Grants and Funding
Council provides community assistance in the form of Community Grants and Partnership Agreements for the not for profit sector in order to create a strong social base, meet local needs and make a difference in the community. This funding is available once every three years and provides recipients with guaranteed funding each year for three years.
Our Community Funding Investment Policy is currently under review. Use the links below to find out more, or to have your say on the changes.
- FAQs - Community Funding Investment Policy review
- Draft Community Funding Policy 2024 (proposed changes)
- Council's current Community Funding Investment Policy (*under review)
The objectives of this funding
- Supporting community organisations' activities and services
- Focussing on investment which improves equitable outcomes for our community
- Strengthening the ability of local community groups to respond effectively to local needs
- Building and strengthening the capacity of community groups and organisations to move to financial sustainability
- Building participation and a sense of belonging
- Increasing community access to opportunities and resources
- Complementing funding from other sources
- Building social capital
- Increasing community safety
Community Grants
The focus of the Community Grants is to provide assistance for the 'not for profit' sector to strengthen the community sector and meet local needs. Community grants range between $1000 to $5000 per annum for a three year period, 2021-2024, can be used for a wide range of purposes and require simple accountability reporting for small to medium sized community organisations.
Opening date | Closing date |
---|---|
10 May 2021 | Now closed |
Previous funding round recipients for Community Grants
Neighbourhood Matching Fund
The Rotorua Lakes Council Neighbourhood Matching Fund (NMF) aims to build stronger and healthier communities by financially supporting self-help volunteer-based projects which link to Council’s priorities – Economy, Infrastructure, Community and Housing.
Projects funded to date include the establishment of community gardens, working bees, tree plantings, street and waterway clean-ups, free community events and the creation or improvement of communal spaces like picnic areas.
View the 2023/2024 Neighbourhood Matching Fund recipients (PDF 81KB)
There are two funding options available:
- Small grants up to $5000 are allocated throughout the year
- Large grants from $5000 to $20,000 are allocated twice a year
Large funding rounds:
Opening date | Closing date |
---|---|
26 August | 5pm, 14 October |
1 February | 5pm, 21 March |
The priorities for this fund include:
- Bringing people together to collaborate on neighbourhood projects.
- Empowering people to enhance and strengthen their own neighbourhood.
- Contributing to whānau working, playing and talking together.
- Renewing and revitalising of places and spaces within neighbourhoods.
- Improving the quality of life in a specific community or neighbourhood.
All projects should be initiated, planned and implemented by people living in the Rotorua district and we particularly welcome projects that contribute to community safety and resilience.
Every grant is matched by neighbourhood or community resources of volunteer labour, donated materials, donated professional services, or cash.
Ways to apply for the Neighbourhood Matching Fund:
- Before applying, check out this example of a completed NMF application form and read through the applicant guidelines.
- Online - fill out an application online(please note there is no save as you go function - all application material must be prepared and ready to upload before starting this form)
- Download - download a Word document application form, complete application and email to communityfunding@rotorualc.nz with any other relevant attachments. (E.g., financials, letters of support).
- Post/in person – download and print the application form or collect one from Council’s Customer Centre or Rotorua Library. Complete application and provide any other relevant attachments and send to Rotorua Lakes Council, Private Bag 3029, Rotorua Mail Centre, Rotorua
Need help?
If you want to discuss your group’s situation, contact Mihi Morgan, Thriving Communities Business Support Advisor on 07 348 4199 or email communityfunding@rotorualc.nz
Partnership Agreements
The next round of Partnership Agreements will be opening soon.
Watch this space, applications are expected to open mid May 2024.
Partnership Agreements provide support and/or financial assistance to local community sector organisations that align with Council's goals and vision, are addressing inequity and contribute to community wellbeing. These high trust agreements support core organisation functions and key outcomes.
We are seeking to partner with organisations/groups that:
- Are clearly making a significant positive difference in the community
- Use collaborative approaches
- Are well managed/governed
- Are actively working with community
- Are growing social capital
Agreements may include financial grants over $5000, as well as other forms of support. The dollar value of each grant will be determined by Council committee, subject to the funds available and content of applications. Partnership Agreements are for the three-year period 2021 - 2024.
- Partnership Agreements 2021 - 2024 - guidelines
- Partnership Agreements 2021 - 2024 - application form
Opening date | Closing date |
---|---|
10 May 2021 | Now closed |
Previous funding round recipients for Partnership Agreements