Open Call for Manurewa Local Grant (New Zealand)

Deadline: 02-Oct-26

The Manurewa Local Grant supports community-led projects and activities that strengthen neighbourhood connections, promote youth development, celebrate Māori culture and identity, and encourage healthy, sustainable lifestyles in the Manurewa area. Grants start at $1,000, with higher amounts considered depending on the project’s scope, community benefit, collaboration, and alignment with local funding priorities. What Is the Manurewa Local Grant? The Manurewa Local Grant is designed to support community initiatives that improve the social, cultural, environmental, and physical wellbeing of people living in the Manurewa Local Board area. The grant encourages local residents, groups, and organisations to develop activities that bring people together and address community needs.

Key priorities include:

- Neighbourhood cohesion and community participation - Youth development and skills development - Māori culture, identity, and heritage - Family and children’s wellbeing - Healthy lifestyles - Environmental sustainability - Low-carbon community action - Recreation and physical activity - Social and mental wellbeing - Intergenerational participation How Much Funding Is Available? Grants start at $1,000. Higher funding amounts may be considered depending on: - The scale of the proposed project - Expected community benefit - Alignment with Manurewa funding priorities - Level of collaboration - Quality and feasibility of the project plan - Availability of supporting information and quotes Applicants should request an amount that is proportionate to the project’s actual needs. What Projects Does the Grant Support? The Manurewa Local Grant supports a broad range of community-led activities. Māori Culture and Identity Projects that celebrate and strengthen Māori culture, identity, heritage, and participation are encouraged. Activities may include cultural education, community events, knowledge-sharing, or initiatives that increase awareness and participation in Māori cultural practices. Youth Development The grant supports initiatives that help young people develop practical skills and improve their future opportunities.

Priority may be given to:

- Skills training - Qualifications - Youth development programmes - Educational activities - Mentoring - Community leadership opportunities - Low-cost or free training Community Education Community-led education programmes can be supported, particularly those that encourage healthier and more sustainable ways of living.

Examples include education around:

- Low-carbon lifestyles - Healthy living - Environmental responsibility - Sustainable community practices - Waste reduction Recreation and Wellbeing Recreational programmes that contribute to physical, social, and mental wellbeing are also encouraged. Projects can provide opportunities for people to participate in activities that promote: - Physical activity - Social connection - Mental wellbeing - Healthy lifestyles - Community participation Why Collaboration Matters The grant gives priority to projects that demonstrate collaboration.

Applicants are encouraged to work with:

- Local community groups - Individuals - Schools or educational organisations - Community organisations - Cultural groups - Youth organisations - Other local partners Collaborative delivery can demonstrate that the project has broader community support and can reach more residents. Supporting Older People The Manurewa Local Grant also encourages activities that involve older people and create opportunities for them to participate actively in community life. Projects can promote intergenerational connections and reduce social isolation by bringing older residents together with other members of the community. Healthy Environment Principles Applicants are encouraged to incorporate Healthy Environment principles into their projects. Strong applications may demonstrate how the activity will: - Promote smoke-free environments - Encourage active lifestyles - Provide healthy food and drink choices - Reduce waste - Support zero-waste practices - Encourage environmentally responsible behaviour - Promote low-carbon community action Including these principles can strengthen the connection between the project and the grant’s wellbeing and sustainability objectives. Who Is Eligible? The opportunity is intended for community-focused applicants delivering projects that benefit people in the Manurewa Local Board area.

Applicants should ensure that:

- The proposed activity benefits the local Manurewa community. - The project aligns with one or more grant priorities. - The application contains a clear project plan. - The requested funding is supported by a realistic budget. - Quotes or other cost information are provided where appropriate. What Activities Receive Lower Priority? Some activities are less likely to receive funding.

Lower priority may be given to:

- Ticketed events - Commercial events - General operational costs - Activities primarily benefiting third parties - Projects outside the Manurewa Local Board area - Applications without detailed project plans - Applications without appropriate quotes or supporting cost information Operational expenses may be considered where they relate to specialist services, but applicants should clearly justify these costs. How to Prepare a Strong Application

Step 1: Define the Community Need

Explain the issue or opportunity your project will address.

Clearly identify:

- Who will benefit - Why the activity is needed - How the community currently experiences the issue - What change the project will create

Step 2: Connect the Project to Grant Priorities

Explain exactly how the proposal supports Manurewa priorities. For example, a project could combine youth skills development, Māori cultural participation, and healthy community engagement.

Step 3: Develop a Clear Project Plan

Describe:

- Activities - Dates and timeframe - Location - Target participants - Partners - Expected participation - Respo