Nelson City Council
6 grant programmes
Community Grants
Small Grants up to $10,000 (most $2,000 to $5,000). Strategic Grants $10,000 to $30,000 per annum. Community Events and Arts grants vary. Multiple rounds throughout the year.
Nelson City Council operates multiple community grant programmes. The Community Investment Fund (CIF) established in 2015 includes Strategic Grants ($10,000 to $30,000 per annum, up to 3 years, approximately $240,000 per year) and Small Grants (up to $10,000, approximately $100,000 per year, two rounds). Also runs Arts Heritage Partnership Grant Scheme, Community Events Fund (multiple rounds per year via SmartyGrants), Environmental Grants Scheme (up to $5,000 and $20,000 categories), Matariki Community Grant, Economic Events Fund, and a Housing Reserve Fund for larger projects. CIF priorities focus on supporting vulnerable communities: reducing poverty impacts, reducing social isolation, addressing housing vulnerability and homelessness, and improving work and learning opportunities for young people. Applicants must be registered charities or hold non-profit tax exemption. All applications via SmartyGrants portal.
Arts/Heritage Partnership Grant Fund
$500-$5,000
Funds arts and heritage activities for the community, supporting the Taonga Tuku Iho Heritage Strategy and the He Tatai Whetu Arts and Creativity Strategy.
Creative Communities Local Funding Scheme
$500-$1,500
Funds arts initiatives in the community provided by Creative New Zealand.
Environmental Grant Programme
$5,000 or less
Funds projects that protect, enhance and restore the health of Nelson's local environment.
Neighbourhood Project Grants
$500
Funds projects that build stronger communities by bringing neighbourhoods together to enhance a local community, build resilience and connectivity, increase neighbourliness and social cohesion.
Youth Development Fund
$500
Supports young people aged 15-19 to participate in opportunities that enhance their personal development, wellbeing, and connection to community.