Applications Open: Community Partnership Fund – Oreti (New Zealand)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Oreti Community Partnership Fund, administered by the Southland District Council, provides financial support for community-led initiatives that address local needs, aspirations, and development priorities within the Oreti Community Board area. The fund promotes community-led decision-making and supports projects that improve local wellbeing, infrastructure, economic development, and the environment.

There is NZD $30,648 available annually, and there is no maximum grant amount that applicants can request.

Overview

The Oreti Community Partnership Fund enables the Oreti Community Board to invest in projects that strengthen local communities and encourage residents to lead initiatives that respond to local priorities.

The programme supports projects that deliver lasting community benefits and align with the principles of community-led development.

Programme Objectives

Core Objectives

• Support community-led development.
• Encourage local decision-making.
• Address community needs and aspirations.
• Improve community wellbeing.
• Strengthen local partnerships.
• Promote sustainable community growth.

Priority Areas

Community Development

The programme supports projects that:

• Address local community needs.
• Strengthen community participation.
• Encourage local leadership.
• Build stronger neighbourhoods.
• Improve quality of life.

Economic Development

Priority is given to initiatives that:

• Promote a progressive local economy.
• Create opportunities for growth.
• Encourage business and community development.
• Strengthen local employment opportunities.

Community Wellbeing

Projects may focus on:

• Creating healthy communities.
• Improving public safety.
• Enhancing community facilities.
• Expanding access to local services.
• Developing community amenities.

Infrastructure

Funding supports initiatives that:

• Improve local infrastructure.
• Enhance cost-effective community assets.
• Meet current community needs.
• Prepare for future growth and development.

Environmental Sustainability

Projects that:

• Protect the natural environment.
• Improve public spaces.
• Enhance the built environment.
• Promote clean and healthy communities.
• Improve environmental attractiveness.

Funding Information

Available Funding

• Annual fund allocation: NZD $30,648
• Maximum grant amount: No funding cap.
• Co-funding: Preferred but not mandatory.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are welcome from:

• Community organisations.
• Community groups.
• Local residents.
• Informal community groups.
• Other organisations delivering projects within the Oreti Community Board area.

Applicants do not need to be a legally incorporated organisation to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Deliver a project that directly benefits the Oreti Community Board area.
• Demonstrate community benefit.
• Align the proposal with local priorities where possible.
• Provide project cost estimates or quotations where available.

Community Board Plan Alignment

Priority may be given to projects supporting one or more of the following outcomes:

Economic Growth

• Promote a progressive and thriving local economy.
• Encourage growth and development opportunities.

Healthy Communities

• Improve health and wellbeing.
• Support safe communities.
• Enhance access to quality facilities, amenities, and services.

Sustainable Infrastructure

• Improve efficient infrastructure.
• Deliver cost-effective community assets.
• Meet current and future infrastructure needs.

Environment

• Protect natural environments.
• Improve built environments.
• Create clean, healthy, and attractive communities.

Application Requirements

Applicants should:

• Demonstrate how the project benefits the Oreti Community Board area.
• Include quotations where possible.
• Explain if multiple quotations cannot be obtained.
• Be prepared to present the proposal to the Community Board if invited.
• Describe any co-funding or additional financial contributions where applicable.

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects should contribute to:

• Stronger local communities.
• Improved community facilities.
• Increased community participation.
• Better infrastructure.
• Sustainable environmental improvements.
• Local economic growth.
• Enhanced public wellbeing.

Why This Fund Matters

Supports Local Decision-Making

The programme empowers local communities to identify and address their own priorities.

Encourages Community Leadership

Residents and community groups can lead projects that create meaningful local change.

Builds Stronger Communities

Funding helps improve facilities, services, infrastructure, and opportunities that benefit the wider community.

Promotes Sustainable Development

Projects contribute to long-term economic, environmental, and social wellbeing.

How to Apply

Step 1

Confirm that your project directly benefits the Oreti Community Board area.

Step 2

Develop a project plan outlining objectives, activities, timelines, and expected community outcomes.

Step 3

Prepare a detailed project budget.

Step 4

Obtain quotations where possible or explain why multiple quotations are unavailable.

Step 5

Identify any co-funding or community contributions, if applicable.

Step 6

Complete and submit the application to the Southland District Council.

Step 7

Attend a Community Board meeting if invited to discuss your proposal.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the local community benefit.
• Demonstrate alignment with Community Board priorities.
• Include realistic budgets and quotations.
• Highlight community involvement and support.
• Show how the project creates lasting benefits.
• Explain any co-funding contributions.
• Provide measurable project outcomes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing projects outside the Oreti Community Board area.
• Providing incomplete budgets.
• Failing to explain missing quotations.
• Demonstrating limited community benefit.
• Not showing alignment with Community Board priorities.
• Submitting unclear or incomplete project plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Oreti Community Partnership Fund?

It is a Southland District Council funding programme that supports community-led initiatives benefiting the Oreti Community Board area.

How much funding is available?

The programme has an annual budget of NZD $30,648, and there is no maximum grant limit for individual applications.

Who can apply?

Community organisations, informal groups, and individuals delivering projects that benefit the Oreti Community Board area.

Is co-funding required?

No. Co-funding is preferred but is not a mandatory requirement.

Do applicants need to be legally incorporated?

No. Applicants do not need to be a legal entity to apply.

Are quotations required?

Multiple quotations are preferred. If they cannot be obtained, applicants should provide an explanation.

Can applicants present their project to the Community Board?

Yes. Applicants may be invited to attend a Community Board meeting and discuss their proposal.

Conclusion

The Oreti Community Partnership Fund provides flexible financial support for projects that strengthen communities, improve infrastructure, promote environmental sustainability, and encourage local economic development within the Oreti Community Board area. By supporting community-led initiatives and local decision-making, the programme helps residents create lasting improvements that benefit the wider community.

For more information, visit Southland District Council.