The first round of the 2026 Community Board Discretionary Funds are now open, offering community groups and voluntary organisations the opportunity to apply for financial support across the Murupara, Rangitāiki, and Whakatāne-Ōhope areas.
The Community Board Discretionary Fund is designed to help bring local projects to life, from community events and beautification initiatives to youth programmes, facilities, and attendance at national or international events. Any community group or voluntary organisation located within a Community Board ward area is eligible to apply.
In recent years, the Community Board Discretionary Fund has supported a wide range of local initiatives, such as community events, sporting participation, wellbeing programmes, and regional development activities. Examples span from seasonal celebrations and venue hire for local tournaments, to support for individuals attending national and international competitions.
Applications can be submitted through Council’s online funding portal, which includes the specific criteria and opening and closing dates for each Community Board.
The Tānēatua Community Board Fund is currently not open due to the ongoing by-election. Nominations are still open until Monday, 22 December 2025, 12 noon sharp.
Whakatāne District Council Governance Services Manager, Chirese Viljoen says the funds play an important role in supporting locally driven ideas that strengthen community wellbeing.
“Our Community Board Funds are all about encouraging individuals to develop their talents, and empowering communities to invest in their people and take pride in the places they live in,” Chirese says. “We see incredible projects come through every year, from small grassroots initiatives to larger community events — and this fund helps make them possible. We encourage groups with great ideas to apply and make a real difference in their part of the district.”
Applications are considered by each Community Board at their next scheduled meeting, held every eight weeks.
For full eligibility details, funding criteria, and application information, please see the Community Board Fund page on the Council’s website.