Request for Applications: Community Grant Fund 2026-2027 (New Zealand)

Tauranga City Council’s Community Grant Fund supports community-led activities and initiatives that create positive community benefits, strengthen local capacity, and develop community leadership. The fund provides grants of up to NZ$50,000 and runs two application rounds each year. Decision-making is expected within four weeks of the application round closing. Opportunity at a Glance

- Funding organisation: Tauranga City Council

- Opportunity name: Community Grant Fund

- Opportunity type: Community grants for project delivery

- Funding available: Up to NZ$50,000 per grant (exact amount per applicant not specified in source)

- Application rounds: Twice a year (July–June refers to the financial year limit on grants; specific round dates not provided)

- Decision timeframe: Within four weeks of the application round closing

- Geographic coverage: Activities must benefit people in the Tauranga City Council area (exact boundaries not specified in source)

- Eligible applicants: Community organisations, schools, kura, not-for-profit early childhood education providers, and organisations delivering kaupapa Māori outcomes

- Deadline: October 26, 2026

- Duration: Not specified in the source (project/activity duration not provided)

About the Opportunity

The Community Grant Fund is designed to build upon and support community-led activities and initiatives. Grants are intended to support delivery of a clearly defined activity, project or initiative. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their proposal contributes to a community outcome, including alignment to Tauranga City Council’s direction. Funding and Benefits

- Grant size: Up to NZ$50,000

- Round frequency: The fund has two application rounds per year.

- Funding limits per organisation: Due to demand, organisations will only receive:

- one Community Grant or one Match Fund Medium Grant per financial year (July–June). - Other limitations: Some schools/kura and early childhood education initiatives are restricted (see Eligible Activities or Priority Areas and Specific Exclusions below). Who Is Eligible? The Community Grant Fund is open to applications from: - Community organisations - Schools - Kura - Not-for-profit early childhood education providers - Organisations delivering kaupapa Māori outcomes

Key eligibility expectations (general):

- Your application must demonstrate a contribution to a community outcome (the source references “Our Direction” for details, but does not include the framework text). - Your organisation and project must comply with all Terms and Conditions if funded, including record keeping and reporting requirements. Not eligible (general exclusions from council community funding): The source states that no funding (cash or in-kind) in the Community Funding Programme will be provided for activities including: - Activities that promote religious ministry, or political purposes or causes - Medical expenses - Public services that are the responsibility of central government (examples given include core education, healthcare, social work, and whanau ora services) - Projects where relevant consent or permit has not yet been issued, with an exception for community events (council may agree to a grant subject to consents/permits; funds are released after required consents/permits are received) - Purchase of tobacco, alcohol, vape supplies or other psychoactive substances - Internal applicants from council - Council-controlled organisations (CCOs) - Other local authorities, government agencies or public sector entities - Applicants requiring debt servicing assistance or with outstanding debt with council - Applicants that have breached previous support agreements with council (including post-event reporting requirements) where no commitment has been made to rectify the situation Specific exclusions for Community Grant (schools, kura, and early childhood providers): - Grants to schools, kura or not-for-profit early childhood education providers may not be for initiatives that are: - The core business of the institution, or - Normally funded through curriculum or operating budgets. - Projects currently receiving another source of funding from Tauranga City Council’s Community Funding Programme are not eligible. - Projects that have already previously been fully or partially supported by this grant are not eligible for another Community Grant Fund application. Organisation size tiers (used for prioritisation): The source references tiering by turnover:

- Tier 4: under NZ$140k turnover

- Tier 3: under NZ$2 million turnover

- Tier 2: under NZ$30 million turnover

- Tier 1: over NZ$30 million turnover

It also states higher priority is given to smaller organisations. (The source does not specify how the tier information affects the final scoring beyond “higher priority”.) Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The fund supports community outcomes and delivery of a clearly defined activity, project or initiative. From the assessment criteria and FAQ, the application should clearly describe: - What the project will do - Who will benefit - How participants/community will be positively impacted - How success will be measured The source also states that applications should demonstrate how the project: - Aligns with Tauranga City Council’s Our Direction - Incorporates Te Tiriti o Waitangi - Provides a realistic, evidence-based budget - Identifies community support and where benefits will be felt within the council area For schools, kura, and early childhood providers, the source notes they are more likely to be eligible where projects: - Benefit the wider community, not only enrolled students - Provide community access to facilities, equipment, programmes or activities - Address an identified community need - Create opportunities for community participation Why This Opportunity Matters If your organisation is delivering community-led work in Tauranga, this grant is structured around demonstrating measurable community outcomes and accountabil