million annually to develop tourism-related infrastructure that supports regions facing pressure from tourism growth. Applications are now open until 28 August 2019. The next round of TIF funding will then open on 1 March 2020.
Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) Fund
Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) funds innovative projects that will create more value from the food and fibre industries. Projects could be about developing new products or services, or ideas for creating new jobs, increasing skills and capability, or encouraging better collaboration and information sharing. They can range from small, one-off initiatives requiring a small grant, to long-running, multi-million-dollar partnerships. SFF Futures is a co-investment fund, so you’ll need to contribute some of the costs. As a general guide to the money available is typically along the line of:
- Small grant – up to $100,000 for up to one year
- Grant – up to $2m for up to 3 years
- Small partnership – between $2m-$5m for between 3 and 5 years
- Partnership – over $5m for 5 years or more
Māori Agribusiness Fund: Pathway to increase productivity
MPI’s Māori Agribusiness: Pathway to Increased Productivity (MAPIP) programme aims to partner with Māori to overcome some of the unique challenges Māori face when developing their primary sector assets. The programme has a specific focus on Māori primary sector assets (agriculture, horticulture, forestry, or seafood) that are in collective ownership. It has a specific focus on tangible on-the-ground projects that will lead to increasing productivity. There is an upper limit of $100,000 per application and the fund could help support work based around six common steps that have been identified that can assist Māori to successfully improve the performance of their land:
- Establish a Project Group: Discuss opportunities with surrounding land owners.
- Develop a strategic plan: Develop plan to reflect the goals and aspirations of the group.
- Develop a feasibility study: Determine the best use of the land.
- Getting owners on board: Explain the opportunity to the wider group.
- Set up governance structure: Get the right people in the right positions.
- Operational set-up: Depending on what option the group has decided to go with.
One Billion Trees Fund
The Government has allocated $120 million through the One Billion Trees Fund for direct grants to landowners – particularly farmers – to include trees on their farms. The Fund does not support whole farm conversions and has a target of planting two-thirds natives. This Fund is administered by Te Uru Rākau (Forestry New Zealand) and funded via the Provincial Growth Fund.
Vision Matauranga Capability Fund
Te Pūnaha Hihiko: Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund aims to: strengthen capability, capacity, skills and networks between Māori and the science and innovation system, and increase understanding of how research can contribute to the aspirations of Māori organisations and deliver benefit for New Zealand. The Fund invests in the development of skilled people and organisations that plan to undertake, or are undertaking, research that supports the themes and outcomes of MBIE’s Vision Mātauranga policy (which aims to unlock the science and innovation potential of Māori knowledge, resources and people to assist New Zealanders to create a better future). Funding ($2m per year) is available through 2 schemes: Connect Scheme (up to $10,000) and Placement Scheme (up to $180,000). The Connect Scheme seeks to build new connections between Māori organisations and the science and innovation system. The Placement Scheme seeks to enhance the development of an individual(s) through placement in a partner organisation.
Maori Innovation Fund
Te Pūnaha Hiringa: Māori Innovation Fund provides annual funding to help Māori collectives gain the necessary understanding and knowledge to realise their assets’ economic potential. Te Pūnaha Hiringa Māori Innovation Fund currently funds 4 programmes: He Tupu Ōhanga – Commercial Advisors Scheme, Kōkori Accelerator Business Programme, Pakihi workshops and Rangatahi Business Challenges.
Community Environment Fund
The Community Environment Fund is worth just over $2m per year and is administered by the Ministry for the Environment. The fund supports projects (between $10,000 and $300,000 for up to 3 years) that strengthen environmental partnerships, raise environmental awareness and encourage participation in environmental initiatives in the community. The timing of the next funding round has not yet been set.
Gus Charteris
Economic Development Consultant
Giblin Group
August 2019
Since 2011 I have worked with Jenni and Christine on a number of highly successful fundraising initiatives in support of the Sarjeant Gallery Redevelopment Project. With their help and expertise, we have raised more than $28.8m from central government and Lottery sources. The Giblin Group are a pleasure to work with and have provided great advice on many occasions concerning communications and public engagement. I can certainly recommend their services.
Giblin Group supported Blue Oyster with developing a robust Funding Strategy that took into account the specific needs of our organisation and activity. Jenni and Jess offered substantial advice and support in, not only establishing this strategy but giving us helpful tools for implementation and always prioritised sustainability throughout. Their enthusiasm for our space and activity was truly felt and appreciated – our relationship with them will be nourished and valued well into the future.
“As our thinking evolved, Giblin Group showed a steady commitment to deepen their understanding of our needs. We always looked forward to our coaching sessions which were stimulating and inspiring. Jess and Jenni became valued colleagues that supported and provoked thinking with rigour and generosity. They’re now not only valuable advocates for BATS but part of our whānau.”
“Jenni did a fantastic job in helping us to secure critical partnerships and funding support for our internationally significant Len Lye Centre project – what’s more we really enjoyed working with her.”
“Giblin Group’s knowledge of government practices and procedures on a national and local level is invaluable, and I often find that they are well connected with staff and officials on all levels of Government. Giblin Group scopes their assignments well, provides accurate cost estimates for their services, delivers within the agreed timeframes and always deliver excellent quality work – no project manager can really ask for more!”
“The work that the Giblin Group completed, in collaboration with our staff, was instrumental in the success the project has had in securing significant funding to this key City initiative. In particular we have found the experience of the Giblin Group to been invaluable in seeking funding from a variety of sources in an increasingly challenging environment.”