Deadline: 07-Sep-2026
The History and Literature Grant Program supports writers, researchers, and community groups in the Manawatū and Rangitīkei region to create new literary and historical works. The program provides funding for fiction, non-fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, drama, research, publishing, workshops, and other projects that encourage creativity and preserve regional stories.
The grant program offers up to $50,000 in funding to support projects that demonstrate literary or historical merit, strengthen community participation, and contribute to the cultural identity of the Manawatū and Rangitīkei region.
Overview of the History and Literature Grant Program
The History and Literature Grant Program is designed to encourage the creation of new written works and support people involved in literary and historical activities.
The program focuses on:
- Supporting original writing and research.
- Encouraging creativity in history and literature.
- Recognising high-quality literary and historical work.
- Supporting community involvement in storytelling.
- Preserving local histories and experiences.
- Developing writing skills through workshops and training opportunities.
Funded projects must originate from or provide meaningful benefits to the Manawatū and Rangitīkei region.
Program Objectives
The grant program aims to strengthen the local literary and historical landscape by supporting projects that:
- Create new written works.
- Promote regional stories and knowledge.
- Encourage writers and historians.
- Build community engagement with literature and history.
- Support creative development outside mainstream education.
- Improve access to literary and historical resources.
The program recognises the importance of writing, research, and storytelling in preserving cultural heritage.
Funding Available
The total funding available for Literature and History projects is:
- Up to $50,000.
Funding amounts may vary depending on:
- Project scope.
- Community benefit.
- Artistic or historical merit.
- Budget requirements.
- Availability of program funds.
Applicants should provide a clear explanation of how funding will support project delivery.
Who Is Eligible?
The program is available to individuals and groups connected to the Manawatū and Rangitīkei region.
Eligible applicants include:
- Residents of the Manawatū region.
- Residents of the Rangitīkei region.
- Individuals with a strong connection to the region.
- Community groups involved in literary or historical projects.
- Writers, historians, and creative practitioners.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Projects must have a clear connection to the region.
- Applicants must demonstrate how the project benefits the local community.
- Proposed work must involve history, literature, writing, or related creative development.
Student Eligibility Requirements
Students may apply under specific conditions.
Eligible student applicants include:
- Tertiary students applying directly.
- Secondary school students applying through their school for group projects.
Secondary school students cannot submit individual applications directly.
Types of Projects Supported
The History and Literature Grant Program supports a wide range of creative and historical projects.
Eligible projects may include:
Books and Written Publications
Funding may support:
- Fiction books.
- Non-fiction books.
- Creative non-fiction works.
- Historical publications.
- Research-based publications.
Projects should demonstrate originality, quality, and regional relevance.
Poetry and Literary Works
Support may be available for:
- Poetry collections.
- Anthologies.
- New literary works.
- Creative writing projects.
Plays and Dramatic Works
Eligible projects may include:
- Printed plays.
- Digital or electronic dramatic works.
- Theatre writing projects.
- Performance-related literary development.
Workshops and Writing Courses
Funding may support locally organised activities that develop writing skills, including:
- Creative writing workshops.
- History writing courses.
- Community storytelling sessions.
- Skill-development programs outside formal education.
Research and Oral History Projects
Support may be available for:
- Historical research.
- Oral history projects.
- Community interviews.
- Documentation of local stories and experiences.
Publication and Production Support
Funding may assist with:
- Editing.
- Graphic design.
- Pre-publication preparation.
- Publishing costs.
- Printing-related activities.
Performance and Event Support
Eligible assistance may include:
- Performance staging.
- Workshop venues.
- Project completion activities.
- Short-term support required to complete a work.
Why This Program Matters
The History and Literature Grant Program helps protect and celebrate regional identity through storytelling, research, and creative expression.
The program is important because it:
- Preserves local history and community memories.
- Supports emerging and established writers.
- Encourages creative innovation.
- Provides opportunities for community participation.
- Strengthens regional cultural development.
- Helps bring local stories to wider audiences.
By supporting writers and historians, the program contributes to the preservation of knowledge and the growth of literature in the Manawatū and Rangitīkei region.
Eligible Funding Expenses
Funding may support costs directly related to project development and completion.
Eligible expenses may include:
- Writing and creative development costs.
- Research expenses.
- Oral history activities.
- Editing services.
- Design services.
- Publication support.
- Equipment required for project delivery.
- Workshop costs.
- Venue hire.
- Performance staging expenses.
- Short-term completion assistance.
Applicants should ensure all expenses are directly connected to the proposed project.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow a structured process when preparing their application.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Before applying, applicants should confirm:
- They live in or have a strong connection to Manawatū or Rangitīkei.
- Their project relates to history or literature.
- The project provides regional benefit.
- They meet student eligibility requirements if applicable.
Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal
Applicants should clearly explain:
- The purpose of the project.
- The type of work being created.
- The intended audience.
- The importance of the project to the region.
- The expected outcomes.
- The timeline for completion.
Step 3: Prepare a Detailed Budget
Applicants should include:
- Total project costs.
- Requested funding amount.
- Other financial support.
- Expected expenses.
- Explanation of how grant funding will be used.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Applicants should provide all required information and supporting material before submission.
Strong applications should demonstrate:
- Clear creative or historical value.
- Community benefit.
- Practical project planning.
- Appropriate use of funds.
Step 5: Complete the Funded Project
Successful applicants are expected to complete the approved project according to the submitted proposal and funding requirements.
Application Tips
Applicants can strengthen their applications by:
- Clearly explaining the regional connection.
- Highlighting the cultural or historical importance of the project.
- Providing a realistic timeline.
- Including a detailed budget.
- Demonstrating community impact.
- Explaining how the project contributes to literature or history.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting projects without a clear connection to the region.
- Providing unclear project descriptions.
- Not explaining community benefits.
- Submitting incomplete budgets.
- Applying for activities unrelated to history or literature.
- Failing to demonstrate how funding will support project outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the History and Literature Grant Program?
The History and Literature Grant Program provides funding for new literary and historical projects in the Manawatū and Rangitīkei region. It supports creative writing, historical research, publishing, workshops, and related activities.
How much funding is available?
The program provides up to $50,000 in funding for Literature and History projects.
Who can apply for this grant?
Applicants must be residents of or closely connected to the Manawatū and Rangitīkei region. Eligible applicants include individuals, groups, writers, historians, and community organisations.
Can students apply?
Yes. Tertiary students can apply directly. Secondary school students are eligible only when their school submits an application for a group project.
What types of writing projects are supported?
The program supports fiction, non-fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, plays, historical works, oral histories, and other literary projects.
Can funding support publishing costs?
Yes. Funding may support pre-publication activities such as editing and design, as well as publication-related expenses.
Can applicants submit more than one application?
Yes. Individuals and groups may submit multiple applications. Each application will be considered separately.
Conclusion
The History and Literature Grant Program provides valuable support for writers, historians, students, and community groups creating meaningful literary and historical works in Manawatū and Rangitīkei. By funding creative projects, research, publishing, and community learning opportunities, the program helps preserve regional stories and encourages new voices in literature and history.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop strong proposals that demonstrate creativity, regional connection, community benefit, and a commitment to sharing important stories through writing and historical work.
For more information, visit Earle Creativity & Development Trust.