Open Call for Community Development Grant (New Zealand)

Deadline: 09-Oct-2026

The Community Development Grant supports projects and initiatives that promote business growth, town development, and vibrant communities across the Hauraki District of New Zealand. The grant has an annual budget of $36,000, with no fixed minimum or maximum application amount, and funding decisions based on the scope of the proposed project and available funds. The Community Development Grant is designed to strengthen the social and economic development of the Hauraki District. The grant supports projects that align with the district’s development objectives and contribute to stronger local businesses, active town centres, and a vibrant community. A particular priority is given to the operations of town promotion organisations, while funding is also available for initiatives that encourage business connections, economic growth, and community pride. Funding can support a range of projects and activities that contribute to the development of the Hauraki District.

Eligible activities may include:

The grant prioritizes the operations of town promotion organisations such as: Operational funding may help cover costs associated with maintaining and delivering town promotion activities. Examples of eligible operational expenses include: The grant can support activities that strengthen connections between local businesses and contribute to business growth within the district. Projects should demonstrate how their activities can contribute to the local economic environment and support the broader development objectives of the Hauraki District. Community-focused initiatives may also be eligible where they contribute to a vibrant and connected Hauraki District. Projects can focus on activities that encourage: The Community Development Grant has an annual budget of $36,000. There is no fixed minimum or maximum application amount. The amount awarded depends on factors including: Applicants should therefore submit a realistic budget that clearly explains the amount of funding requested and how it will be used. Applicants must be operating within the Hauraki District. In addition, all proposed projects must be based within the Hauraki District. Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between their organisation, project, and the district. Applications must include financial and project information to help the Council assess the proposal.

Applicants are required to provide:

The project budget should clearly identify the expected costs and demonstrate how the requested grant will contribute to the planned activities. Applicants should clearly connect their proposal to the objectives of the Community Development Grant.

Before applying, applicants should:

Successful grant recipients have specific responsibilities relating to the use and reporting of funding.

Recipients must:

Recipients should maintain appropriate records of how grant funds are spent to support accountability reporting. Recipients receiving more than $2,000 are required to provide a funding accountability report to the Council. The accountability requirement helps demonstrate how the grant was used and whether the funded project or initiative was delivered as proposed. Any unused funds must be returned unless the Council has approved an alternative arrangement. The Community Development Grant provides funding for projects and initiatives that support business growth, town promotion, and vibrant community development within the Hauraki District. The grant has an annual budget of $36,000. No. There is no set minimum or maximum application value. The amount awarded depends on the scope of the project and available funds. Applicants must be operating within the Hauraki District, and the proposed project must be based in the district. Funding can support town promotion operations, business connection and growth initiatives, and community projects that contribute to the district’s vibrancy. Yes. The grant prioritizes the operations of town promotion organisations, including organisations such as GO Waihi, Paeroa Business Association, and Connecting the Plains. Examples include website hosting, telephone costs, and lease costs for eligible town promotion organisations. Applicants must provide a statement of financial position for the previous year, if available, a budget projection for the next year, and a detailed project budget. Unspent funds must be returned unless another arrangement has been approved. Yes. Successful applicants must acknowledge the support of the Hauraki District Council in all related materials. Yes. Recipients receiving grants of more than $2,000 must submit a funding accountability report to the Council. The grant aims to strengthen the social and economic fabric of the Hauraki District by supporting business development, town promotion, community initiatives, and activities that contribute to local vibrancy and pride. The Community Development Grant provides flexible funding for initiatives that contribute to business growth, town promotion, and community development across the Hauraki District. With an annual budget of $36,000 and no fixed minimum or maximum grant size, the program can support a range of locally based projects while encouraging stronger businesses, more active towns, and vibrant communities. For more information, visit Hauraki District Council.