Facilities in the Community Fund
About the Facilities in the Community Fund
The Facilities in the Community Fund provides funding to help community groups improve or develop facilities used by the public.
This can include facilities run by sports clubs, schools and volunteer organisations. The facilities can be on either private or Council-owned land, but they must be available for community use.
Community groups can apply for the fund every two years. Applications are assessed by a working party and awarded to projects that best support our growing communities.
There is $116,812 available, with funding coming from financial contributions. These are charges paid by developers to help provide community facilities needed as a result of subdivisions and new developments.
Because this funding comes from financial contributions, applications must show a clear link to growth within the community.
Applications are now closed
The facilities in the community fund closed on Monday 20 April 2026.
The Working Party will meet to assess applications in mid June 2026. Applicants will be advised on the outcome of their application in July 2026.
Recreation and Open Space Activity Plan
Our recreation and open space network plays an important role in contributing to the social, environmental, cultural and economic wellbeing of our community.
Applications for funding should align with the direction and goals of the Recreation and Open Space Activity Plan:
- To provide appropriate opportunities to access the recreation and open space network. Note: Access can mean physical access, affordable access, disabled access, geographic access etc.
- Connect our spaces and places to each other and to destinations such as schools and community gathering places
- Protect and enhance important environmental, cultural and heritage values
- Provides spaces and places that our community are proud of, that are safe, accessible and that encourage participation
- Collaborate and partner with Tangata Whenua and the community to provide recreation and open space experiences
- Proactively plan for future recreation and open space needs taking into consideration the range of factors that influence this including growth, current provision, changing trends, access and environmental factors
The Recreation and Open Space Activity Plan can be found here: LTP Final Doc 2024-25 - Chapter 3 - Recreation and Open Space.pdf
Eligibility
To apply for funding through the Facilities in the Community Fund, the application must meet the following standards. Please read these carefully – applications that do not comply cannot be considered.
- The facility must be available to the public to use
- If there is any limit to public access, such as during school hours, this must be agreed to by Council and clearly stated on any signage
- The facility must be a response to significant population growth in the area
- The facility must not duplicate existing or proposed facilities on Council land in the area
- The facility is vital to the recreational activity
- The facility will be identified by Council signage easily visible from the road
- For a facility development worth more than $100,000 a feasibility study will be required to demonstrate the viability of the proposal
In addition to this eligibility criteria, applications will need to align with the policy and criteria conditions within the Facilities in the Community Fund Policy. This Policy can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I apply for?
The minimum value of the proposed facility is $10,000. An application can be made between $10,000 and the total pool of funding of $116,812.
In recent years, applications have typically been between $10,000 and $15,000.
What can be funded?
The application must be for capital projects. This could include new equipment for an existing facility, building costs and building upgrades.
What isn’t funded?
- Operational costs such as rent, utilities and employee compensation.
- Projects that are already completed.
- Public services that are the responsibility of central government (for example, core education, healthcare, social work, whanau ora services).
- Applications that are made internally by Council.
- Applications that are made by Council-controlled organisations (CCOs).
- Applications that are made by other local authorities, government agencies or public sector entities.
How are decisions made?
Applications must comply with the eligibility standards listed above. Applications that meet these standards will then be assessed against a number of criteria within the Facilities in the Community Fund Policy. This policy can be found here.
Priority will be given to applications that:
- Have the greatest degree of public benefit and are free to the public.
- Have a direct response to population growth and increased demand on facilities within a community.
- Will be readily accessible to the community.
- Will commence within the year funding is granted.
How do I submit an application?
- Applications open on 20 March 2026 and will close on 5pm, 21 April 2026.
- A Facilities in the Community Fund application form and associated supporting information listed on the application form must be completed online at here. Applications are processed through the SmartyGrants platform.
- Applicants have the responsibility to obtain any resource consents, building consents, permits or licenses necessary to undertake their project. Costs associated with these should be mentioned within the application.
How are applications processed and who makes the decision on an application?
At its meeting on 26 February 2026, Council appointed a Working Party including Councillor Sole, Councillor Coxhead and Councillor Dally to assess applications and allocate the funding.
Once the decision is made, an update will be given to Council and then all applicants will be advised on the outcome of their application in July 2026.
Previous Recipients
The following recipients received funding for the 2024/2025 round of funding:
Organisation | Project | Funding amount |
Katikati Agricultural and Pastoral Society Inc | Repairs to the A&P hall | $11,532 |
Katikati Community Toy Library | Facility carpet replacement | $13,945 |
Summerhill Charitable Trust | Building costs toward a new community hub | $15,000 |
Te Puke Pony Club | Clubroom window and cladding replacement | $15,000 |
Te Ranga School | Swimming pool electrical and paint work | $14,523 |
Te Paamu Sports Club | Building costs toward field irrigation install | $15,000 |
Whakamārama School | New outdoor musical equipment | $15,000 |
