Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The Ashburton District Council offers its annual Community Infrastructure Grant to support projects that maintain and enhance community facilities in the district. Grants provide up to $10,000, covering 50% of eligible project costs, with the remaining contribution coming from applicants’ funding, in-kind support, or volunteer time. Eligible projects include development and maintenance of community amenities for public use.
Program Overview
The Community Infrastructure Grant Scheme is designed to help maintain and improve community amenities across Ashburton District. It aims to:
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Preserve and enhance community facilities such as reserves, halls, and recreational spaces
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Ensure long-term accessibility and usability of amenities for current and future residents
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Support the shared responsibility between the Council and community groups in maintaining essential infrastructure
Ashburton District, located in New Zealand, hosts a variety of community facilities that significantly contribute to residents’ quality of life, social cohesion, and sense of belonging.
Grant Details
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Maximum grant per project: $10,000
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Funding limit: Up to 50% of total project costs
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Applicant contribution: Must provide the remaining 50% via financial support, in-kind materials, or volunteer labor
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Volunteer calculation: Based on minimum wage at the time of application
Eligible Projects
To qualify, projects must:
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Be for community infrastructure located within Ashburton District
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Serve public/community use
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Focus on development or maintenance of infrastructure
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Be submitted by the administering or governing body of the project
Projects may include:
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Renovation of community halls or reserves
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Maintenance of public spaces, playgrounds, or sports facilities
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Improvements to accessibility or functionality of amenities
Ineligible Projects
Funding will not cover:
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Retrospective works (except in exceptional cases such as natural disasters)
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Salaries or wages
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Insurance or equipment hire
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Facility operating costs, including power, water, phone, ticketing, or IT expenses
Application Process
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Complete the official Community Infrastructure Application form
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Submit all required documentation before the February application deadline
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Ensure project aligns with the Council’s community infrastructure priorities
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Include a detailed budget and breakdown of proposed contributions (financial, in-kind, volunteer hours)
Note: Incomplete applications or submissions not using the official form will not be assessed.
Who Can Apply?
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Applicants must be based in Ashburton District
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Organizations must serve as the administering or governing body for the proposed project
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Applications must be for community benefit and public use
Why This Grant Matters
The Community Infrastructure Grant helps ensure that Ashburton District residents have safe, functional, and well-maintained spaces for social, cultural, and recreational activities. By supporting both development and maintenance projects, the program strengthens community engagement, local ownership, and quality of life for current and future generations.
FAQs
1. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects for community halls, reserves, playgrounds, sports facilities, and other public-use infrastructure in Ashburton District.
2. How much funding can be requested?
Up to $10,000 per project, covering a maximum of 50% of total project costs.
3. Can volunteer labor count toward the applicant contribution?
Yes, volunteer hours may be included and must be calculated at the current minimum wage.
4. Are salaries and operating costs covered?
No, grants do not cover salaries, wages, insurance, equipment hire, or ongoing facility operating costs.
5. When is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted annually in February, using the official application form.
6. Who can apply?
Organizations or groups based in Ashburton District and responsible for administering the proposed project.
7. Can retrospective work be funded?
Only in exceptional circumstances, such as recovery from a natural disaster.
Conclusion
The Ashburton District Council’s Community Infrastructure Grant provides vital support for maintaining and enhancing public facilities. By funding up to 50% of eligible projects, the program encourages local ownership, community engagement, and sustainable development of Ashburton’s essential amenities, ensuring they remain accessible and functional for generations to come.
For more information, visit Ashburton District Council.