Apply for Creative New Zealand Communities Grant Scheme

The Creative Communities Scheme provides funding to support arts and cultural projects that encourage community participation, celebrate cultural diversity, and engage young people in the Kawerau District, New Zealand. Individuals and community groups can apply for funding for eligible arts projects, with most grants awarded being under NZD 5,000.

About the Creative Communities Scheme

The Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) is a community arts funding program that helps increase access to arts and cultural activities at the local level.

The scheme supports projects that encourage people to participate in the arts, celebrate diverse cultures, and create opportunities for young people to experience creative activities. Funding is available for community-based arts initiatives that benefit residents of the Kawerau District and contribute to a vibrant local arts sector.

Program Objectives

The scheme aims to:

Increase community participation in arts and cultural activities.
Support local artists and creative communities.
Celebrate diverse cultural traditions.
Encourage young people to engage in the arts.
Improve access to creative experiences across the community.
Strengthen local cultural development.

Focus Areas

Eligible projects should align with one or more of the following priorities:

Arts and cultural activities
Community participation
Cultural diversity
Youth arts engagement
Creative expression
Community arts programs
Cultural heritage
Local artistic initiatives

Funding Information

There is no maximum funding limit for applications.

However:

Most Creative Communities Scheme grants are under NZD 5,000.
Funding requests should reflect the actual costs of delivering the proposed project.

Eligible Activities

Funding may be used for:

Materials required for arts activities or creative programs.
Venue hire.
Equipment hire.
Short-term personnel costs directly related to the project.
Administrative costs associated with the project.
Marketing, promotion, and publicity.
Reasonable food expenses for artists, participants, and audiences during community arts activities.

Who Is Eligible?

Individuals

Applicants must:

Be New Zealand citizens, or
Be permanent residents of New Zealand.

Groups

Applicant groups must:

Be based in New Zealand.

Project Eligibility Requirements

Projects must:

Have a clear arts or cultural focus.
Take place within the Kawerau District.
Benefit the local community.
Not have started before the funding application or assessment.
Be completed within 12 months of funding approval.

Ineligible Expenses

The scheme does not fund:

Ongoing administration unrelated to the project.
Permanent personnel costs not directly linked to the funded activity.
Projects that have already started or been completed.
Travel costs to attend performances or exhibitions outside the area.
Purchase of equipment such as:
- Computers
- Cameras
- Musical instruments
- Costumes
- Lighting equipment
- Uniforms
Competition, contest, or examination entry fees.
Prize money.
Awards.
Judges’ fees.
Royalties.

Previous Funding Requirements

Applicants who previously received funding through the Creative Communities Scheme must:

Complete and submit the required project report before applying again.

The only exception is when the previously funded project is still in progress.

Why This Scheme Matters

Community arts programs help strengthen social connections, preserve local culture, and improve community wellbeing.

The Creative Communities Scheme supports:

Greater public participation in the arts.
Local cultural expression.
Inclusive community engagement.
Youth creativity and artistic development.
Diverse cultural representation.
Sustainable local arts initiatives.

By supporting grassroots arts projects, the scheme helps build stronger and more connected communities.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure that:

You are eligible as an individual or group.
Your project meets all funding criteria.

Step 2: Develop Your Project

Prepare a proposal that clearly explains:

Project objectives.
Planned activities.
Community benefits.
Project timeline.
Budget requirements.

Step 3: Ensure the Project Meets Funding Requirements

Confirm that your project:

Has not already started.
Will take place in the Kawerau District.
Has a clear arts or cultural focus.
Can be completed within 12 months.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Complete the application with all required supporting information before the funding deadline.

Step 5: Complete Reporting Requirements

If your application is successful, complete the required project report after project completion before applying for future funding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying after the project has already started.
Requesting funding for ineligible equipment purchases.
Including ongoing operational expenses.
Applying before completing a previous funded project report.
Proposing projects without a clear community arts focus.
Submitting an incomplete budget.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

Clearly explain how your project benefits the Kawerau community.
Demonstrate strong community participation.
Highlight cultural diversity or youth engagement where applicable.
Prepare a realistic and detailed budget.
Ensure all project activities align with the funding criteria.
Submit a complete and well-organized application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Creative Communities Scheme?

New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand-based groups can apply for eligible arts and cultural projects.

How much funding is available?

There is no maximum funding limit, although most approved grants are under NZD 5,000.

What types of projects are eligible?

Projects must focus on arts or culture, take place within the Kawerau District, benefit the local community, and be completed within 12 months.

Can funding be used to purchase equipment?

No. The scheme does not fund purchases of equipment such as computers, cameras, musical instruments, costumes, lighting equipment, or uniforms.

Can projects already underway receive funding?

No. Projects must not have started before the funding application or assessment process.

Can previous recipients apply again?

Yes. However, applicants must first submit the required report for any previously funded project unless that project is still underway.

What costs can the funding cover?

Eligible expenses include project materials, venue hire, equipment hire, short-term personnel costs, administration related to the project, promotion, publicity, and reasonable food expenses for community arts activities.

Conclusion

The Creative Communities Scheme provides valuable funding for arts and cultural initiatives that strengthen community participation, celebrate cultural diversity, and encourage young people to engage in creative activities. By supporting locally driven projects in the Kawerau District, the scheme helps create inclusive, vibrant, and culturally rich communities while making the arts more accessible to everyone.