Community Event Grants to Strengthen Local Events in New Zealand

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Ashburton District Council offers annual Community Event Grants to support new and existing events that enhance social and economic wellbeing in the district. Grants of up to $6,000 are available to cover promotion, traffic management, and waste measures for events open to the public. Applicants must be based in the Ashburton District and demonstrate community impact and financial planning.

About the Community Event Grants

The Community Event Grants aim to:

• Support new events and strengthen existing events

• Encourage community participation and public engagement

• Promote social and economic wellbeing in the Ashburton District

• Ensure events adopt smoke-free, vape-free, sun-smart, and zero-waste practices

The grants help events become well-established within the district while fostering inclusive, accessible, and sustainable community initiatives.

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: $6,000 per event

• Grant cap: Cannot exceed 50% of total event cost

• Applicant contribution: Must provide at least 50% of total event cost through financial contributions, in-kind support, or volunteer hours

• Volunteer contribution valuation: Calculated at the minimum wage at the time of application

• Eligible uses of funding:

  • Promotion activities (advertising, signage, printed materials, online presence)

  • Traffic management plans

  • Waste management measures

Applicants must submit a detailed budget and a comprehensive marketing and promotional plan identifying the target audience.

Who is Eligible?

• Location: Events must occur within the Ashburton District, between the Rakaia River and Rangitata River, from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean

• Event type: Must be a new event or an existing event expanding capacity

• Timing: Event must take place after application submission and must not coincide with another major district event unless deemed compatible

• Accessibility: Events must be open to the general public

• Applicant eligibility: Must be based in the Ashburton District and act as the administering or governing body of the event

Ineligible submissions:

• Incomplete applications or missing requested information

• Events not open to the public

• Projects outside the geographic boundaries of the district

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility: Ensure your event and organisation meet the criteria above

2. Prepare application materials: Complete the Community Event Application form, including budget and promotional plan

3. Detail contributions: Clearly outline financial, in-kind, or volunteer support for your event

4. Submit application: Only completed applications will be considered

5. Assessment and approval: Grants are awarded based on community impact, event feasibility, and planning quality

Tips for Applicants

• Ensure your budget and marketing plan are clear and detailed

• Demonstrate how the event benefits the local community

• Include sustainability practices, such as zero-waste measures and smoke-free initiatives

• Avoid applying for events already coinciding with major district events unless approved

• Confirm all requested information is included to avoid automatic exclusion

FAQs – Community Event Grants

1. What is the maximum grant available?
The maximum grant per event is $6,000, covering up to 50% of total event costs.

2. What costs can the grant cover?
Eligible costs include promotion, advertising, signage, online presence, traffic management, and waste management.

3. Who can apply for a grant?
Applicants must be based in the Ashburton District and serve as the administering or governing body of the event.

4. Are volunteer contributions counted?
Yes, volunteer hours can contribute toward the required 50% applicant contribution, calculated at minimum wage.

5. Can existing events apply?
Yes, if the event demonstrates capacity expansion or growth potential.

6. Where must the event take place?
Within the Ashburton District, between the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers, from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean.

7. Can an event coincide with another major district event?
Events should not coincide unless deemed compatible by the Council.

Conclusion

The Ashburton District Council Community Event Grants provide essential support for events that enhance social, cultural, and economic wellbeing in the district. By funding promotion, traffic, and sustainability measures, the grants help local organisers create inclusive, vibrant, and accessible community events. Eligible organisations are encouraged to submit applications to strengthen community participation and establish lasting events across the Ashburton District.

For more information, visit Ashburton District Council.