Grants and Funding

Creative Communities Scheme - OPEN NOW

The latest round of the Creative Communities Scheme to support arts and culture in the Western Bay is now OPEN and inviting applications.

Opens: Monday 10 August 2020
Closes: Thursday 3 September 2020 (12pm)
Project Timelines: Must start after 2 October 2020 and complete by 2 October 2021

Creative Bay of Plenty will be holding free presentations on the following dates to provide information to support funding applications and answer questions (email annie@creativebop.org.nz to register):

Te Puke: Monday 24 August, 10.30-11.30am, Te Puke Library
Katikati: Tuesday 25 August, 10.30-11.30am, Arts Junction

Funded by Creative New Zealand, Creative Communities Scheme aims to increase participation from the local community in the arts sector, support the diversity of local cultural traditions and encourage and engage young people to participate in local arts. The term ‘arts’ is broadly defined to mean all forms of creative and interpretative expression. Applications are open to any individual or group, as long as you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. For further information, see the Creative BOP website.

Facilities in the Community Fund

About the grant

More than $100,000 is available every two years for the capital development of recreational facilities in the District.

If your organisation is planning to undertake recreational facility development, you may be eligible for funding if the project:

• is a result of significant growth in your area

• is not on a Council Reserve

• is available for public use

• does not replace or duplicate an existing recreational facility in your community

• has a minimum total value of $10,000.

Next funding round: 2022

Community Matching Fund (CMF)

About the grant

The Community Matching Fund is available to Western Bay Community Groups.

Council makes up to $140,000 ($100,000 general fund and $40,000 environmental fund) available for community and environmental projects that make a positive difference in the District.

The matching fund initiative was established to support projects led by not-for-profit community groups working for the benefit of their communities. Council recognises that these groups contribute numerous resources to projects and seeks to "match" the dollar value of this community effort with a grant.

Funding is made of two components - a General fund for social, recreational and cultural initiatives and an Environmental fund for projects associated with the natural environment.

Applications may have components that could be allocated to both funds. There is no need to specify which fund you are applying to.

The maximum amount that can be applied for is the full $140,000, although the full amount has never been granted. Grants between $2,000 to $20,000 are more common.

Grants will be "matched" on a 50/50 basis. Council's half is a cash grant. The community group contribution can be made up of any combination of volunteer labour, donated professional services, funds raised through other means and/or donations of materials.