Call for Projects: Active Communities Fund (New Zealand)

Deadline: 30-Jun-2027

The Active Communities Fund provides financial assistance to Palmerston North residents who face financial barriers to participating in local sport and physical activity. Established by the Palmerston North City Council and administered by Sport Manawatū, the fund helps individuals, families, children, and young people access community activities by covering essential participation costs.

The program provides up to NZ$500 in support for eligible activities, including registration fees, programme costs, basic equipment, clothing, footwear, facility fees, and beginner-level coaching. The fund aims to make sport and physical activity more accessible while encouraging healthier and more connected communities.

Overview of the Active Communities Fund

The Active Communities Fund is a community participation grant designed to reduce financial barriers that prevent Palmerston North residents from taking part in sport and physical activities.

The fund supports people who may struggle to afford participation costs by providing financial assistance for essential expenses.

The initiative focuses on:

• Increasing access to community sport.
• Supporting active lifestyles.
• Improving physical and social wellbeing.
• Helping children, young people, families, and individuals participate in local activities.
• Removing financial obstacles that limit participation.

Purpose of the Active Communities Fund

The main purpose of the Active Communities Fund is to ensure that financial hardship does not prevent residents from accessing sport and physical activity opportunities.

The fund helps communities by:

• Encouraging regular physical activity.
• Supporting participation in local clubs and programmes.
• Improving health and wellbeing outcomes.
• Creating opportunities for social connection.
• Helping individuals build confidence through sport and recreation.

By reducing participation costs, the fund supports a more inclusive and active Palmerston North community.

Who Is Eligible?

The Active Communities Fund is available to residents who meet specific eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

• Live in Palmerston North.
• Participate in sport or physical activity within Palmerston North.
• Experience financial hardship that prevents or limits participation.
• Have a sponsor who can support and verify the application.

Eligible applicants may include:

• Children.
• Young people.
• Adults.
• Families.
• Individuals facing financial barriers.

Each application is reviewed individually based on the applicant’s circumstances and how well the request aligns with the purpose of the fund.

What Costs Does the Fund Support?

The Active Communities Fund supports essential participation-related expenses that help individuals take part in sport and physical activity.

Eligible costs may include:

Registration and Programme Fees

Funding can help cover costs associated with joining:

• Local sports clubs.
• Recreation programmes.
• Physical activity sessions.
• Community activity groups.

Basic Equipment, Clothing, and Footwear

The fund may support basic items required for participation, such as:

• Sports clothing.
• Suitable footwear.
• Essential activity equipment.

The support is intended for standard participation needs rather than specialised equipment.

Facility and Venue Fees

Funding may help pay for:

• Facility hire charges.
• Venue access costs.
• Activity-related location fees.

Entry-Level Coaching Support

The fund may contribute toward beginner-level coaching, including:

• One-on-one coaching.
• Small group coaching sessions.
• Introductory skill development programmes.

Expenses Not Covered by the Fund

The Active Communities Fund does not support certain types of costs.

The fund excludes:

• Representative-level sport.
• High-performance sport.
• Elite competition expenses.
• Retrospective costs already paid.
• Specialised or high-performance equipment.

The program is designed to support community participation rather than advanced competitive pathways.

Funding Amount and Payment Process

The Active Communities Fund provides:

• Maximum funding support: NZ$500.
• Payment method: Direct payment to the service provider.

Payments are made after the provider submits an invoice.

Applicants do not receive the funds directly. Instead, approved funding is paid to the organisation, club, programme provider, or service delivering the activity.

Application Limits

Applicants can apply for funding up to two times each year.

The application schedule includes:

• One application for summer activities.
• One application for winter activities.

The total funding requested across the year cannot exceed:

• NZ$500 maximum annual limit.

Applicants should plan their requests carefully to ensure they remain within the yearly funding limit.

How the Active Communities Fund Works

The application process involves several steps:

Step 1: Identify the Activity

Applicants should identify the sport or physical activity they want to participate in.

The activity must:

• Take place within Palmerston North.
• Be related to sport, recreation, or physical activity.
• Require financial assistance for participation.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should ensure they:

• Are Palmerston North residents.
• Are experiencing financial barriers.
• Have a sponsor who can support their application.

Step 3: Prepare Application Information

Applicants should provide details about:

• The activity or programme.
• The costs requiring support.
• Why financial assistance is needed.
• Sponsor information and verification.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applications are reviewed individually based on:

• Applicant circumstances.
• Available funding.
• Alignment with fund objectives.

Step 5: Receive Funding Support

If approved:

• The service provider submits an invoice.
• Payment is made directly to the provider.
• The applicant can participate in the approved activity.

Role of Sport Manawatū

Sport Manawatū administers the Active Communities Fund on behalf of the Palmerston North City Council.

Its role includes:

• Managing applications.
• Assessing eligibility.
• Supporting community participation.
• Connecting residents with sport and activity opportunities.

Why the Active Communities Fund Matters

Financial barriers can prevent many people from accessing sport and physical activity opportunities.

The fund helps address these challenges by:

• Making activities more affordable.
• Supporting equal access to participation.
• Encouraging healthier communities.
• Helping young people engage in positive activities.
• Strengthening community connections.

Participation in sport and physical activity provides benefits beyond physical health, including improved confidence, social relationships, and overall wellbeing.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their applications by:

• Clearly explaining why financial assistance is needed.
• Providing accurate activity and cost details.
• Applying before costs are paid.
• Choosing activities that meet the fund requirements.
• Ensuring sponsor information is complete.
• Explaining how participation will benefit wellbeing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying for activities outside Palmerston North.
• Requesting funding for costs already paid.
• Applying for high-performance or representative sport.
• Requesting specialised equipment.
• Exceeding the annual funding limit.
• Submitting incomplete application information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Active Communities Fund?

The Active Communities Fund is a financial assistance program established by Palmerston North City Council and administered by Sport Manawatū to help residents overcome financial barriers to participating in sport and physical activity.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Eligible applicants can receive up to NZ$500 in financial support.

Who can apply for the Active Communities Fund?

Palmerston North residents experiencing financial hardship who want to participate in local sport or physical activity can apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.

What activities does the fund support?

The fund supports community sport and physical activities, including programmes, club participation, beginner coaching, and other eligible activities taking place within Palmerston North.

Can funding be used for equipment?

Yes, the fund can support basic equipment, clothing, and footwear required for participation. It does not cover specialised or high-performance equipment.

Can applicants apply more than once?

Yes. Applicants may apply up to two times per year, once for summer activities and once for winter activities, as long as total funding does not exceed NZ$500 annually.

Are payments made directly to applicants?

No. Approved funding is paid directly to the service provider after an invoice is received.

Conclusion

The Active Communities Fund helps Palmerston North residents participate in sport and physical activity by reducing financial barriers and improving access to community opportunities. Through support for essential participation costs, equipment, facilities, and beginner coaching, the fund encourages healthier, more inclusive, and more active communities.

Eligible residents facing financial challenges can use this support to access local activities, build connections, and experience the physical and social benefits of an active lifestyle.

For more information, visit Sport Manawatū.