Grants & Funding
Grants and funding for our community
Council provides community assistance to create a strong social base, meet local needs and make a difference in the community.
We operate three different funds, which cover different kinds of projects and activities, and have different eligibility requirements.
Community Matching Fund - This fund helps community groups deliver local projects. Council can provide funding to match the value of what the community contributes, such as volunteer time, donated materials, services, or cash.
Partnership Agreements - Long-term funding for established community organisations delivering services that align with Council priorities.
Creative Communities Scheme - This fund supports local arts projects that create opportunities for Rotorua communities to participate in the arts, celebrate cultural diversity, or involve young people.
What community funding is for
The objectives of any project or group we fund must align with at least some of Council’s priorities, which is set out in our Community Funding Policy, adopted by Council.
- Supporting community organisations' activities and services
- Focusing on investment which improves equitable outcomes for our community
- Strengthening the ability of local community groups to respond effectively to local needs
- Building and strengthening the capacity of community groups and organisations to move to financial sustainability
- Building participation and a sense of belonging
- Increasing community access to opportunities and resources
- Complementing funding from other sources
- Building social capital
- Increasing community safety.
Need help?If you want to discuss which fund is right for you, timings or an application, email communityfunding@rotorualc.nz
Community Matching Fund
This fund builds stronger and healthier communities by financially supporting self-help volunteer-based projects. Council matches up to the value of the community contribution to the project through volunteer and donated professional services time, donated materials and cash. Applications must align with Council and fund priorities, as well as other criteria outlines in the Community Matching Fund Guidelines.
Funding options
There are two funding options available:
- Small grants up to $5000 are allocated throughout the year
- Large grants from $5000 to $20,000 are allocated once a year.
Applications for the Community Matching Fund
- Small fund: opens 1 July 2026, closes when all funds allocated
- Large fund: opens 1 July 2026, closes 4 Sept 2026
Projects funded to date include the establishment of community gardens, working bees, tree plantings, street and waterway clean-ups, free community events and the creation or improvement of communal spaces like picnic areas.
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Partnership Agreements
Partnership Agreements provide a sustainable source of funding and support to local community organisations over a three-year term. These high-trust agreements support core organisation functions and long-term outcomes.
Applications for Partnership Agreements
- Opens May 2027 closes June 2027
Who we partner with
We seek to partner with organisations or groups that:
- Are clearly making a significant positive difference in the community
- Use collaborative approaches
- Are well managed and governed
- Are actively working with community
- Are growing social capital.
Agreements may include financial grants over $5000, as well as other forms of support. The dollar value of each grant will be determined by Council committee, subject to the funds available and content of applications. Partnership agreements are for a three-year period.
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Current recipients for Partnership Agreements (2024 - 2027)
| Partnership Agreement Organisations | Amount received per annum (2024-2027) | |
| Age Concern Rotorua | $5,000 | |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rotorua | $10,000 | |
| EquiSucceed NZ Incorporated | $10,000 | |
| Ko te Tuara Totara o Fordlands Incorporated | $15,000 | |
| Linton Park Community Trust | $5,000 | |
| Love Soup Charitable Trust | $10,000 | |
| Mokoia Community Association | $5,000 | |
| Older Persons Community Centre (Parksyde) | $15,000 | |
| Rotorua Citizens Advice Bureau | $25,000 | |
| Rotorua District Presbyterian Church | $7,500 | |
| Rotorua Multicultural Council | $15,000 | |
| St Chads Communication Centre | $15,000 | |
| Te Waiariki Purea Trust | $15,000 | |
| Waikato Regional Council - Enviroschools | $5,000 | |
| Graeme Dingle Foundation | $7,500 | |
| Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust | $5,000 | |
| KidsCan Charitable Trust | $10,000 | |
| Neighbourhood Support Rotorua | $5,000 | |
| Victim Support | $5,000 | |
| Rotorua Lakes Volunteer Coastguard | $5,000 | |
| $195,000 | ||
Creative Communities Scheme
This fund is provided by Creative New Zealand and distributed by Council. The scheme's focus is to stimulate and provide support to arts and culture projects which:
- encourage community involvement in the creative arts; or
- support the diversity and cultural traditions of local communities, enriching and promoting their uniqueness and cultural diversity; or
- enable and encourage young people (under 18) to engage with and actively participate in the arts.
There is no minimum or maximum limit on the grant amount that can be requested.
Applications for the Creative Communities Scheme
- Round 1: open 1 August 2026, closes 11.59pm, 25 September 2026
- Round 2: open 1 January 2027, closes 5pm, 5 March 2027
Sign up to receive updates about Rotorua Lakes Council funding opportunities.
Grant process
The scheme has two application rounds with an open and close date. A committee of nominated assessors from Council and the community then review applications with an opportunity for applicants to present their project in an interview. Successful applicants are required to return a Completion Report within two months of their project’s end date. See the application guide, example form and report to learn more about what is required.
- Application guide - (PDF, 1.8MB)
Creative Communities applicant guidelines in multiple languages
English - (PDF, 1.3MB) | Māori - (PDF, 308KB) | Chinese Traditional - (PDF, 1.1MB) |
| Korean - (PDF, 1.2MB) | Fijian - (PDF, 1MB) | Hindi - (PDF, 1MB) |
| Niuean - (PDF, 1MB) | Samoan - (PDF, 1MB) | Tuvaluan - (PDF, 1MB) |
| Tokelauan - (PDF, 1MB) | Tongan - (PDF, 1MB) |
Creative Communities Rotorua Assessment Committee
The committee is made up of community and Council representatives, who can serve up to two three-year terms. Membership changes each year, allowing for experienced panellists to support new appointees.
If you are interested in serving on this committee, please complete the nomination form below or email communityfunding@rotorualc.nz
Nomination forms for Creative Communities Rotorua Assessment Committee (DOC, 158KB)
Other funders and resources
Other sources of funding
There are numerous trusts and organisations who have funding rounds throughout the year for community projects. Below are a few places to start for Rotorua based applicants.
Working with volunteers
Volunteers are an important part of many community projects, events, and initiatives across our district. Below are some useful resources to help you attract, manage and retain volunteers.
Volunteer Management Toolkit
Provided by CreativeNZ, this toolkit provides information on management, recruitment, and training volunteers, as well as template documents.
Volunteering Services
Provide advice, tools, templates, events and training for organisations who use volunteers.
