Community boards trial two-month funding rounds

Community board funding applications are now being reviewed every two months instead of monthly in a trial running until the end of the year.

This change gives council funding advisors more time to assist the community, offering guidance on available funding opportunities and advice on writing their applications. The shift to reviews every other month also allows community boards to approach funding decisions more strategically, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively.

Upcoming funding application deadlines and information on how to apply can be found here. Missing a deadline doesn’t mean your application won’t be considered. "We can still try to get your application to the board. At the end of the day, we’re here to help you succeed," says Funding Advisor Kathryn Trewyn. "We’re just being more strategic in how we manage funding applications."

In recognition of the extended timeframe for funding decisions, organisers of both Christmas and Waitangi Day events are advised to submit their funding applications by 18 October 2024.

Funding is available through the district’s three community boards – Te Hiku, Bay of Islands-Whangaroa, and Kaikohe-Hokianga—as well as through Creative Communities and the Rural Travel Fund. Eligible projects should promote community leadership, self-reliance, and volunteer work, or provide high-quality facilities or services that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.

A decision on whether to continue the two-monthly funding review schedule is expected in 2025.

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