Community Fund

Community Fund

The Community Fund supports many different types of local initiatives benefiting the community. These can include:

  • workshops
  • programmes
  • facility improvements
  • minor equipment purchases, and
  • operating costs.

Please read our Funding Guide for advice on which fund is best, and for tips on making a good application.

Amount: Most grants average are between $6,000 and $9,000. The most you can apply for is $20,000.

The requests made to this Fund are typically four times the available budget, so applicants are encouraged to be realistic in their budgets and in their requests, and to present a clear case for support, aligned with one of our funding criteria and priorities.

Closing dates:

  • Round 1 – 1 July 2023 at 5:00pm
  • Round 2 – 1 November 2023 at 5:00pm

Applying for an event

From 1 July, a new Community Events Fund will be available. Therefore, the Community Fund will no longer be accepting funding applications for events.

Event funding is available from:

  • Community Events Fund – for small community events. Details on this fund will be announced soon.
  • Creative Communities Scheme – for small arts or cultural events, and seeking less than $10,000.
  • Event Development Fund – for new, district-wide events, and seeking over $10,000.
  • Northland Events Fund – for large events that will bring visitors to our region.

    Apply for Community Fund

    Online

    Step 1.Plan and prepare

    • Start early – due to the timing of funding rounds, you should have a plan and be ready to apply about six months before you want to run your project or activity.
    • Research – read our Funding Guide to ensure you and your project meet our criteria and that this Fund is the right fit. The Guide provides helpful information on what we will fund and how to prepare your application.
    • Draft – prepare your project or activity proposal and budget.
    • Get advice – talk to the Community Funding Coordinator if you are new to applying or need advice on your application.

    Funding guide(PDF, 403KB)

    Step 2.Gather information

    You will need to provide the following supporting information with your application:

    • Latest Financial Performance Report
    • Proof of bank details
    • Quotes or other evidence of costs
    • Letters of support or endorsement (recommended)
    • Photos or images (recommended)

    Step 3.Apply

    Once you have read the Funding Guide and completed the steps above, complete the application form:

    Community Fund online application form

    Allow 2 months for an outcome. Funding decisions are made by the Community Development Committee of Council.

    By email

    Step 1.Plan and prepare

    • Start early – due to the timing of funding rounds, you should have a plan and be ready to apply about six months before you want to run your project or activity.
    • Research – read our Funding Guide to ensure you and your project meet our criteria and that this Fund is the right fit. The Guide provides helpful information on what we will fund and how to prepare your application.
    • Draft – prepare your project or activity proposal and budget.
    • Get advice – talk to the Community Funding Coordinator if you are new to applying or need advice on your application.

    Funding guide(PDF, 403KB)

    Step 2.Gather information

    You will need to provide the following supporting information with your application:

    • Latest Financial Performance Report
    • Proof of bank details
    • Quotes or other evidence of costs
    • Letters of support or endorsement (recommended)
    • Photos or images (recommended)

    Step 3.Apply

    Once you have read the Funding Guide and completed the steps above, download and print the application form:

    Community Fund application form(PDF, 176KB)

    Email the completed application form to:

    funding@wdc.govt.nz

    Allow 2 months for an outcome. Funding decisions are made by the Community Development Committee of Council.

    In-person

    Step 1.Plan and prepare

    • Start early – due to the timing of funding rounds, you should have a plan and be ready to apply about six months before you want to run your project or activity.
    • Research – read our Funding Guide to ensure you and your project meet our criteria and that this Fund is the right fit. The Guide provides helpful information on what we will fund and how to prepare your application.
    • Draft – prepare your project or activity proposal and budget.
    • Get advice – talk to the Community Funding Coordinator if you are new to applying or need advice on your application.

    Funding guide(PDF, 403KB)

    Step 2.Gather information

    You will need to provide the following supporting information with your application:

    • Latest Financial Performance Report
    • Proof of bank details
    • Quotes or other evidence of costs
    • Letters of support or endorsement (recommended)
    • Photos or images (recommended)

    Step 3.Apply

    Once you have read the Funding Guide and completed the steps above, download and print the application form:

    Community Fund application form(PDF, 176KB)

    Bring the completed form and any supporting documents into one of our Customer Service centres:

    Forum North customer service centre
    7 Rust Avenue, Whangārei
    Monday to Friday - 8:00am to 4:30pm
    Closed public holidays

    Ruakākā service centre 
    9 Takutai Place, Ruakākā
    Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 4:00pm
    Closed public holidays

    Allow 2 months for an outcome. Funding decisions are made by the Community Development Committee of Council.

    By post

    Step 1.Plan and prepare

    • Start early – due to the timing of funding rounds, you should have a plan and be ready to apply about six months before you want to run your project or activity.
    • Research – read our Funding Guide to ensure you and your project meet our criteria and that this Fund is the right fit. The Guide provides helpful information on what we will fund and how to prepare your application.
    • Draft – prepare your project or activity proposal and budget.
    • Get advice – talk to the Community Funding Coordinator if you are new to applying or need advice on your application.

    Funding guide(PDF, 403KB)

    Step 2.Gather information

    You will need to provide the following supporting information with your application:

    • Latest Financial Performance Report
    • Proof of bank details
    • Quotes or other evidence of costs
    • Letters of support or endorsement (recommended)
    • Photos or images (recommended)

    Step 3.Apply

    Once you have read the Funding Guide and completed the steps above, download and print the application form:

    Community Fund application form(PDF, 176KB)

    Post your completed application and supporting documents to us:

    Attn: Funding Officer
    Whangarei District Council 
    Private Bag 9023
    Te Mai
    Whangārei 0143

    Allow 2 months for an outcome. Funding decisions are made by the Community Development Committee of Council.

    Enquiries

    If you would like to discuss your application, please contact the Community Funding Coordinator.

    Phone: 09 430 4200

    Email:  funding@wdc.govt.nz

    You can use our online form to make an enquiry about our community services.

    Enquire online

    Related Information

    Back to top