The application process and reporting requirements are different for each fund.
Last year Council launched the refreshed Te Haumako; Te Whitingia Strengthening Communities Together Strategy.(external link)
This strategy will guide how we work alongside the Third Sector, with funding an important aspect of this support. We recommend you familiarize yourself with the new strategy to help consider how your application will contribute to the pillar objectives.(external link)
We actively promote a culture of equity by valuing diversity and fostering inclusion across communities and generations
We support and help build connections between communities and their places and spaces to foster a sense of local identity, shared experience and stewardship.
Residents and groups in the wider community are socially and actively engaged and are able to initiate, influence and make decisions that affect their lives.
People feel safe in their communities and neighbourhoods and work together to understand, adapt and thrive in the context of change and disruption.
We are keen to support organisations that can evidence cultural competency and accessible practices. So expanding on how you do this will be beneficial.
In addition, Community Boards(external link) have their own objectives that are used in the prioritisation of local projects.
Please don’t hesitate to contact a Community Development Advisor(external link) or contact a Community Funding Advisor(external link) or email communitygrants@ccc.govt.nz for more information should you need.
Applications are invited from eligible not-for-profit groups whose activities provide opportunities in the areas of community, social, recreation, sports, arts, environment or heritage to the wider community or to specifically defined communities of interest.
The following criteria must be met by all applicants:
Further information around the processes for community funding.
Our online application forms allow you to save while working on it along with attaching your supporting documents at the same time. Only fully completed online applications submitted before the closing date will be processed.
Please note that there are different forms for our full range of funds. Some funds will have only downloadable forms.
If you are having trouble completing the online form contact a Community Funding Advisor or email communitygrants@ccc.govt.nz.
Due to the volume of applications no late applications will be accepted, this is to be fair on all the applicants who apply before the closing date.
You must make sure you have submitted your application by the closing date and received a confirmation email back.
You may end up with two funding requests if your application is considered to target residents of two Community Board areas. This means that both Community Boards will look at your application at the portion relevant to their Board.
You could end up receiving a grant from both Boards or only one. If you receive a grant from both Boards you will then need to return two signed funding agreement and two sets of reporting.
Once we have received a signed funding agreement payment will be set up. Please allow a minimum of two weeks for processing of all payments from the time we receive the signed funding agreement.
Once the payment is processed you will see a payment in your nominated bank account from Council with the reference PXXXX (5 numbers). If you have been successful with multiple grant applications and are unsure which one it relates to please contact a Community Funding Advisor or email communitygrants@ccc.govt.nz.
Organisations that are GST registered should be aware that this grant/subsidy is considered an "unconditional gift" from the Council and as such it does not attract GST.
You are required to spend the grant as per the resolution on the funding agreement. If you can no longer do this please explain your situation by contacting a Community Funding Advisor or email communitygrants@ccc.govt.nz.
If you do not spend any of the granted money or you have finished your project and have not spent the entire grant you will be required to return the unspent money. To find out how to return the unspent money please contact a Community Funding Advisor or email communitygrants@ccc.govt.nz.
Some key documents
If your question is not answered above you can contact a Community Funding Advisor or email communitygrants@ccc.govt.nz.
If you receive a grant from the Christchurch City Council you are required to provide reporting. This is a condition of the Community grants terms and conditions [PDF, 30 KB] that you agreed to before receiving a grant.
You are required to spend the grant as per the resolution on the funding agreement. Any variation to this, not previously agreed to by the Christchurch City Council, will mean you will have to return the money.
The same applies if you have finished your project and have not spent all of the grants, you will be required to return the unspent money.
Future funding can be withheld if reporting requirements are not met.
The following is a description of how an application is deemed a Metropolitan or a Local Board application.
Projects that meet the following threshold are deemed to be metropolitan/citywide projects and can only be assessed at the metropolitan level:
The following threshold applies for projects that can be considered under local community board funding:
The following outlines information on the priorities and outcomes of the allocation of Christchurch City Council funds.
The following priorities are used in allocating funding:
These priorities were developed from the key challenges to Building Strong Communities identified in the 2009-19 LTCCP.
The Council is not able to meet the needs and expectations of all not-for-profit and voluntary groups. Therefore, it focuses assistance on key activities and initiatives that contribute to and align with the community outcomes in the Long-Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) and with other Council strategies.
The following funding outcomes are used to evaluate and assess applications:
The Strengthening Communities Strategy is a framework to guide the Council's work with community organisations, which in turn work in a range of ways to help develop strong communities. Strong communities give people a sense of belonging and encourage them to take part in social, cultural, economic and political life.
For the Strategy to promote the well-being of people in Christchurch, it needs to understand ongoing and emerging issues. As a starting point to help deliver on the Strategy, Council has undertaken a brief literature review to identify and understand community trends and issues.
In addition, Community Boards have their own objectives that are used in the prioritisation of local projects.