Community Board Fund

Do you need funding for community projects or events? Funding is available through the three Community Boards to support projects that encourage community leadership, self-reliance and the work of volunteers.

You should apply for funding from the board where your project or event will take place. For example, applications for Kaitāia projects or events should go to Te Hiku Community Board.

Make sure your project meets our funding guidelines

If you would like to talk through your application (including the process to lodge your application and what alternative funding options might be available), you can email funding@fndc.govt.nz or call the Funding Advisor on 09 401 5775.

The Community Board Funding Policy outlines the requirements for applicants requesting funding from our Community Boards.

If you are planning an event, you may require additional permits. You can find more information and guidance on our page at What is your event?

If you are wanting funding to create an asset on Council land, or that you would like to gift to Council ownership, please contact the Funding Advisor before lodging your application, as additional information and/or permissions may be required before your application can be considered for funding.

Step 2.Complete application

You can now apply for this funding online - follow this link.
If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Funding Advisor for assistance.
Provide all the information requested - incomplete applications will not be processed.
If you need help with your application contact us by calling 0800 920 029 and ask to speak to the Funding Advisor or email funding@fndc.govt.nz.

Step 3.Submit application

Your application must be received in full 20 working days before the next community board meeting where funding will be considered (some Boards consider applications every two months, rather than monthly). Application closing due dates and meeting dates show below under the 'Application Requirements' tab. Late applications will not be considered.

Projects should encourage community leadership, self-reliance and the work of volunteers. Projects can also provide good quality facilities or services that would not otherwise be possible. Some projects to have received Community Funding are:

Floodlights at the Kaikohe Rugby and Sports Club’s Lindvart Park training ground.
Moerewa Christmas Parade
Upgrade of a 113-year-old community hall near Taipa
Hokianga Country Music Festival
Matariki events throughout the district

Successful projects also support community goals or outcomes listed on page 13 of Council's Annual Plan.

Applications for funding are considered during monthly/six-weekly community board meetings. They must be received in full 20 working days before the next community board meeting.

Ensure your application is completed accurately and in full, and all supporting documentation has been provided. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Make sure your application is submitted in time to be presented at a meeting of the relevant Board before the date your project or event, as retroactive applications are ineligible.

You can find out more about community board funding assessment and if your project or event is eligible to apply for funding, in the Community Grant Policy.

When your project is complete, you will need to submit a report detailing how you spent the money, including financial documentation.

Your report must be received no later than two months after the completion of your project.

If you do not submit a project report you will not be eligible for future funding from Council for a minimum period of 3 years.

2025 Application Deadlines

Applications for Matariki events should be submitted by the May application date for each Board.

Local body elections will take place from late September 2025. It is possible that funding applications will not be considered from the last meeting of each Board in September until meetings in late November or early December 2025 - it is recommended funding applications for Christmas events are lodged by August to ensure a decision is made in time for your event.

Applications for Waitangi Day 2026 should be lodged by October 2025 so they can be considered at the December meetings.

When you apply online, it will show a different closing date - this is a system default for applications in each financial year. The dates below are the confirmed closing dates for each funding round.

Te Hiku Community Board:

Application due 21 January (for meeting 18 February)
Application due 18 February (for meeting 18 March)
Application due 18 March (for meeting 15 April)
Application due 15 April (for meeting 13 May)
Application due 13 May (for meeting 10 June)
Application due 10 June (for meeting 8 July)
Application due 8 July (for meeting 5 August)
Application due 5 August (for meeting 2 September)

Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board:

Application due 23 January (for meeting 20 February)
Application due 20 March (for meeting 17 April)
Application due 15 May (for meeting 12 June)
Application due 12 June (for meeting 10 July)
Application due 10 July (for meeting 7 August)
Application due 7 August (for meeting 4 September)

Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board:

Application due 24 January (for meeting 21 February)
Application due 19 March (for meeting 16 April)
Application due 16 May (for meeting 13 June)
Application due 13 June (for meeting 11 July)
Application due 11 July (for meeting 5 August)
Application due 8 August (for meeting 5 September)