Grants & Funding

Grants and funding for our community

Council provides community assistance to create a strong social base, meet local needs and make a difference in the community.

This assistance comes via the Community Matching Fund and partnership agreements for the not-for-profit sector. Partnership agreements are available once every three years and provides recipients with guaranteed funding every year for three years.

The Community Funding Policy was recently reviewed and adopted by Council. Use the link below to view the new policy.

Download the Community Funding Policy 2024 - 2027 - (PDF 337KB)

The objectives of community funding

Supporting community organisations' activities and services
Focusing 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.

Need help? If you want to discuss your group’s situation email communityfunding@rotorualc.nz

Community Matching Fund

The Rotorua Lakes Council Community Matching Fund (CMF) aims to build stronger and healthier communities by financially supporting self-help volunteer-based projects.

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.

Read the 2023/2024 Community Matching Fund recipients (PDF 81KB)

Funding options

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 once a year.

Large funding round:

Opening date	Closing date
5 August	5pm, 23 September

What the priorities for this fund are

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 CMF

Before applying, check out this example of a completed application form - (PDF, 103KB) and read through the applicant guidelines - (PDF, 180KB).

Apply online

Apply for the CMF

Fill out our online form and submit.

Please note there is no save as you go function - prepare all application material ready to upload before you start this form.

Apply by email, mail or in person

Download and complete a form and email, post or bring in person to us in our customer centre.

Email the form as a Word document to communityfunding@rotorualc.nz with any other relevant attachments such as financials or letters of support
Post application and relevant attachments to Rotorua Lakes Council, Private Bag 3029, Rotorua Mail Centre, Rotorua
You can also collect a form from the Rotorua Library or bring in your printed and completed form in person to the Civic Centre, 1061 Haupapa Street, Rotorua.

Download the Community Matching Fund application form (DOC, 288KB)

Partnership Agreements

Opening date	Closing date
16 May 2024	17 June 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.

Applications for the next round of Partnership Agreements are now closed.

Who we partner with

We seek to partner with organisations or groups that:

Are clearly making a significant positive difference in the community
Use collaborative approaches
Are well managed and 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 a three-year period.

Previous funding round recipients for Partnership Agreements - PDF, 80KB

Download the Partnership Agreement Guidelines - (PDF, 91KB)

More community funding schemes

For detailed information on other community funding available, visit the pages below.

Creative Communities Scheme

Rural Community Board Devolved Funding

Download a guide to funding for environmental projects (atlas.boprc.govt.nz)