CFPs: Lottery Community Facilities Grant Program in New Zealand

Deadline: 25-Feb-2026

The New Zealand Government’s Lottery Community Facilities Grant provides funding to develop and improve community buildings and facilities serving diverse groups. Projects over $50,000 are eligible, with feasibility studies required for projects of $250,000 or more. Funding supports initiatives that benefit Māori, Pacific, and other ethnic communities, older people, women, youth, people with disabilities, and those facing barriers to participation.

Overview of the Grant

The Lottery Community Facilities grant aims to strengthen community infrastructure by supporting capital works that build, improve, or extend facilities accessible to diverse groups across New Zealand. The program emphasizes inclusion and equitable access for all community members.

Focus Areas

• Building or upgrading community facilities

• Serving Māori, Pacific, and other ethnic communities

• Supporting older people, women, youth, and people with disabilities

• Assisting individuals and groups facing barriers to participation

• Promoting projects that enhance social cohesion and community engagement

Funding Details

• Minimum eligible project cost: $50,000

• Projects $250,000 or more must include a feasibility study to demonstrate viability

• Focus on capital works: new buildings, extensions, or major improvements to existing facilities

Eligibility Criteria

• Organisations that deliver community services and programs

• Projects must benefit a community group or groups rather than individuals

• Must align with the fund’s focus on accessibility, inclusion, and service to diverse communities

• Individual applicants are not eligible

Ineligible Projects

• Purchase of bare land

• Projects or equipment purchases costing $50,000 or less (directed to Lottery Community Fund instead)

• Items listed as ineligible by the Lottery Grants Board

How to Apply

1. Confirm project meets minimum cost requirement ($50,000+) and aligns with fund objectives

2. Prepare project plan including scope, budget, and expected outcomes

3. For projects $250,000+, include a feasibility study

4. Submit application through the official Lottery Community Facilities portal

5. Ensure documentation clearly demonstrates community benefit and inclusivity

Common Mistakes & Tips

• Submitting individual rather than organizational applications

• Omitting feasibility studies for large projects ($250,000+)

• Including ineligible items or projects below $50,000

• Failing to demonstrate benefits to diverse community groups

• Providing insufficient details on accessibility or inclusion measures

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Organizations delivering community services to groups, not individuals.

2. What is the minimum project cost? $50,000.

3. Are feasibility studies required? Yes, for projects costing $250,000 or more.

4. Can funds be used to purchase land? No, bare land purchases are ineligible.

5. What types of projects are supported? Capital works that build, improve, or extend community facilities.

6. Can small projects under $50,000 apply? No, these should apply to the Lottery Community Fund.

7. Who benefits from the funding? Māori, Pacific, and other ethnic communities, older people, women, youth, people with disabilities, and individuals facing barriers.

Conclusion

The Lottery Community Facilities Grant empowers organizations to develop and improve community infrastructure that is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of diverse groups. By supporting capital projects and requiring feasibility planning for larger initiatives, the fund ensures sustainable, impactful development of New Zealand’s community spaces.

For more information, visit New Zealand Government.