The Community Impact Partnerships programme was established to support the capability and development of community groups through partnership, helping to build long-term resilience.
We help communities of place, interest and identity improve their structure or processes, tackle a project or plan, and prepare for future partnerships and funding opportunities.
By partnering with us, you’ll gain access to expert guidance, helpful resources, and some funding to keep the process moving as we work together.
Programme objectives:
- strengthen local capacity and leadership
- encourage collaboration and shared learning
- support community resilience and growth
- deliver outcomes that benefit the wider District.
Expressions of interest closed
Expressions of interest are currently closed and are expected to reopen in 2026.
We welcome ongoing interest from groups that are passionate about making a difference.
If you're keen to learn more or prepare for future Community Impact Partnerships opportunities, we invite you to contact us:
Email: CommunityImpact@wdc.org.nz
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must be based within the Whangārei District boundaries.
Community groups are expected to embrace a community-led approach and our community outcomes:
- thriving local identity
- diverse and inclusive culture
- great place to call home
- sustainable and resilient future.
Further information about our community outcomes can be found on page 8 of our Long Term Plan:
Long Term Plan 2024-2034(PDF, 31MB)
This programme DOES NOT support:
- applications outside of Whangārei District
- groups with a single agenda not benefiting the wider community
- groups without strong community links or unwillingness to develop such links
- well-resourced organisations with significant previous Council funding or reserves
- activities promoting only religious, political or commercial agendas
- projects considered the core business of another organisation or Central Government
- projects with sufficient fundraising already in place
- fundraising activities for the applicant or a third party
- for profit or personal financial gain.
What is involved and expected?
Working together, we will draw on each other’s strengths to develop community outcomes that are meaningful, respectful and sustainable.
Council will provide guidance, expertise and connections through a dedicated Community Development Adviser.
A range of resources and some financial support will be available for groups in the programme.
We will work with you to tailor the partnership to the specific needs and purposes of your group.
Learning opportunities will be offered based on the group’s needs and we will support you to become self-sustaining and effective.
Resources to support communities
Here are some resources to help community groups and potential Community Impact Partnerships.
Community development approach:
Community group internal systems:
Get information about our community funding:
Community funding