Creative Communities Scheme (CCS)

Creative Communities Scheme

The Creative Communities Scheme supports grassroots arts and cultural projects and events happening locally.

This fund is ideal for communities to share their unique arts and culture with Whangārei, and to facilitate greater participation in local arts and cultural activities.

Applications supported by this fund include:

  • cultural events 
  • arts and crafts workshops 
  • events showcasing young local artists 
  • pop-up exhibitions 
  • Fringe Festival shows 
  • community art projects.

Successful applications meet at least one of the fund’s criteria:

  • Access and participation – Create opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in local arts activities.
  • Diversity – Support the diverse artistic cultural traditions of local communities.
  • Young people – Enable young people (under 18 years) to engage with and participate in the arts.

Read the application guide for the full criteria, advice for applying and examples of suitable projects:

Creative Communities Scheme Application Guide(PDF, 167KB)

Applications to this fund are assessed by a panel of local art practitioners from across all artforms and backgrounds. We welcome expressions of interest in becoming an assessor when vacancies arise. Email us if you would like to be notified of the next intake.

Amount: Most grants allocated are under $5,000.

This fund is closed.

The funding rounds for 2026-2027 are:

  • Round 1 – 1 to 30 June 2026
  • Round 2 – 1 to 30 September 2026
  • Round 3 – 1 February to 14 March 2027.

Apply online

Step 1.Read the application guide

Read the application guide for the full criteria, advice for applying and examples of suitable projects:

Creative Communities Scheme Application Guide(PDF, 167KB) 

Step 2.Prepare

Successful applications present a clear proposal and have strong supporting evidence.

You must provide these supporting documents with your application:

  • latest financial performance report (groups only)
  • proof of bank account (in the name of the applicant)
  • quotes for all expenses
  • letters of support for the project
  • any supporting information you think relevant to your application. 

Step 3.Log into SmartyGrants

Log into our SmartyGrants portal using your credentials.  

If it is your first time using SmartyGrants, please read the help information below. You can find out about registering and about creating a SmartyFile account to manage your organisational account.

SmartyGrants help

Step 4.Complete application

This fund is closed. 

SmartyGrants portal (wdc.smartygrants.com.au)

If you need help to complete the online application, please make an appointment with us:

Email: funding@wdc.govt.nz 
Phone: 09 430 4200 

Step 5.Assessment and decision

Eligible applications will be assessed by an independent panel of local community artists and practitioners.

Applicants will receive an outcome six weeks after the funding round closes.