Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The Paekākāriki Community Board Grants Program provides funding of up to $500 for projects, activities, and initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing and deliver direct benefits to the Paekākāriki area. The program supports local individuals and non-profit organisations involved in cultural, social, environmental, and sporting activities, as well as unique community projects and certain council-related fees.
Program Overview
- Program Name: Paekākāriki Community Board Grants Program
- Funding Provider: Paekākāriki Community Board
- Maximum Grant Amount: $500
- Geographic Focus: Paekākāriki community
- Applicant Types: Individuals and non-profit organisations
- Primary Goal: Support projects that improve community wellbeing and benefit local residents
Program Purpose
The Paekākāriki Community Board Grants Program is designed to support activities and initiatives that contribute positively to the local community.
Funding is available for projects that enhance community wellbeing, encourage participation, support local services, and strengthen community connections. The program aims to ensure that local residents and organisations have access to financial assistance for activities that create meaningful and lasting benefits.
Funding Priorities
The program focuses on projects and activities that:
- Improve community wellbeing.
- Deliver direct benefits to the Paekākāriki area.
- Support cultural development and community engagement.
- Encourage sports and recreational participation.
- Promote environmental protection and sustainability.
- Strengthen social services and community support networks.
- Support unique, special, infrequent, or meritorious community initiatives.
Applications demonstrating strong local impact and community value are given priority.
What Types of Projects Can Be Funded?
Eligible projects may include:
- Community events and activities.
- Cultural programs and celebrations.
- Environmental conservation initiatives.
- Community wellbeing projects.
- Sports and recreation activities.
- Social support programs.
- Volunteer-led initiatives.
- Special one-off community projects.
- Projects addressing specific local needs.
Activities should clearly demonstrate how they will benefit the Paekākāriki community.
Council Fees and Hall Rental Support
In addition to community projects, funding may also be used to offset certain council-related costs.
Eligible support may include:
- Council permit fees.
- Licence fees.
- Resource consent fees.
- Hall rental costs.
These expenses must relate to activities occurring within the same financial year and meet all program requirements.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Individuals residing in the Paekākāriki area.
- Community groups based in Paekākāriki.
- Non-profit organisations operating within the community.
- Organisations providing cultural services.
- Sports clubs and recreation groups.
- Environmental organisations.
- Social service providers.
- Volunteer-led community organisations.
Applicants must demonstrate that their activities provide benefits to the Paekākāriki community.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Operate on a non-profit basis.
- Demonstrate a genuine need for financial assistance.
- Show limited access to alternative funding sources.
- Use funding for activities benefiting the Paekākāriki community.
- Meet all application and reporting requirements.
Where events occur outside Paekākāriki, applicants must clearly demonstrate how the activity benefits local residents.
Required Supporting Documents
Organisations must provide:
- Recent financial statements.
- Evidence of financial need.
- A formal resolution approving the grant application.
- Project details and budget information.
- Any additional documentation requested by the Community Board.
Providing complete documentation improves the likelihood of a successful application.
Funding Restrictions
The program includes several important funding conditions.
Applicants must note that:
- Only one application is permitted per event or activity.
- Applicants must not have received funding from the Community Grants Fund during the previous 12 months.
- Funding must be used for approved purposes only.
- Projects must demonstrate community benefit.
Failure to meet these requirements may result in an application being declined.
Ineligible Expenses
Certain costs are not eligible for funding.
These include:
- School curriculum-related expenses.
- Most retrospective expenses.
- Costs already incurred before approval, except where specifically permitted.
- Activities that do not directly benefit the community.
- Expenses outside the program scope.
Exceptions may apply for:
- Hall hire costs.
- Certain permit-related fees.
- Approved council charges within the current financial year.
Applicants should review all eligibility requirements before preparing their budget.
Why This Grant Matters
Small community grants play an important role in supporting local initiatives that may not qualify for larger funding programs.
This program helps:
- Strengthen community connections.
- Encourage local participation.
- Support volunteer-led projects.
- Improve community wellbeing.
- Promote cultural and environmental activities.
- Reduce financial barriers for local organisations.
- Foster community pride and engagement.
By funding grassroots initiatives, the program contributes to a stronger and more resilient Paekākāriki community.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you are a resident, community group, or non-profit organisation serving the Paekākāriki area and that you meet all eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Define Your Project
Clearly describe:
- The activity or project.
- Community needs being addressed.
- Expected outcomes.
- Beneficiaries.
- Timeline for delivery.
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents
Gather all required documentation, including:
- Financial statements.
- Organisational approvals.
- Budget information.
- Evidence of community benefit.
Step 4: Develop a Budget
Provide a clear breakdown of:
- Project costs.
- Requested funding amount.
- Other funding sources, if applicable.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Complete the application form and submit all required materials before the closing date.
Step 6: Await Assessment
Applications will be assessed based on eligibility, community benefit, financial need, and alignment with program priorities.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly explain how the project benefits Paekākāriki residents.
- Demonstrate strong community involvement.
- Provide realistic budgets and timelines.
- Include evidence of need.
- Show how funding will create measurable outcomes.
- Ensure all required documents are attached.
- Highlight partnerships and volunteer contributions where relevant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete applications.
- Failing to provide financial statements.
- Requesting funding for ineligible expenses.
- Applying for projects with limited community benefit.
- Exceeding program funding limits.
- Applying after receiving Community Grants Fund support within the previous 12 months.
- Not providing evidence of organisational approval.
Carefully reviewing program guidelines before submission can help avoid these issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much funding can be requested?
Applicants may request up to $500 per eligible project or activity.
Who can apply for the grant?
Individuals and non-profit organisations residing in or serving the Paekākāriki community may apply.
What types of projects are supported?
The program supports cultural, sporting, environmental, social, and community wellbeing initiatives, as well as certain council-related fees.
Can funding be used for events outside Paekākāriki?
Yes, but applicants must clearly demonstrate how the event will benefit the Paekākāriki community.
Can organisations apply more than once for the same event?
No. Only one application may be submitted for each event or activity.
Are school curriculum expenses eligible?
No. School curriculum-related costs are not eligible for funding.
Can applicants receive funding if they were previously funded?
Applicants must not have received funding from the Community Grants Fund within the previous 12 months.
Conclusion
The Paekākāriki Community Board Grants Program provides accessible funding for local projects that improve community wellbeing and strengthen the Paekākāriki area. With support for cultural, environmental, sporting, and social initiatives, the program helps individuals and organisations deliver meaningful community benefits while encouraging participation, inclusion, and local development.
For more information, visit Kāpiti Coast District Council.