Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The Community Partnership Fund provides local communities with funding to support projects that meet local needs, advance community priorities, and enhance well-being. With an annual allocation of $20,998, the fund runs two rounds per year and prioritizes projects aligned with the Wallace Takitimu Community Board plan, encouraging co-funding and community engagement.
Overview
The Community Partnership Fund empowers local communities to access funding for initiatives that align with community priorities and board outcomes. The fund evaluates applications case-by-case, providing flexibility to address unique local needs while encouraging inclusive participation.
Key Objectives:
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Support projects that directly benefit the Wallace Takitimu community board area.
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Encourage applications that align with the community board plan outcomes.
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Promote co-funding opportunities where possible.
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Ensure transparency by allowing applicants to present proposals at board meetings.
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Accept applications from groups without formal legal entity status.
Priority Areas:
Applications aligned with the following priorities may receive preference:
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Creating a vibrant area attracting people, businesses, and visitors, leading to employment growth.
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Fostering a strong, connected, and inclusive community.
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Ensuring a healthy and safe community with access to quality facilities, amenities, and services.
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Promoting leadership, transparency, and community engagement by the Council.
Who is Eligible?
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Local community groups or organizations, whether legally registered or not.
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Groups must demonstrate a clear community benefit and alignment with local priorities.
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Preference is given to initiatives within the Wallace Takitimu Community Board area.
How the Fund Works
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Funding Rounds: The fund runs two rounds per year, with applications considered in June and October.
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Application Submission: Provide all required documents, including:
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Verification of bank account details
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Latest audited or reviewed financial accounts or income/expenditure statement
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Most recent bank statement
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Quotes for capital works or explanations if quotes are not possible
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Supporting documentation such as letters of support
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Board Review: Applications are reviewed at community board meetings, where applicants may present their proposals.
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Decision and Disbursement: Successful applicants receive funding in alignment with the approved project scope and budget.
Tips for Applicants
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Ensure your project clearly aligns with community board plan outcomes.
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Provide two quotes for capital works or detailed explanations if not available.
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Highlight direct benefits to the local community.
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Include supporting documents such as letters of endorsement or evidence of prior project success.
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Be concise and precise in outlining project objectives, timelines, and expected outcomes.
FAQ
1. What types of projects can be funded?
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Projects that meet community priorities, enhance local amenities, foster inclusion, or improve safety and vibrancy in the board area.
2. Who can apply?
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Community groups, organizations, and non-legal entities within or benefiting the Wallace Takitimu area.
3. How much funding is available?
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The fund has an annual allocation of $20,998, divided across two funding rounds.
4. Are co-funding contributions required?
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Co-funding is encouraged but not mandatory. Preference may be given to applications demonstrating additional financial support.
5. What documentation is needed?
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Bank verification, financial statements, quotes for capital works, and supporting letters or evidence of project relevance.
6. Can applicants present their proposal?
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Yes, applicants may present their project at a community board meeting to clarify and advocate for their proposal.
7. When are decisions made?
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Decisions are typically made in the June or October community board meetings, following submission of applications.
Conclusion
The Community Partnership Fund is a flexible, community-driven resource that enables local groups to address priority needs, strengthen community engagement, and enhance well-being in the Wallace Takitimu area. By providing funding, guidance, and opportunities for presentation, the fund encourages inclusive, impactful, and sustainable community initiatives.
For more information, visit Southland District Council.
