CFPs: Upper Harbour Local Grant Programme (New Zealand)

Deadline: 25-Sep-2026

The Upper Harbour Local Grant Program provides funding for community projects and activities that align with the Upper Harbour Local Board Plan 2023 priorities. The program supports initiatives in arts and culture, environment, youth development, Māori outcomes, accessibility, sport, recreation, family wellbeing, and community inclusion.

Upper Harbour Local Grant Program: Supporting Community Projects and Local Development

The Upper Harbour Local Grant Program provides financial support for eligible community organisations, groups, and initiatives that create meaningful benefits for residents of the Upper Harbour Local Board area.

The program is designed to strengthen community participation, improve local wellbeing, support cultural diversity, protect the environment, and encourage inclusive community development.

Funding applications are assessed based on how strongly projects align with the priorities outlined in the Upper Harbour Local Board Plan 2023.

About the Upper Harbour Local Grant Program

The grant program supports community-led projects that contribute to positive social, cultural, environmental, and recreational outcomes.

The program encourages initiatives that:

• Strengthen community connections and participation.
• Support diverse cultural expression and inclusion.
• Improve environmental sustainability.
• Create opportunities for youth development and leadership.
• Promote accessibility and equal participation.
• Enhance community wellbeing through local activities and services.

Why It Matters

Community grants help local organisations turn ideas into practical projects that improve the quality of life for residents.

The program supports initiatives that:

• Build stronger and more connected communities.
• Encourage participation from diverse groups.
• Create opportunities for young people.
• Support environmental protection and sustainability.
• Preserve and celebrate Māori culture and traditions.
• Improve access to activities for people of all abilities.

By investing in community-led solutions, the program helps create a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Upper Harbour community.

Supported Project Areas

The Upper Harbour Local Grant Program supports projects across several priority areas.

Arts and Culture

Funding supports projects that:

• Celebrate diverse cultures and traditions.
• Encourage creativity and artistic expression.
• Bring communities together through cultural activities.
• Promote local cultural participation.

Environmental Sustainability

Projects may support:

• Restoration and protection of natural environments.
• Pest plant and pest animal control.
• Sustainable land-use practices.
• Activities that reduce community carbon footprints.
• Environmental awareness initiatives.

Family and Community Wellbeing

The program supports initiatives that:

• Strengthen family relationships.
• Improve social connections.
• Address community needs.
• Support positive community experiences.

Cultural Diversity and Inclusion

Funding may support activities that:

• Welcome and support newcomers.
• Promote understanding between different cultural communities.
• Encourage participation from underrepresented groups.

Sport and Recreation

Eligible projects may include activities that:

• Encourage participation in sport and recreation.
• Provide opportunities for people of all abilities.
• Improve community engagement through physical activities.

Māori Outcomes

The program supports initiatives that:

• Empower Māori voices.
• Celebrate Māori traditions and knowledge.
• Strengthen Māori participation and cultural identity.

Youth Development and Wellbeing

Projects may focus on:

• Youth leadership development.
• Personal growth opportunities.
• Mental health and wellbeing activities.
• Skills development for young people.

Who Is Eligible?

Applications are open to eligible organisations and community groups whose projects support at least one priority area of the Upper Harbour Local Board Plan 2023.

Eligible applicants may include:

• Community organisations.
• Incorporated groups.
• Local initiatives supporting Upper Harbour residents.
• Groups delivering projects with clear community benefits.

Applicants without a legal entity requesting more than $1,000 must either:

• Apply through an umbrella organisation, or
• Receive funding after providing a satisfactory accountability report.

Projects delivered outside the Upper Harbour Local Board area may be considered if applicants clearly demonstrate direct benefits for Upper Harbour residents.

Eligible Project Requirements

Successful projects should:

• Provide clear benefits to the Upper Harbour community.
• Align with one or more Local Board Plan priorities.
• Demonstrate community participation and positive outcomes.
• Have realistic plans and achievable goals.
• Show responsible use of grant funding.

Projects That May Receive Lower Priority

Applications may receive lower priority if they:

• Provide limited benefit to the Upper Harbour area.
• Are mainly fundraising activities for another organisation without wider community outcomes.
• Request significant funding without seeking support from other sources.
• Mainly cover salaries, wages, or regular operational expenses.
• Are submitted by schools or churches without demonstrating broader community benefit.

How Applications Are Assessed

Applications are reviewed individually based on their overall community value.

Assessment considers:

• Alignment with Upper Harbour Local Board Plan 2023 priorities.
• Community impact and benefits.
• Level of participation and inclusion.
• Project planning and feasibility.
• Need for funding support.

Priority is given to projects that contribute strongly to one or more identified community priorities.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Develop a community project that aligns with Upper Harbour priorities.
2. Prepare a clear description of the project and expected outcomes.
3. Explain how the project benefits local residents.
4. Provide required organisational and supporting information.
5. Submit the application according to the grant guidelines.

Applicants should clearly explain:

• What the project will achieve.
• Who will benefit.
• How activities will be delivered.
• How funding will be used.
• How the project supports community priorities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects without a clear connection to Upper Harbour priorities.
• Requesting funding only for general operating costs.
• Providing unclear budgets or incomplete information.
• Applying for projects with limited community benefit.
• Failing to explain how residents will benefit from the project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Upper Harbour Local Grant Program?

The Upper Harbour Local Grant Program provides funding for community projects that support local priorities including arts, culture, environment, youth development, inclusion, sport, and wellbeing.

Who can apply for the grant?

Eligible community organisations, groups, and initiatives that deliver projects benefiting the Upper Harbour community can apply.

What types of projects receive funding?

The program supports arts and cultural projects, environmental initiatives, youth programmes, community wellbeing activities, accessibility projects, Māori-focused initiatives, and sport and recreation activities.

Can projects outside Upper Harbour apply?

Yes, but applicants must clearly demonstrate how the project will directly benefit Upper Harbour residents.

Can individuals or informal groups apply?

Groups without a legal entity requesting more than $1,000 must apply through an umbrella organisation or meet accountability requirements before receiving funding.

Are operational costs supported?

Projects mainly focused on salaries, wages, or regular operating expenses may receive lower priority.

How are applications selected?

Applications are assessed based on alignment with local priorities, community benefit, project quality, and overall impact.

Conclusion

The Upper Harbour Local Grant Program helps community organisations create meaningful projects that strengthen local connections, support cultural diversity, improve environmental outcomes, and enhance community wellbeing.

By funding initiatives aligned with the Upper Harbour Local Board Plan 2023, the program encourages residents and organisations to develop inclusive, sustainable, and community-focused solutions that create long-term positive change.

For more information, visit Auckland Council.