Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The Ashburton District Heritage Grant Scheme provides funding to preserve and restore significant heritage buildings and items, maintaining the district’s identity and historical connection. Grants of up to $10,000 are available, covering up to 50% of project costs, with contributions from applicants in financial, in-kind, or volunteer forms. Applications are open for eligible projects on privately owned or community-managed Council land.
About the Heritage Grant Scheme
The Heritage Grant Scheme supports projects that preserve and restore heritage assets within the Ashburton District. It helps maintain the district’s identity and strengthen community connection to its history by funding works on buildings or items of historical significance.
Key Objectives
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Promote preservation and restoration of heritage buildings and items
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Support specialised maintenance that maintains the heritage character
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Enable community engagement and shared responsibility for heritage assets
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Ensure heritage conservation for present and future generations
The Ashburton District Council recognises the cultural and historical value of heritage buildings and items and provides annual funding through two contestable rounds in August and February each financial year.
Eligible Projects
Projects must:
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Preserve or restore heritage buildings or items listed in Group A or Group B of the Ashburton District Plan
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Involve specialised maintenance, such as replacing matching cladding or fittings
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Be located on privately owned land, or on Council land managed by community groups or organisations
Examples of Eligible Work
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Structural repairs that retain historical features
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Replacing or repairing heritage fittings, cladding, or joinery to match original design
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Conservation works guided by heritage best practices
Funding Details
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Maximum grant per project: $10,000
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Grant cap: 50% of total project cost
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Applicant contribution: Financial, in-kind work, or materials
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Volunteer time: Calculated at minimum wage applicable at the time of application
Applicants are required to provide a completed Heritage Grant Application form and a detailed project plan, including budget and scope of work.
Who is Eligible?
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Applicants must be based in the Ashburton District
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National organisations may apply through a local branch
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Applications must be for projects on eligible heritage buildings or items
Ineligible projects include:
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Retrospective works (except in exceptional cases such as natural disasters)
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General maintenance works, such as repainting or minor upkeep
How to Apply
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Confirm eligibility: Check that your building/item is listed in Group A or B of the District Plan
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Prepare application: Complete the Heritage Grant Application form with project details and budget
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Include contributions: Clearly outline financial, in-kind, or volunteer inputs
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Submit application: Only fully completed forms will be accepted
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Await assessment: Applications are evaluated for eligibility, heritage impact, and project feasibility
Tips for Applicants
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Include detailed descriptions of specialised restoration work
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Ensure budgets are clear, accurate, and aligned with project scope
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Highlight the heritage significance of the building or item
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Provide documentation showing ownership or management of the property
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Avoid applying for ineligible works such as repainting or retrospective projects
FAQs – Heritage Grant Scheme
1. What is the maximum grant amount?
The maximum grant is $10,000, covering up to 50% of the total project cost.
2. Which heritage items are eligible?
Projects must involve buildings or items listed in Group A or Group B of the Ashburton District Plan.
3. Can general maintenance work be funded?
No, routine maintenance such as repainting is ineligible, except in exceptional circumstances.
4. Who can apply?
Applicants must be based in the Ashburton District. National organisations must apply through a local branch.
5. Are retrospective works eligible?
Generally no, except in exceptional cases, such as work required after a natural disaster.
6. How is volunteer work valued?
Volunteer hours are calculated at the minimum wage at the time of application and count toward the applicant’s contribution.
7. When are grants awarded?
Funding is allocated in two contestable rounds each financial year: August and February.
Conclusion
The Ashburton District Heritage Grant Scheme helps preserve the historical and cultural identity of the district by funding specialised restoration and preservation works. By supporting eligible projects, the Council ensures that heritage buildings and items are maintained for future generations, strengthening community connection and pride. Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit complete applications to secure funding for meaningful heritage conservation projects.
For more information, visit Ashburton District Council.
