$116,000 community facilities fund opens

Got a project in mind for your local school, sports club, or other community facility in the Western Bay? Funding to help bring it to life is up for grabs.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Facilities in the Community Fund is now open for applications.

The contestable fund is available every two years, 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.

This year there is $116,812 available, with funding coming from ‘financial contributions’ to Council. 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.

To be eligible, applications must be for capital projects, with a minimum total value of $10,000. This could include new equipment for an existing facility, building costs and building upgrades.

“Our community facilities are where people come together, stay active, and feel connected. We know many community organisations are doing it tough right now, with rising costs and ongoing pressure on fundraising. This fund is one way we can help ease that burden and support the mahi happening on the ground,” says Samantha Pottage, Western Bay of Plenty District Council Senior Recreation Planner.

“Projects like these are driven by passionate locals who see a need and step up to make a difference. We’re proud to support those community-led initiatives that make our rohe (District) the great place that it is to live in.

“We encourage any eligible group to apply. If you’ve got a project that will benefit your community, we want to hear from you.”

This year’s successful candidates will be selected by a sub-committee of Councillors Allan Sole, Tracey Coxhead and Grant Dally. The panel will consider each application according to a set of criteria to ensure fair and objective results.

Applications are open until 5pm on Monday 20 April 2026, and can be made at: https://www.westernbay.govt.nz/community/grants-and-funding/facilities-in-the-community-fund.

2024/25 Facilities in the Community Recipients