How to Apply
Project proposals for SIFT financial assistance are invited from individuals, businesses and organisations on a month to month basis (with current dates set out below). A full project assessment process follows with funding only provided for project proposals that demonstrate a number of benefits to Canterbury and meet some or all of the below eligibility criteria.
Possible financial assistance could include early stage funding with a grant (or loan) to determine project feasibility, to develop a business plan or proof of concept, a repayable loan for more mature projects or much larger more commercial projects, or by taking an equity position as a joint initiative, or a combination of these. The Fund also provides early-stage funding for proof-of-concept projects in the waste sector through scientific or market development R&D that can generate significant IP for New Zealand as world-first projects.
The goal is to help projects and the technologies involved to become commercially viable with a long term focus being on sustainable development.
Many of the projects are initially research driven and then develop commercially at a later stage. SIFT considers finance packages from a range of flexible options that take into account the funding needs of each applicant.
More information about eligibility and SIFT's financial assistance packages can be found in the SIFT Funding Guide (pdf).
Eligibility Criteria:
- Your organisation is substaintially domiciled in the Canterbury area.
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The project reduces waste currently being released into the environment
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The project introduces new waste minimisation research and development, technology, or innovation to the region
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The project shows leadership in waste minimisation
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The project will create new jobs in Canterbury and/or contribute to the economic development of the Canterbury region
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The project proposal ideas should be unique within Canterbury
- The project does not directly compete with another similar technology/process.
Funding Deadline:
- 2013 dates are yet to be set.
*Please note all Consideration dates are subject to change at the discretion of the SIFT Board.
Funding Application Process
Part 1
It is strongly recommended that you first contact us prior to completing the SIFT funding application forms for an initial assessment of your project idea.
Part 2
The completion of a Funding Application/Eligibility Assessment Form - choose either the following Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format files:
Application Form PDF (380kb)
Application Form DOC (386kb)
Complete the funding application form and submit by posting to PO Box 39 023, Harewood, Christchurch 8545 or email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please ensure that the checklist is completed, signed and that all supporting documents accompany the application. All incomplete applications will be returned.
Funding applications that successfully progress to Part 2 of the application screening process are discussed at SIFT Board meetings, which are held monthly.
Assessment process
All funding applications will be required to completed the above Application Form (which also checks to see if the project is eligible for funding) and if necessary to discuss the project with the General Manager before the application is presented to the SIFT Board. Funding applications will be considered at the next available Board meeting subject to application workloads, except in circumstances where it may be appropriate for the Applicant(s) to make a SIFT Board presentation.
All applicants will be notified within five working days of the Board meeting of the outcome of their application by telephone. In certain circumstances further information may be requested by the SIFT Board to enable a funding decision to be made. All funding communications will be through the SIFT General Manager.
Please note that all successful funding applications are subject to our terms and conditions. Special conditions may apply on some applications and will be at the discretion of the SIFT Board.
