Deadline: 08-Aug-2025
The Auckland Council is currently accepting applications for the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Grant to support community-based projects across various sectors. This grant programme seeks to fund initiatives that align with local priorities and contribute to community wellbeing.
The funding aims to support projects that reflect and celebrate Te ao Māori and mātauranga Māori, foster social cohesion, and encourage learning, participation, and community leadership. It prioritizes whānau, rangatahi, and tamariki wellbeing, climate action, sustainability, and increasing green spaces and biodiversity.
Other goals include promoting zero-waste practices, encouraging a low-carbon economy, and supporting age-friendly, inclusive, and liveable community programmes. The initiative also focuses on maintaining high-quality facilities, promoting recreational use of parks, creating safe and welcoming spaces, boosting employment, and encouraging tourism and thriving local businesses.
Projects that fall under arts, community development, environment, events, heritage, sports, and recreation are eligible. Grant values start from $500.
Priority is given to applications promoting safe, active, and healthy community environments that are smoke-free, alcohol-free, and zero-waste. Projects should encourage healthy food and drink options and active lifestyles. The board favours projects by residents or groups from the Ōtara-Papatoetoe area, those that benefit mana whenua, address climate change, and promote inclusive play across all ages.
Some types of projects may be funded but are considered a lower priority. These include ticketed or commercial events, asset purchases with limited benefit, feasibility studies, and proposals where applicants do not contribute financially or have not explored other funding options. Salaries are generally not funded, though project facilitator fees may be considered as one-off costs.
The board will not fund applicants who failed to provide accountability reports or submitted unsatisfactory ones from previous grants. Funding will also not cover start-up business costs or salary/facilitation requests exceeding four days.
For more information, visit Auckland Council.
