Open Call: Community Services and Programmes Grant (New Zealand)

Deadline: 21-Sep-2026

The New Plymouth District Council is inviting not-for-profit organisations to apply for the Community Services and Programmes Grant, which supports public education, community activities, programmes, and services that address local needs and create lasting positive change across the New Plymouth District. As the Council’s primary funding scheme for community services and programmes, the grant is designed to support initiatives that act as catalysts for positive change, strengthen communities, and deliver long-term public benefit. Successful applicants typically receive around $6,000, while eligible projects can receive up to a maximum of $30,000.

About the Community Services and Programmes Grant

The Community Services and Programmes Grant supports projects and programmes that aim to strengthen the New Plymouth District community and create sustainable, long-lasting impact. The fund is intended to help address unmet community needs by supporting purposeful activities that contribute to the public good. Rather than focusing only on short-term activities, the Council prioritises initiatives that can demonstrate meaningful outcomes, strengthen community services, and contribute to longer-term community wellbeing. What Does the Grant Support? Funding is available for a broad range of public-benefit activities delivered within the New Plymouth District.

Supported areas include:

- Public education - Community activities - Community programmes - Community services Projects should demonstrate how the proposed activity will benefit the wider community and contribute to positive and lasting change. Focus on Unmet Community Needs A key purpose of the fund is to address unmet community needs. Applicants should demonstrate that their proposed activity responds to a genuine need within the New Plymouth District and provides a meaningful public benefit. Projects that clearly identify a community need and explain how their activities will respond to that need may be better positioned to demonstrate alignment with the fund’s objectives. Creating Long-Lasting Community Impact The grant is designed for initiatives that do more than provide a temporary benefit. The Council supports projects and programmes that can act as catalysts for positive change and contribute to lasting improvements within the community. Applicants should therefore explain the expected outcomes of their project and how those outcomes could strengthen the community over time. Building Organisational Capacity and Sustainability The Council also prioritises initiatives that demonstrate organisational capacity and sustainability. This means applicants should consider how their project or programme can contribute to the longer-term ability of their organisation or community service to continue delivering benefits. Applications should clearly connect the proposed activities with sustainable community outcomes. How Much Funding Is Available? The amount awarded varies according to the proposed project and its needs. Typically, successful applicants receive approximately $6,000. The maximum available grant is $30,000. Applicants should ensure that their funding request is appropriate for the scale and needs of the proposed activity and clearly supports the expected community outcomes. Who Can Apply? The Community Services and Programmes Grant is open to: - Not-for-profit entities - Not-for-profit groups - Not-for-profit organisations - Charitable organisations Organisations can apply whether or not they are registered on the Charities Register. The key requirement is that the applicant operates on a not-for-profit basis. Who Is Not Eligible?

The grant is not available to:

- Individuals - For-profit entities Applicants should therefore ensure that their organisation or group meets the not-for-profit requirement before applying. Strategic Alignment The Council prioritises initiatives that align with its strategic vision, mission, and goals. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed project or programme contributes to the Council’s broader priorities for the New Plymouth District. A clear explanation of the relationship between the proposed activity, community need, expected outcomes, and Council priorities can strengthen an application. How Applications Are Assessed Applications are assessed based on several key considerations. The Council considers the extent to which a proposed initiative: - Addresses identified community needs. - Provides a clear public benefit. - Creates positive and lasting change. - Strengthens the local community. - Supports the sustainability of community services. - Demonstrates organisational capacity. - Aligns with the Council’s strategic vision, mission, and goals. Applicants should clearly explain the need for their project and the difference it is expected to make. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should focus on demonstrating the community value of their proposed project or programme. A strong application should clearly explain:

- The community need: Identify the unmet need the project will address.

- The proposed solution: Describe the activities, programme, education, or service being delivered.

- Public benefit: Explain who will benefit and how.

- Expected outcomes: Describe the positive changes the project aims to achieve.

- Long-term impact: Explain how the initiative can create lasting benefits.

- Organisational capacity: Demonstrate that the organisation has the ability to deliver the proposed activities.

- Sustainability: Explain how the initiative can strengthen or sustain community services.

- Strategic alignment: Show how the project supports the Council’s strategic vision, mission, and goals.

Why Apply for the Community Services and Programmes Grant? The Community Services and Programmes Grant provides an important funding opportunity for not-for-profit organisations working to address community needs across the New Plymouth District. The fund can help organisa