Community Outcomes Fund Supporting Community Initiatives (New Zealand)

Deadline: 20-Mar-2026

The Tahua Whaihua Hapori – Community Outcomes Fund supports community-led initiatives in Wellington that enhance safety, wellbeing, resilience, and social connection. Funding ranges from $500 to $4,999, targeting projects aligned with Safety and Wellbeing or Community Resilience and Connection priorities to create a more inclusive, liveable, and resilient city.

Program Overview

The Community Outcomes Fund is a Wellington City Council initiative that invests in community-led projects designed to:

• Increase safety and wellbeing

• Strengthen community resilience and social connectedness

• Support inclusive and equitable outcomes across all communities

Funding decisions are guided by two key priority areas:

1. Safety and Wellbeing (55% of funding):

   • Support community safety initiatives such as outreach or street patrols

   • Strengthen approaches to homelessness and housing, including temporary housing, homeownership, and safe, warm, and affordable housing for whānau Māori

   • Prevent sexual violence via targeted interventions aligned with the Sexual Violence Prevention Action Plan

2. Community Resilience and Connection (45% of funding):

   • Build social connectedness and resilience through community-led initiatives

   • Develop a sustainable and equitable food system, supporting dignified access to nutritious food and Māori food and soil sovereignty

   • Strengthen networks of community centres delivering programs to Te Awe Māpara

   • Provide operational support to Residents Associations

Funding Details

• Funding Range: $500 to $4,999 per initiative

• Allocation: 55% to Safety and Wellbeing; 45% to Community Resilience and Connection (reviewed every three years)

• Duration: Projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving funding approval

Who is Eligible

Applicants must:

• Be a legal entity or operate under one, such as:

  • Incorporated Society

  • Charitable Trust

  • Māori entity

• Be based in or deliver activities within Wellington City Council boundaries

• Request a minimum of $500

• Provide financial documentation, such as reviewed or audited accounts

• Demonstrate alignment with one or more priorities and activity areas of the fund

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility: Ensure your organization and project meet the fund’s criteria

2. Define your project: Align your initiative with either Safety and Wellbeing or Community Resilience and Connection priorities

3. Prepare financial documentation: Include reviewed or audited accounts

4. Submit funding request: Complete the application form detailing objectives, community impact, and alignment with fund priorities

5. Implement and report: Execute the project within 12 months and provide updates on outcomes and spending

Expected Outcomes

Funded initiatives aim to:

• Enhance community safety and wellbeing

• Strengthen social connection and resilience

• Improve access to safe, affordable housing and supportive services

• Develop equitable and sustainable community systems

• Support inclusive participation and Māori community priorities

Why This Fund Matters

• Empowers community-led solutions that reflect local needs

• Encourages inclusive, resilient, and safe neighborhoods

• Supports initiatives that strengthen Wellington’s liveability and social cohesion

• Fosters equitable access to essential services and community programs

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Misalignment with priorities: Ensure projects clearly address Safety and Wellbeing or Community Resilience and Connection

• Incomplete financial information: Provide accurate reviewed or audited accounts

• Exceeding funding limits: Request between $500 and $4,999

• Timeline issues: Projects must be completed within 12 months of approval

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the fund?
Legal entities or those operating under a legal entity, including Incorporated Societies, Charitable Trusts, and Māori entities within Wellington City.

2. What is the funding range?
$500 to $4,999 per project.

3. How long can projects run?
Projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving approval.

4. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects that improve community safety, wellbeing, resilience, social connection, housing, food security, or community participation.

5. How is funding allocated?
55% for Safety and Wellbeing initiatives; 45% for Community Resilience and Connection initiatives.

6. What financial information is required?
Reviewed or audited accounts and documentation demonstrating alignment with fund priorities.

7. Can multiple projects be submitted?
Yes, but each project must meet eligibility criteria and request between $500 and $4,999.

Conclusion

The Tahua Whaihua Hapori – Community Outcomes Fund enables Wellington communities to design and implement locally-led initiatives that improve safety, resilience, social connection, and wellbeing. By supporting diverse, inclusive, and equitable projects, the fund strengthens the city’s liveability and community cohesion, ensuring that Wellington remains a safe, connected, and resilient home for all residents.

For more information, visit Wellington City Council.