Albert-Eden Local Board Community Grants Programme (New Zealand)

The Albert-Eden Local Board offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 to support community-led initiatives that strengthen wellbeing, inclusion, sustainability, and local identity. Funding prioritises projects that benefit the Albert-Eden community, celebrate Māori culture, support climate action, improve health and wellbeing, and build resilient, connected neighbourhoods.

The Albert-Eden Local Board invites community organisations and groups to apply for funding that supports its vision of a thriving, inclusive, and resilient local area.

The grants programme is designed to back initiatives that improve community wellbeing, strengthen local connections, protect the environment, and celebrate the unique identity of Albert-Eden.

What Is the Albert-Eden Local Board Grant?

The Albert-Eden Local Board Grant is a local funding programme that supports projects and activities delivering clear benefits to people living and working in the Albert-Eden area.

Funding is aimed at community-led initiatives that align with local priorities, respond to community needs, and contribute to long-term social, cultural, environmental, and economic wellbeing.

Key Funding Priorities

The Local Board prioritises projects that align with one or more of the following focus areas:

Celebrating Māori identity, culture, and Te Reo Māori
Recognising and celebrating the history, identity, and character of local neighbourhoods
Supporting communities experiencing the greatest need
Enabling low-carbon lifestyles and local climate action
Ensuring parks and open spaces meet the needs of a growing and changing population
Transitioning community services and facilities to meet evolving needs
Building resilient communities with strong local connections and mutual support
Celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion for all
Caring for and protecting the natural environment
Strengthening town centres as hubs of business, culture, and social life
Positioning Albert-Eden as a vibrant and attractive destination

Projects addressing multiple priorities are generally viewed more favourably.

Focus on Health and Wellbeing

The programme places strong emphasis on initiatives that improve:

Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Physical health and active lifestyles
Smoke-free environments
Healthy housing and living conditions

Projects that demonstrate measurable wellbeing outcomes for the local community are strongly encouraged.

Who Is Eligible?

Funding is open to:

Community organisations
Incorporated societies and trusts
Community groups and collectives

Applicants must demonstrate that their project primarily benefits the Albert-Eden community and aligns clearly with Local Board priorities.

Projects that mainly benefit individuals, commercial entities, or communities outside the Albert-Eden area are unlikely to be funded.

Grant Amounts and Funding Range

Minimum grant amount: $2,500
Maximum grant amount: $20,000

Funding must be used for approved project costs and activities that deliver clear, direct benefits to the local community.

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

Eligible projects typically include:

Community-led cultural, environmental, or wellbeing initiatives
Programmes that strengthen social connection and inclusion
Climate action and environmental sustainability projects
Initiatives that improve access to parks, open spaces, or community facilities
Activities that enhance town centres and local neighbourhoods

All projects must demonstrate alignment with the Albert-Eden Local Board’s strategic priorities.

What Is Not Funded?

The following activities and costs are generally not supported:

Commercial or promotional activities
Ticketed events with entry fees
Projects that primarily benefit third parties or communities outside Albert-Eden
Vehicle purchases, repairs, or maintenance
Routine administrative or operational expenses
Catering costs
Fundraising activities
Gifts, prizes, or giveaways
Assets or equipment with limited future or shared use

Lower-Priority and Ineligible Activities

The following are less likely to receive funding:

Activities eligible for central government funding
Projects promoting religious ministry or political purposes
Travel and accommodation costs without strong evidence of community benefit
School-based projects, unless they clearly benefit the wider community or have a strong environmental or climate focus

Applicants should clearly justify any activities that may fall into these categories.

Why It Matters

Community-led initiatives play a vital role in building inclusive, healthy, and resilient neighbourhoods.

By investing in local projects, the Albert-Eden Local Board supports stronger social connections, improved wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and a vibrant local identity that benefits current and future residents.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

Identify a community need within the Albert-Eden area.
Design a project that aligns with one or more Local Board priorities.
Define clear outcomes, benefits, and target groups.
Prepare a realistic budget within the $2,500 to $20,000 range.
Demonstrate how the project benefits the Albert-Eden community.
Submit the funding application during the relevant funding round.
Deliver the project as approved if funding is granted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Failing to clearly link the project to Albert-Eden priorities
Applying for ineligible costs such as catering or vehicles
Proposing projects with limited or unclear community benefit
Submitting school-based projects without wider community access
Including travel or accommodation without strong justification

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much funding can I apply for?

Applicants can request between $2,500 and $20,000 per project.

Who can apply for Albert-Eden Local Board funding?

Community organisations, incorporated groups, and community collectives delivering projects in the Albert-Eden area are eligible.

Can individuals apply for funding?

Funding is generally intended for community organisations rather than individuals.

Are ticketed events eligible for funding?

No. Ticketed events with entry fees are generally not funded.

Are school projects eligible?

School-based projects are lower priority unless they provide clear benefits to the wider community or have a strong environmental or climate focus.

Can funding be used for operational or admin costs?

Routine administrative and operational expenses are generally not supported.

Are health and wellbeing projects prioritised?

Yes. Projects that support mental health, physical health, smoke-free environments, and healthy housing are strongly prioritised.

Conclusion

The Albert-Eden Local Board Community Grant programme provides meaningful funding to support initiatives that strengthen wellbeing, sustainability, and inclusion across the local area.

By aligning projects with clear local priorities and demonstrating strong community benefit, organisations can play a key role in shaping Albert-Eden as a connected, resilient, and vibrant place to live and visit.