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Community Funding Policy Review 2023

Te Kaupapa Here Karāti me te Putea Hapori

Thank you for your interest, consultation closed on Sunday 12 November. The final draft policy was adopted by the Living Together Committee on 7 December 2023. It is available in the policies section.

Whakatāne District Council manages a range of funds that enable us to support community-led projects and initiatives. The Community Grants and Funding Policy sits behind everything we do in this space, so it's really important we get it right.

We've reviewed it and made some tweaks. The revised draft policy isn't radically different, but is designed to modernise, simplify and future-proof Council's community grants funding processes.

Read the Draft Community Grants and Funding Policy - (PDF, 460 KB)

Community Grants and Funding Snapshot - (PDF, 670 KB)

What is the Community Grants and Funding Policy?

The Community Grants and Funding Policy, which used to be called the Community Funding Policy, outlines how community grants and funding are managed. It also provides guidance to those making decisions about grants and funding applications.

Current Community Funding Policy - (PDF, 254 KB)

What's happening?

Policies need to be reviewed regularly to make sure they are relevant and fit-for-purpose. This policy was adopted in 2012, and it's now time to reassess. We've reviewed it and made some changes based on our local situation, best practice and similar policies from other councils. Now it's over to our communities to take a look and tell us what works and what could be improved. We’ll consider all feedback, which will help shape the final policy.

What are the main changes?

The draft changes ensure the policy:

  • is transparent, uncomplicated and easy to understand
  • is enabling for the community and removes barriers where possible
  • helps better target funding to key groups and communities
  • provides clear guidance to decision-makers
  • supports organisations that contribute to wellbeing in the Whakatāne District and that help achieve community outcomes and priorities
  • encourages best-practice, innovation and efficiency - which is all about value for money.
  • is more future-proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the money come from for community funding?

Funds come from a variety of sources. Grants can be rate-funded, funded externally (e.g. Sport NZ, Creative NZ, Ministry for the Environment), funded through Council-owned property (Water Safety), or funded through donations (Mayoral Relief Fund). In future, Council could consider other funding sources including sponsorships and endowment funds.

How do I know what funds are available or become available?

Opening and closing dates for funding rounds will be available on Council’s website. Each round will be advertised widely through local media and Council’s online platforms. We will also contact known potential applicants directly through email to advise of upcoming opportunities.

Under the new policy, can our organisation or I get funding for different projects?

Yes, you will still be eligible to apply for and receive other community grant funding provided your proposed project meets all other funding criteria, including the purpose and specific priorities for that funding round. When applying for the extra funding, you’ll need to identify the previous funding or assistance you’ve received.

There is high demand on our contestable grants and unfortunately, Council is not able to fund every project. If we’re deciding between multiple funding applications for the same project that all meet the required criteria, then preference could be given to the organisation that doesn’t already receive some sort of funding from us.

Note: Previous grant applicants who failed to fulfil the obligations and terms of a previous grant agreement will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Will application forms be available in different formats and can I get help if I have trouble completing the forms?

Yes. We endeavour to make the application process as easy to complete as possible, while securing all the information required to make informed decisions on funding. Online and hard copy forms will always be available and staff can assist where needed. However, you should note that the intention is to have as many applicants as possible using online application forms as possible, because these are easier to process.

How much money is available for all the programmes?

The amount of funding available depends on a number of factors and will change from year to year. Council will generally set its funding budgets through Long Term Plan processes. These will be reviewed every three years. External funding limits are set exclusive of Council and have traditionally changed year on year. You will be able to see how much funding is available for each fund on Council’s website.

How is this policy reflected in the Long Term Plan?

When adopted, the policy becomes part of Council’s suite of policies that are available to view on our website. The policy will direct Council’s actions and decision-making in terms of how we manage the Community Grants and Funding programme. The plan is to review the policy in six years’ time.

Do you intend to change how much funding is made available through the Community Board Discretionary Fund or other Council funding processes?

No. The draft policy is not the vehicle for decisions on how much funding is made available through various Council funding sources. These decisions are made through Council’s budgeting processes – our Long Term and Annual Plans. The next opportunity for submitting to Council on this will be through the 2024-34 Long Term Plan. There is, however, an opportunity as part of this consultation to feed back to Council on the range of funds currently being provided and whether you think the mix is appropriate.

Can I give feedback after the consultation process is closed? If so, who do I send it to?

Yes. You can provide feedback and/or ask questions on how we manage the Community Grants and Funding programme at any time. The best way to do this is by emailing grants@whakatane.govt.nz. You can also contact our Customer Services team at info@whakatane.govt.nz, phone 07 306 0500 or visit us in-person.

How will different funds be assessed?

Each fund has its own assessment process. A number of funds are assessed through Council’s Community Funding Committee, which meets several times each year. Community Board discretionary funds are assessed at Community Board meetings. Visit Council’s website for details on how each fund is assessed.

How often will this policy be reviewed?

The intention is to review the policy six-yearly. However, if the funding environment changes dramatically, an earlier review is possible.

Am I, or is my organisation, eligible to apply for Council funding if we already have a community lease or we receive a rates rebate from Council?

Yes, you will still be eligible to apply for and receive other community grant funding if your organisation already has a community lease or receive a rates rebate from Council. This is provided your proposed project meets all other funding criteria, including the purpose and specific priorities for that funding round.

When applying for the extra funding, you will need to identify the community lease or rates rebate you’ve already received.

There is high demand on our contestable grants and unfortunately, Council is not able to fund every project. If we’re deciding between multiple funding applications for the same project that all meet the required criteria, then preference could be given to the organisation that doesn’t already receive some sort of funding assistance from us.

Still have questions? Contact our community funding team by emailing grants@whakatane.govt.nz

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