Call for Proposals: Mercury Tauranga Community Fund (New Zealand)

Deadline: 31-Jul-2026

The Mercury Tauranga Community Fund supports community organisations in the Tauranga region by providing grants for projects, events, and initiatives that strengthen communities, protect the environment, and contribute to a sustainable future. The fund prioritises activities that reflect Mercury’s values of Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga, and Sustainability.

The programme provides financial support for local organisations creating positive community impact through people-focused initiatives, environmental protection activities, and long-term sustainable solutions.

Overview of the Mercury Tauranga Community Fund

The Mercury Tauranga Community Fund is a community grant programme designed to support organisations working to improve social wellbeing and environmental outcomes in the Tauranga region.

The fund supports:

• Community events.
• Local projects.
• Environmental initiatives.
• Sustainability programmes.
• Activities that create lasting benefits for local communities.

The purpose of the fund is to help community organisations deliver meaningful projects that improve lives, protect natural resources, and contribute to a sustainable future.

Mercury Tauranga Community Fund Values

Applications must demonstrate alignment with Mercury’s core values.

The three key values are:

Manaakitanga – Supporting and Caring for Communities

Manaakitanga focuses on caring for people and ensuring communities are at the centre of decisions.

Projects that demonstrate Manaakitanga may include:

• Community wellbeing programmes.
• Activities that encourage inclusion and participation.
• Initiatives that connect local residents.
• Services that support stronger communities.

Kaitiakitanga – Protecting the Environment

Kaitiakitanga represents responsibility for protecting and caring for the environment for current and future generations.

Projects may support:

• Environmental conservation.
• Nature protection activities.
• Community environmental education.
• Local sustainability efforts.

Sustainability – Creating Long-Term Positive Change

Sustainability focuses on improving, learning, adapting, and growing through responsible approaches.

Supported initiatives may include:

• Sustainable community development.
• Innovative solutions.
• Long-term improvement projects.
• Activities that create ongoing benefits.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The fund is open to community organisations operating within the eligible Tauranga funding area.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a community organisation.
• Be located within the approved Tauranga funding area.
• Deliver activities that benefit the community.
• Demonstrate alignment with Mercury’s values.

Eligible applicants may include:

• Local community groups.
• Nonprofit organisations.
• Environmental organisations.
• Community service organisations.
• Other local organisations creating positive impact.

Funding Purpose and Eligible Activities

Funding is available for specific future-focused activities that align with the objectives of the Mercury Tauranga Community Fund.

Eligible activities may include:

• Community improvement projects.
• Public events.
• Environmental programmes.
• Sustainability initiatives.
• Community development activities.

Funding requests must relate to future activities rather than completed expenses.

Eligible Expense Requirements

All requested expenses must meet specific conditions.

Funding rules include:

• Expenses must be incurred within New Zealand.
• Overseas purchases are allowed only when required items are unavailable in New Zealand.
• Costs must directly support the approved project or activity.

Grant Amount and Funding Support

The fund provides grants based on the needs and impact of eligible projects.

Funding guidance:

• Typical grant range: Approximately NZD 200 to NZD 2,000.

Funding decisions may include:

• Full approval of requested funds.
• Partial approval of requested funds.

The final funding decision is made at Mercury’s discretion.

Additional Documentation Requirements

Some funding requests require supporting evidence.

Operating Cost Requests

Organisations requesting funding for general operating expenses such as:

• Electricity costs.
• Landline telephone expenses.
• Rates.
• Building insurance.

must provide invoices covering the previous three months.

Existing Salary Position Requests

Applications requesting support for existing salary positions must include:

• Signed employment contract.
• Employee name.
• Contract term.
• Rate of pay.
• Position description.

These documents help demonstrate the purpose and necessity of salary-related funding.

Application Restrictions

Certain applications are not eligible for consideration.

The fund does not support:

• Individual applicants.
• Activities required under government-funded contracts.

Additional application limits:

• Each organisation may submit only one application per funding round.
• Eligible organisations may receive funding from a maximum of two successful applications within a calendar year.

How the Application Process Works

The Mercury Tauranga Community Fund follows a structured assessment process.

Step 1: Identify an Eligible Project

Applicants should select a project that:

• Benefits the Tauranga community.
• Supports Mercury’s values.
• Creates measurable positive outcomes.

Step 2: Prepare the Application

Applications should include:

• Project description.
• Community benefits.
• Funding requirements.
• Budget information.
• Supporting documents where required.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Community organisations submit their applications according to the fund requirements.

Applicants should ensure:

• Information is complete.
• Documents are attached.
• The project clearly connects with Mercury priorities.

Step 4: Evaluation and Decision

Applications are reviewed by a Mercury evaluation panel.

The panel includes representatives from:

• Different Mercury teams.
• Various organisational roles.

The evaluation panel changes between funding rounds.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Alignment with Mercury values.
• Community benefit.
• Environmental impact.
• Sustainability outcomes.
• Project feasibility.
• Appropriate use of funds.

Funding may be approved:

• Fully.
• Partially.
• Not approved.

Why the Mercury Tauranga Community Fund Matters

The fund helps local organisations create positive change across Tauranga by supporting community-led solutions.

The programme contributes to:

• Stronger local communities.
• Environmental protection.
• Sustainable development.
• Community participation.
• Long-term positive outcomes.

By investing in local initiatives, the fund helps organisations address community needs while supporting a healthier and more sustainable future.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects unrelated to Mercury’s values.
• Applying for completed activities.
• Providing incomplete documentation.
• Requesting funding without clear community benefits.
• Applying for government-contracted activities.
• Submitting multiple applications in the same funding round.
• Requesting overseas purchases without demonstrating local unavailability.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Organisations can improve their applications by:

• Clearly explaining the community need.
• Showing how the project supports Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga, and Sustainability.
• Providing a detailed and realistic budget.
• Demonstrating measurable outcomes.
• Including all required supporting documents.
• Explaining how the project creates long-term benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Mercury Tauranga Community Fund?

The Mercury Tauranga Community Fund is a grant programme that supports community organisations in the Tauranga region with funding for projects, events, and initiatives that benefit people and the environment.

Who can apply for the fund?

Community organisations based within the eligible Tauranga funding area can apply if their activities align with Mercury’s values.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Typical grants range from approximately NZD 200 to NZD 2,000.

Can individuals apply for funding?

No. The fund does not accept applications from individuals.

Can organisations request funding for operating costs?

Yes. However, requests for costs such as power, telephone, rates, or insurance require invoices covering the previous three months.

How many applications can an organisation submit?

Each organisation can submit only one application per funding round.

How many successful grants can an organisation receive per year?

Eligible organisations can receive funding through a maximum of two successful applications within one calendar year.

How are funding decisions made?

Applications are reviewed by a Mercury evaluation panel, which makes funding decisions at Mercury’s discretion.

Conclusion

The Mercury Tauranga Community Fund provides valuable support for organisations working to strengthen communities, protect the environment, and create sustainable outcomes. Through its focus on Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga, and Sustainability, the fund helps local initiatives deliver meaningful benefits for Tauranga residents and future generations.

For more information, visit Mercury.