Projects to deliver sports and recreation facilities, arts and cultural spaces, and other major community amenities are set to benefit from Western Bay of Plenty District Council's new Community Investment Fund.
With the fund already approved, Council is now seeking feedback on the proposed framework that will guide how it operates, including the fund principles, application process and assessment criteria.
The rates-funded, contestable fund aims to provide a consistent way for Council to help organisations secure funding for projects that Council does not directly provide, while also helping to attract support from other funding sources, including philanthropic organisations.
"The Community Investment Fund is about helping communities make significant projects happen. We know many organisations have ambitious plans for facilities that can provide lasting benefits for local people, but securing funding is often one of the biggest challenges," says Matt Potton, Western Bay of Plenty District Council Chief Executive.
"By providing a substantial Council contribution, we're hoping to give organisations greater confidence to leverage support from other funders and bring important community projects to life."
The new fund will be financed through rates, equivalent to $25 per property in the current financial year. Around $700,000 is expected to be available in the first funding round, with future funding levels to be considered next year through the Long Term Plan 2027-37.
To be eligible, projects will need to demonstrate strong community demand, financial sustainability and the ability to be successfully delivered and operated into the future. The proposed two-stage process includes an initial Expression of Interest followed by a detailed application stage for shortlisted projects.
"We heard from the community during our 2024-2034 Long Term Plan consulation that they wanted more information on how this fund would operate. That moment is now, where the community’s feedback will help develop the criteria for the fund to ensure we make fair decisions.”
The fund is intended for significant community facilities and would not support Council projects, libraries, aquatic facilities, public toilets, community halls, maintenance or renewal work, or operational costs.
It does not replace Council's existing community funding programmes, such as the Community Matching Fund and Facilities in the Community Fund, which have different criteria and focus on smaller-scale projects.
The proposed framework for the Community Investment Fund sets out the fund's objectives, the assessment criteria applicants would need to meet, and the process for allocating funding. Feedback from the community will help shape the final framework ahead of the first funding round in August 2027.
Feedback closes 4pm on Monday, 23 November 2026, and can be provided online at yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/cif, by email, post, or in person.
