Research

Purpose

  • To encourage branches to establish innovative projects that help foster the objectives of NZTCA
  • To enhance the overall profile of NZTCA as a leader in research and community support
  • To provide funding support for branches wishing to establish projects to support local branches in two principal areas:
    • Research and development. Branch projects may focus on the potential of “new” crops for the region, or on perspectives or issues relating to established crops about which there is little local information.
    • Community development. Branch projects may involve raising public awareness within the region of the importance of treecropping for the environment, or on regional issues that may impact on treecropping activity. Projects in recent years that would fit this category include the “Tree Crops in Schools” initiative, scholarships for students studying aspects of treecropping, projects concerned with the impact of district plans on treecropping activity, and promotional activity that promotes NZTCA (eg a stall at a “small farmers” field day)

Applications

Applications will be made on the form available from Management Committee or as a download (under review) from the Association’s website.

The Research Sub-committee will assess applications and make a recommendation to Management Committee for approval. Applicants will be advised of the outcome normally within 8 weeks of receipt of the application. Where necessary, Management Committee will co-opt others with specialist expertise to assist with the selections.

Applications should provide the name(s) of the person or people responsible for managing the project, and their contact details.

In general, funding will be provided as seeding funding for year one of the project only. The sum requested will be to a maximum of $600 on a 2:1 ratio (ie $2 provided for every $1 contributed by the branch).

2011 November 17 – Management Committee carried the motion that “the maximum amount available be increased to $1000.00”

Management Committee will have the discretion to go above this sum in exceptional circumstances, depending on the demand for funds and on the nature of the project. While priority for funding is for seeding money in year one, Management Committee may also consider:

  • applications for funding in subsequent years to a maximum of $200 per year. This will be subject to available funding, and with the understanding that the priority for funding from the innovations fund will be to help branches establish new projects.
  • applications for funding for existing projects to a maximum of $200 per year. This will be subject to available funding, and with the understanding that the priority for funding from the innovations fund will be to help branches establish new projects.

Selection Criteria

Applications should ensure that they address the criteria below.

Priority One: new initiatives
The criteria for selection for initial seeding funding are:

  1. The project is innovative, and does not replicate existing or previous research or community initiatives undertaken by the branch within the region.
  2. The application is for seeding funding to help establish a new project.
  3. The research project will provide information that will be of relevance or help to members within the local region.
  4. The community project will fulfil the objectives of NZTCA in its support for raising awareness of the importance of treecropping for the local environment.
  5. The application provides a concise outline of:
    • the project plan; and
    • the budget for the first year of the project, and the amount requested from the innovations fund (on a $2:$1 basis)
  6. In considering applications for innovations funding, the selection panel will take account of such factors as: the size of the branch, the financial circumstances of the branch, and the extent of previous activity in the chosen project.

Priority two: existing initiatives
Selection criteria for existing initiatives will be as for 3-6 above. Note that funding for existing projects will be to cover anticipated future costs, and will not be applied retrospectively to cover the costs of previous activity.

Reporting

Successful applications will be notified on the Association’s website and in the relevant edition of the Tree Cropper.

The branch agrees to:

  • report at least annually to its branch members and to Management Committee on progress with the project, including how project money has been spent; and
  • provide material for publication in the Tree Cropper and/or on NZTCA’s web-site by the end of the first year of the project

Use of Funds

The funds received from the Branch Innovations Fund may be used to cover:

  • actual and reasonable costs relating to communication, printing, travel and other consumables
  • other project costs such as the purchase of trees, temperature or rain gauges, etc

Funds available

In the year 2006, Management Committee has budgeted a total of $1500 for Branch Innovations funding, which should cover 2-4 projects depending on their size. Total funds available will vary from year to year.

Further Information

If you have any queries relating to Branch Innovations projects, applications and funding, please contact a member of the NZTCA Research Sub-committee or one of the NZTCA research coordinators – see Contacts below.

Sending your application

Applications for funding from the Innovations Fund should be made on the form provided and should be sent by email or by post to the National Secretary – address in TreeCropper magazine, usually rear pages.

Successful Applications

On 4th May 2009, a $600 Branch Innovation Fund was granted to Canterbury Branch. This fund is to be used to establish an edging of natives (shelter?) for the future tree crop tree area at Orton Bradley Park Memorial Block Development. This area is where memorial trees of tree cropping varieties will be planted in memory of notable branch members.

TreeCropper Issue 59 September 2009

In November 2011, a $600 Branch Innovation Fund was granted to Central Otago Branch. This fund is to be used for a project “Orchards in Schools” with an objective of promoting tree crops in the community.

WARNING – ARCHIVED information – changes in recent years may not be included. E&OE

Created 2004 January 15 – Last Modified: 2013-08-24

 Top 

 

Categories