Deadline: 13-Feb-2026
The Waiheke Local Grants Programme provides small grants to support community-led projects that benefit people, the environment, arts, events, and community life within the Waiheke Local Board area. Grants prioritise local collaboration, community wellbeing, Māori partnerships, youth opportunities, environmental protection, and inclusive initiatives that strengthen community resilience.
Programme Overview
The Waiheke Local Grants Programme is a community funding initiative that supports local projects and initiatives delivering positive outcomes for people, places, and the environment within the Waiheke Local Board area.
The programme is designed to help local groups implement projects that align with the Waiheke Local Board Plan, strengthen community connections, and enhance overall wellbeing. Funding is targeted at grassroots initiatives that are locally based, community-focused, and responsive to local needs.
Key Funding Priorities
The programme prioritises projects that contribute to one or more of the following outcomes:
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Building community resilience and connectedness
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Supporting a healthy, inclusive, and supportive society
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Strengthening collaboration and wellbeing with Māori
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Supporting a flourishing local arts sector
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Creating opportunities for youth to thrive
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Improving wellbeing through quality arts, recreational, and community events
Projects that address multiple priorities are generally assessed more favourably.
High-Priority Project Characteristics
Higher priority is given to initiatives that:
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Collaborate with other local community organisations
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Are based on Waiheke and use local suppliers and services
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Deliver clear benefits to the wider Waiheke community
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Support new activities, innovation, or organisational capacity growth
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Assist marginalised or vulnerable communities
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Demonstrate strong alignment with local wellbeing and community outcomes
Lower-Priority and Ineligible Activities
Lower priority or ineligible funding areas include:
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Commercial or profit-driven activities
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High participation costs that limit community access
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Sporting uniforms and travel costs
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Activities primarily benefiting areas outside Waiheke
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Projects mainly benefiting third parties
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Vehicle purchase, leasing, or maintenance
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Wages and general operational costs
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Alcohol, tobacco, nicotine products, or liquor licence applications
Applicants should ensure their proposals clearly avoid these categories.
Grant Amounts
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Typical grant size ranges from $500 to $2,000
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Funding is intended for small-scale, high-impact local projects
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An environmental grant round prioritises material costs for biodiversity and natural area protection
Who Is Eligible?
The programme is open to a wide range of local applicants.
Eligible Applicants
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Community groups
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Environmental groups
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Landowners undertaking eligible projects
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Organisations operating within the Waiheke Local Board area
Projects may be delivered on public or private land, provided they benefit the Waiheke community.
Why This Programme Matters
The Waiheke Local Grants Programme plays a critical role in supporting local action by:
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Enabling community-led solutions to local challenges
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Strengthening social connections and community wellbeing
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Supporting local arts, culture, and events
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Encouraging youth engagement and development
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Protecting and enhancing Waiheke’s natural environment
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Ensuring funding decisions reflect local priorities and values
How the Programme Works
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Local groups identify a project aligned with Waiheke Local Board priorities
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Applicants submit a grant application outlining activities, costs, and community benefits
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Applications are assessed against published priorities and eligibility criteria
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Funding is allocated to projects that best strengthen people, places, and community life
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Successful applicants deliver the project and report on outcomes
How to Apply
To prepare a strong application:
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Clearly explain the local benefit of your project
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Demonstrate alignment with community, wellbeing, arts, youth, Māori, or environmental priorities
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Show collaboration with other local organisations where possible
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Provide a realistic budget within the $500–$2,000 range
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Highlight how the project supports inclusion, resilience, or capacity growth
Environmental project applicants should emphasise material costs related to biodiversity protection or natural area enhancement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying for ineligible costs such as wages, vehicles, or alcohol
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Proposing projects with limited benefit to the Waiheke community
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Failing to demonstrate alignment with stated priorities
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Submitting vague project descriptions without clear outcomes
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Requesting funding primarily for commercial or profit-driven activities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Waiheke Local Grants Programme?
It is a funding programme that supports local projects benefiting community life, wellbeing, arts, youth, Māori partnerships, and the environment on Waiheke.
2. How much funding can an organisation apply for?
Most grants range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the project scope.
3. Who can apply for the grants?
Community groups, environmental groups, and landowners operating within the Waiheke Local Board area are eligible.
4. Are environmental projects supported?
Yes. An environmental grant round prioritises material costs for biodiversity protection and natural area enhancement.
5. Can projects be delivered on private land?
Yes, provided the project delivers clear benefits to the Waiheke community.
6. Are operational costs and wages eligible?
No. Wages, general operational costs, and vehicle-related expenses are not funded.
7. Are collaborative projects encouraged?
Yes. Projects that collaborate with other local organisations and use local suppliers receive higher priority.
Conclusion
The Waiheke Local Grants Programme is a valuable opportunity for local groups to secure small grants that deliver meaningful community, environmental, and cultural outcomes. By prioritising collaboration, inclusion, local benefit, and wellbeing, the programme ensures funding supports projects that strengthen Waiheke’s people, places, and community life.
For more information, visit Auckland Council.
