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Community funding

Assistance for community groups, sports teams, running events, those in financial distress, and more.

We’re switching to the SmartyGrants platform in early 2025. All you’ll need to do is set up a new log-in. In order to get ready for the next funding round set up your login on our SmartyGrants page(external link). This will also list rounds currently open in the new system.

The application process won’t change but you may want to allow some extra time to familiarise yourself with SmartyGrants when you do your first application.

We’re here to help, so contact us at communitygrants@ccc.govt.nz if you need support.

Fund opening dates and current status
Fund Status
Business Improvement District Grant Fund Open
Canterbury Waste Minimisation Grant Closed. Next opens in 2025
Christchurch Biodiversity Fund Opening Soon.
Community Board Small Funds Check with your Community Board
Community Organisation Loan Scheme Open
Community Waterways Partnership Fund September 2025
Computers to the community scheme Open
Creative Communities Scheme(external link) Open - closes noon 21 February
Discretionary Response Fund Open
Events and Festival Sponsorship Fund Opens 3 March 2025
Events Seeding Fund Open
Mayors Welfare Fund Open
Place Partnership Fund Open
Small Sports Events Fund Closed. Next opens in 2025
Strengthening Communities Fund

Opens Thursday 1 May.

Closes Noon on Friday 30 May.
Sustainability Fund Closed. Next opens in early 2026
Youth Development Fund Check with your Community Board

Changes to the Incorporated Societies Act

Changes to the Incorporated Societies Act require that relevant organisations update their constitution and re-register between October 2023 and April 2026, or risk deregistration. Deregistration would impact funding from the Council and other funders. 

For more information on the changes to the Incorporated Societies Act and how to re-register, visit the Companies Office(external link). 

Before applying for funding your organisation must complete a community organisation registration(external link).

Funding process and reporting

The application process and reporting requirements are different for each fund.

Business Improvement District Grant

Provides seed funding to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) under the Council's BID Policy.

Canterbury Waste Minimisation Grant

Apply for a grant to fund a waste minimisation project in the Canterbury region.

Christchurch Biodiversity Fund

Supports custodians of biodiversity through a contestable fund of up to $200,000 per annum.

Creative Communities Scheme

Supports local communities in creating and presenting diverse opportunities in arts activities.

Community Board Small Funds

Grants to assist groups in their local area to undertake small community projects.

Community Organisation Loan Scheme

Helps to develop or improve facilities and other major projects.

Communities Waterways Partnership Fund

Encourages projects that help meet our climate change objectives and targets.

Computers to the community scheme

Personal computers and laptops available free of charge to not-for-profit groups.

Discretionary Response Fund

Where funding requests fall outside other funding criteria or closing dates.

Events and Festivals Sponsorship Fund

Providing sponsorship for a city-wide calendar of events to enhance Christchurch.

Events Seeding Fund

Provides sponsorship for new events taking place in Christchurch.

Mayor's Welfare Fund

Provides assistance to families and individuals who are in extreme financial distress.

Place Partnership Fund

Strengthening connections between communities and their places and spaces.

Small Sports Events Fund

Provides funding opportunities to National and South Island sporting events.

Strengthening Communities Fund

Supports community-focused organisations that contribute to strengthening community wellbeing.

Sustainability Fund

Encourages projects that help meet our climate change objectives and targets.

Youth Development Fund

Funds young people in their local community.

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